Holiday Cheers

From beer to bubbly and more – what to drink now

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Cinnamon Caramel Apple Martini

This holiday cocktail recipe is a twist on the traditional Sour Apple Martini. I call it the Cinnamon Caramel Apple Martini.

Hibiscus Royale Champagne Cocktail

The floral flavor of hibiscus tea combines with champagne for an elegant, refreshing beverage.

Peppermint Barktini

Chocolate martinis make a festive signature holiday drink. We dress-up the rim of the glasses by coating them with chocolate syrup, and then crushed Chex Mix® Muddy Buddies® Peppermint Bark.

Royal Blue Cocktail

This gem of a cocktail has a hint of citrus flavor, while also providing a jewel-inspired color tone.

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Noel Spritzer

You can mix up a sparkling no-fuss holiday beverage in just five minutes.

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Spiced Pear Martini

Blogger Arlene Cummings of Cooking With Sugar shares a simple, but elegant cocktail with this Spiced Pear Martini recipe.

Sangria

Add Spanish flair to your next gathering with this refreshing sangria that's made with ginger ale, liqueur, wine and citrus - perfect beverage that's ready in 10 minutes.

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Holiday Daiquiri Punch

A beautiful bubbly beverage perfect for any occasion, this lime-flavored punch can be made with or without rum.

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Sunrise Mimosas

Tangerine juice, crushed strawberries and champagne make a fresh, sparkling beverage that'll be the toast of your celebration!

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White Chocolate Peppermint-Mallow Martini

Blogger Arlene Cummings of Cooking With Sugar shares a favorite recipe. The holidays are a great time to get creative for parties and other festive occasions. I love serving these pretty peppermint drinks before or after dinner. The drink combines the smooth taste of white chocolate with the spicy taste of peppermint, making it the perfect holiday cocktail.

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The Perfect Match for Crescent Apps

  

Eggnog all around and raise a glass -- the winter holidays are here! It’s the time we allow ourselves to appreciate the best of what we have:  our families, our health, our friends and hopefully a little more peace on earth than usual.

Of course, celebrations deserve great food and drink — and the right drink. Think of a cheeseburger with a big glass of grapefruit juice versus one with a cola and you’ll get the basic idea behind food-beverage pairing.

Here are some big-picture ideas to get you started, using our favorite Crescent holiday appetizers as the food to match.

May your holiday cheer be especially cheery this year!

 

  • Cucumber Hummus Tart

    Cumcumber Hummus Tart

    Anything made with cucumbers pairs well with gin cocktails. Greek white wines made with the zesty grape Assyrtiko are another great option. For a non-alcoholic choice, fill a pitcher with water and add lemon slices and peeled cucumber chunks. That’s what they serve in fancy spas, and it’s a fun thirst-quencher.

  • Bacon Date Pinwheel Pops

    Bacon Date Pinwheel Pops
    The sweet-savory indulgence of this date and bacon treat is beautifully offset by a drink with equally dark riches, tawny port. We like ours either chilled to cellar temperature or served over ice with a little sparkling water. Another option is ruby port, typically a little juicier than the oaky, toasty tawny ports. One bottle can serve as an appetizer or dessert course for a group of 12 or will last well in the refrigerator for weeks.

  • Gorgonzola and Pear Cups

    Gorgonzola and Pear Cups
    Blue cheese and French Semillon-based white wines are one of life’s great pleasures; the honey and pear notes of the wine make the tangy depths of the cheese just sing. Look for any white French Bordeaux made with Semillon, or pick up an Australian version.

  • Raspberry and Black Pepper Baked Brie Bites

    Raspberry and Black Pepper Baked Brie Bites
    California’s favorite daughter, deep dark red Zinfandel, has notes of raspberry and black pepper within it, making it an ideal partner for these similarly flavored brie bites.

  • Thai Chicken Bites with Spicy Mango Peanut Dipping Sauce

    Thai Chicken Bites with Spicy Mango Peanut Dipping Sauce
    Crisp, fine pale lager beers go wonderfully with sweet-and-spicy Thai treats. A nice non-alcoholic partner for these bites is limeade; make it with sparkling water for a little extra cheer.

  • Two Bite Crescent Cristos

    Two Bite Crescent Cristos
    Irish red ales have a rich maltiness and a buttery element that make them a perfect pair for Monte Cristo sandwiches. (That buttery aspect comes from standard beer-making; there’s no butter in the bottles!) Our top pick would be an Irish import, but an American version would also partner well.
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