Looking for a warming twist on a classic? Try our recipe for the Jalapeño Margarita. Feel free to play with this recipe, and make it your own. But, be certain to use fresh limes. Needless to say, it goes great with Mexican food.

This recipe makes 4 cocktails—so you can double (or triple it) for a game-day gathering or party with friends.

Jalapeño Margarita
Adapted from Love and Lemons
Yields 4 cocktails Read more…

If you are looking for a really nice bottle for gifting this holiday, our Wine & Spirits Manager has put together a wonderful list of some top-notch bottles.

Joseph Magnus Bourbon      $99.99
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a marriage of bourbon aged in white oak and finished in Oloroso Sherry, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, and Cognac casks for rich and complex character. Double Gold and Best Special Barrel Finished Bourbon 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The nose shows a classic rich caramel, and also reveals dried fruit and mint. The palate has glossy smooth texture up front. The mid-palate is rich with spices that are embellished by the heat of the alcohol. The finish caps everything with dry wood smoke.

Charbay S Hop Flavored Whiskey      $199.99
With a backbone of Stout, double distilled then aged for 29 months in French oak, Marko expertly entices aromas of dried apricot & honeysuckle, a rich palate of roasted coffee, chocolate malt freshened with orange zest, and a perfect finish of brown spice, dark malt and lingering traces of dry oak.

Mind-boggingly good.
-Clay Risen, New York Times

Yellowstone Limited Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey      $119.99
Yellowstone is a very small batch of specially selected barrels of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in No 3 charred wine casks.

Yellowstone has enhanced notes of charred oak, caramel, red wine, raspberries, and dark chocolate. A dash of water opens up new flavors of nuttiness. The finish delivers rich notes of heavy oak and dark cherry.

Glenmorangie Signet Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky      $249.99
This utterly superb Glenmorangie was created with a marriage of whiskies produced from two unique types of malted barley: a single estate Cadboll variety and malted chocolate barley, which is better known as a basis for craft beers.

The nose begins with chocolate raisins and sugared mixed peels. Toasted spices, bread and butter pudding and golden syrup complement these aromas, while a note of Angostura bitters lingers beneath.

The palate is sweet, syrupy cinnamon and drying malt lead, before a suggestion of Terry’s Chocolate Orange rises. A hint of lime rind is present, as are lychees and dates. The backdrop is filled with tobacco leaves and freshly roasted espresso beans, with a little honey-roasted cashew. And, the finish dries and becomes pleasantly rubbery, as a touch of truffle oil emerges.

Bozal Mezcal      $49.99
Made from a combination of Espadín and Barril and Mexicano agaves in Oaxaca. in  A slightly smoky, yet herbaceous undertone rests on the center of the palate, while citrus and floral notes from the Barril are introduced and strengthened by the warm viscose finish of the Mexicano. This is a light and easy sipping mezcal, which will delight and surprise you with its complex lingering finish.

Casamigos Joven Mezcal      $69.99
Mezcal from Oaxaca made from Espadín agave that is balanced and elegant. Hints of tamarind and pomegranate aromas are followed by herbal tones of fresh mint and dried oregano. Delicate notes of smoke and black pepper lead to a long silky finish.

Read more about Casamigos on our website.

Pine Ridge Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016     $64.99
Fermentation and barrel aging in ideal conditions produced a deep ruby wine with inviting aromas of red and black ripe fruit, chocolate nib, vanilla, and cedar. The big, round entry expands to a mouth-filling plushness showing flavors of bright cherry and layers of texture. Tannins are seamless, well integrated, and more structured than drying. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the bright acidity and follows through to the lingering blackberry and caramel-laced finish.

Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2016     $89.99
A brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with notes of dried flowers and blueberries, then a myriad of spices, cacao and a hint of lavender. Firm, mature tannins—evidence of Ten’s ageability—are followed by a long, velvety finish.

The Army Navy game is this weekend and we are mixing up this classic cocktail to enjoy while watching the game.

The Army & Navy Cocktail is variation on a gin sour that traces its roots at least as far back as David Embury’s The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks that was first published in 1948.

Orgeat is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water. It replaces the simple syrup found in Gin Sour recipes. The scent of the drink is fragrant and floral, with a bright citrus note from the lemon juice.

The simplicity of the Army & Navy makes it great for trying variations, like using a fancy barrel-aged gin or different types of bitters.

You can watch the Army Navy game this Saturday, December 14th at noon on Channel 5.

Army & Navy Cocktail Recipe
Yields 1 cocktail Read more…

What are you drinking for Thanksgiving?
The wine you serve with your Thanksgiving meal is rather important! And, it can be easy to overlook the decision or wait till the last minute to choose what you will serve.

We asked our experts in our Wine & Spirits department and they came up with a list of recommendations. We hope this makes your planning a bit easier!

Rosé
Campuget Rose $9.99
The Rosé has a nice appearance with a light and fresh pink color. Read more…