Dashing through the….In a one horse….

Hey, that’s a haiku. Huh.

Wine brings the strangest moments of clarity. I interrupt my own holiday shopping for a little espresso and a hit of Pierre Frick Pinot Blanc; which is aptly named because it’s frickin delicious. Luscious bitter, toasty almond aroma and a thick, satiny mouthfeel. How can something blonde and seethrough feel like heavy cream on your tongue? Fermentation in NEUTRAL oak barrels. Ancient Alsace secret. I thought I’d drop a few holiday drink recipe ideas on you before the long weekend. And of course, ask you for more money.

Fa la la la la….

OK, even though I’m a veteran bartender of only like, 14 bazillion years, I hate drink recipes. So find your own measurements for the following. This is how I fill my glass:

Pomegranate & Ginger Soda

Something about the two main ingredients produces a distinctly Christmas-y aroma.

Vodka
Lemon Juice
Ginger simple syrup
Pomegranate juice (POM) or molasses

OK, you’re going to make a Vodka Collins.
BUT! Instead of regular simple syrup, use a ginger syrup. Just steep a few slices of ginger in the syrup as it’s cooking. Then add a shot of POM or a big squeeze of molasses. Give a shake. Pour over ice into a highball glass. No garnish. For easy pouring, you can have all the non-vodka ingredients together for your guests.

Cherry Jubilee

Because I’m constantly thinking of ways to use Madeira

Bubbly Cherry Cider (like Knudsen’s)
or Bubbly Cider and Cherry Syrup (like Monin)
Medium rich dry Madeira

In a white wine glass, pour a shot of Madeira, then add about 6 oz. of the bubbly. Garnish? You don’t need no stinking garnish.

Now…. I’m going to ask you to repeat your stellar humanitarian efforts of this Thanksgiving by pledging to match, in a donation to America’s Second Harvest, every dollar you spend on wine, booze, and brew. Feel lucky and guilty that you can afford such luxury. And know that last month, you donated a total of $4117.53–just from this site. Some a little, some a lot. But see how it added up!

And remember, when you donate to America’s Second Harvest, practically all of your donation is converted into food. No bureaucratic bullshit. These are the good guys.

Donate to America’s Second Harvest: HERE. And pass it along. Don’t forget to send me an email or comment on this post about the goodies you drank and how much you donated!