This is a guest blog post by Benjamin Schwartz, Spirits Specialist at Fine Wine & Good Spirits.

What would this time of year be without a bit of holiday spirit(s)? See what we did there?

At Fine Wine & Good Spirits, we have a great selection to make every get together and holiday party special. Check out our list of quality spirits that you may not have considered adding to your bar until now. These won’t break the bank and serve as a great base for impressive cocktails this season.

For all you smart shoppers, a must-have this holiday season is the very first selection from our brand new Chairman’s Spirits® program: EPIC Vodka. This smooth, effortless vodka is less than $10 (quoted at $20) and comes in a liter package! Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, in a martini, or in your favorite vodka cocktail.

If you have a whiskey drinker on your guest list, make sure to grab a bottle (or two) of Bulleit Rye American Whiskey. The mash bill is 95 % rye. The remaining five percent is malted barley, adding a nice depth to the mix. The blend has a soft mouthfeel and is well-rounded with notes of cherry and spice. This is an incredible sipper, straight or on the rocks. It also makes an excellent Manhattan.

If you enjoy mixing up fun cocktails, you shouldn’t be without Marie Brizard’s Chocolat Royal Liqueur. This is an outstanding chocolate liqueur sourced from African cocoa beans that has a full flavor of dark chocolate with hints of vanilla. Try it in this awesome cocktail recipe for the Chocolate Flower!

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Marie Brizard Chocolat Royal

• ½ oz elderflower liquer

• ½ oz light cream

Pour Chocolat Royal into a shaker with ice. Shake and serve in a martini glass.  Pour the elderflower liqueur and light cream into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and top the glass with the whipped cream.  Decorate with crushed pistachios and an edible flower.

If you’re looking for a batch recipe to serve at you family gathering, then we recommend this great recipe for Warm Winter Mulled Wine.  Perfect for a chilly night!

Ingredients (Serves six)

• 1-750 mL bottle Apothic Red

• 3 oz E&J Apple Brandy

• 3 Tbsp DeKuyper Triple Sec

• 1 oz maple syrup

• ½ c cranberries

• 1 Red Delicious apple, cut into rings

• 1 cinnamon stick, broken

• 1 star anise

• 1 strip lemon peel

• 1 strip orange peel

• 3 cardamom seeds

• Rosemary sprigs, optional

Bundle the last five ingredients in a tea diffuser or cheesecloth and place into a medium pot. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Serve in heat-safe mugs and garnish with 2-3 cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, if desired.

Who needs ginger bread cookies when you can mix up this delicious cocktail recipes for the French Ginger Snap?

• 2 oz Domaine de Canton

• ½ oz Gran Gala Orange Liqueur

• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 orange wedge

Combine first three ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with orange wedge.

Already know what you’re mixing up this holiday? Dress up your cocktail with this festive DIY video for the Candy Cane Rim.

Cheers!