During Thanksgiving holidays, we visited a bar with a very unusual name for such a venue. The name of the bar is Church. As it turns out, the bar is a popular one in the city of Portland. Since I had been traveling, I decided I wanted a light, fruity drink. The liquid chef suggested one. It turns out that it was a special that night and was perfect for what I wanted. Others at our table wanted a little more kick to their drink and chose stronger drinks.  We had arrived early so that we could enjoy a rather quiet time talking until the karaoke event started. We were assured that when karaoke started the venue would become busier and louder.

I was reminded of Church when I received an email with recipes for the holiday and winter season. These recipes use spirits and wines to create some delicious looking drinks. If you are hosting a holiday party, you may want to consider offering one of these drinks.

Vineyard Raspberry Sangria

Vineyard Raspberry Sangria

1 bottle (750ml) Van Gogh raspberry vodka
1 bottle Little Black Dress Chardonnay
12 basil leaves
2 cups fresh orange juice
2 cups pomegranate juice

METHOD: Muddle the basil leaves at the bottom of a large pitcher.  Add remaining ingredients and stir.  Chill in refrigerator until ready to use.  When ready to use, pour over ice in wine glass.

GARNISH: floating orange wheel, raspberries, and 1 basil leaf

Winter’s Thaw Cooler

Winter’s Thaw Cooler

1 bottle (750ml) Van Gogh acai-blueberry vodka
1 bottle Little Black Dress Pinot Noir
25 raspberries
2 cups good quality lemonade
1 liter club soda

METHOD: In a blender, blend the raspberries with a little bit of water.  Add to a pitcher with other ingredients and stir together with ice to chill and dilute.  When ready to serve, pour over ice into a tall glass, top with a bit extra club soda, and stir briefly.

GARNISH: mint sprig and raspberries

Peachy Diva

Peachy Diva

1/2 bottle (750ml) Van Gogh Cool Peach vodka
1 bottle Little Black Dress Chardonnay
1/2 bottle Limoncello di Capri
2 cups freshly made lemonade

METHOD: Add ingredients to a pitcher or other container and stir briefly.  Store in fridge until ready to serve.  When ready, add 3 cups ice and stir again.  Pour into martini glasses.

GARNISH: peach slice

The Heartbreaker

1/2 bottle (750ml) Van Gogh Pomegranate vodka
2 cups POM Wonderful pomegranate juice
1 bottle Little Black Dress Merlot
1 cup honey syrup
1/2 bottle sparkling wine

METHOD: Add all ingredients (except sparkling wine) to a pitcher or other container and stir briefly.  Store in fridge until ready to serve.  When ready to serve, top with sparkling wine and stir briefly with 2 cups of ice.  Pour over ice into a wine glass or champagne flute.

GARNISH: lemon peel and mint leaf inside each glass

Many thanks to Conundrum for providing these recipes and photos.

Cheers!
Kathy

PS. For your health and safety drink in moderation.