Reyka Vodka
Anyone who’s ever been to Iceland will tell you it’s much like visiting the moon (the landscape is so similar, in fact, that NASA once trained astronauts there), so it should come as no surprise that the island’s native vodka, Reyka, is out of this world. Handcrafted in the town of Borgarnes (known for some of the cleanest air on earth), Reyka is distilled with glacier spring water and undergoes a lava-rock filtration process to obtain its trademark crisp, clean taste. Great as a gift for someone else, but even better in your own glass. ($29.95; AstorWines.com)
Reyka Borealis
1 part Reyka Vodka
2 parts cranberry juice
Pour Reyka over ice and add cranberry juice. Garnish with a lime.
Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
Round up your crew for a rousing rendition of “Feliz Navidad” made even livelier with the slightly citric, sweet punch of Olmeca Altos Plata. Herbal notes of cooked agave permeate this beautifully bottled tequila (enhanced only with a bow around it) that delivers a fruity and long-lasting aftertaste. (OlmecaTequila.com)
Parry Punch
1 1/2 parts Olmeca Altos Reposado
1 part ginger liqueur
3/4 part fresh lime juice
1/2 part simple syrup
Top with sparkling water
In a mixing tin combine all ingredients except sparkling water and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Pernod Absinthe Original Recipe
Pernod Absinthe has been at the forefront of the American absinthe movement since the United States lifted the ban on the storied spirit in 2007. And with the re-launch of the brand’s Original Recipe, formulated over a two-year period from what remained of centuries-old records, it’s poised to reclaim its rightful place as the most authentic and original absinthe on the market. Flavored with a carefully balanced bouquet of herbs – including hyssop, Pontique wormwood, fennel and star anise – prepare for Pernod Absinthe Original Recipe to turn your silent night into a night to remember. ($68; BeaconWine.com)
Cultivate Wines
Cultivate is the brainchild of noted wine investors Ali and Charles Banks, created to prove that wine can taste good and do good at the same time. For every bottle sold, Cultivate gives back 10 cents of every dollar to help fund opportunity and hope in communities across the globe. Since its launch in 2011, Cultivate has helped raise over $400,000 for charities in over 45 communities across the United States. For your holiday dinner table, pick up the Dream Walking Chardonnay 2009 and The Feast Red Blend 2009. ($17.99; CultivateWines.com)
Crystal Head Vodka
If Jack Skellington had to pick just one poison, Crystal Head Vodka would be at the top of his “Nightmare Before Christmas” list. Co-created by actor Dan Akroyd, this naturally smooth entry into the oversaturated vodka category is processed and distilled four times to produce a neutral grain spirit at 95% alcohol by volume; reduced with Newfoundland glacial water; then filtered seven times, three of which are through Herkimer diamonds. Which are still a girly-boy’s best friend. ($53.99; BeaconWine.com)
Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach
Turn up the swank factor on this year’s New Year’s Eve festivities with Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach, the second annual limited release of the Grand Marnier Signature Collection Series, from the House of Marnier Lapostolle. A combination of succulent European raspberries and rare red peaches from Ardèche in the South of France, these complementary flavors are blended with the famous Grand Marnier orange essence and the same blend of premium quality Cognacs – sourced from the best crus of the Cognac region and aged in French oak barrels – used to craft the original Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge. If you can’t ball like a celebrity on the club circuit, you can certainly sip like one at home. ($39.99; Grand-Marnier.com)
GM Raspberry Peach 75
1 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Moet & Chandon Champagne
Lemon twist
Combine all ingredients except the champagne in a shaker and shake. Pour into a flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Crave Chocolate Truffle Liqueur
Chocoholics can add a little kick to their homemade hot cocoa this winter with John Dekuyper & Sons Crave Chocolate Truffle Liqueur, a smooth, velvety, rich new addition to the Crave line of premium liqueurs. The indulgence taste of chocolate truffles is combined with a smidge of vanilla and caramel for a sipping experience that’ll make your Swiss Miss adult with a single splash. ($17.99; DeKuyperUSA.com)
