Philly Grub

This is a guest article by Fine Wine & Good Spirits.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a romantic evening in with your sweetheart? Below are decadent spirits and chocolate and wine pairings that will make the holiday one to remember.

Spirit recommendations from Ben Schwartz, Spirits Specialist at Fine Wine & Good Spirits:

Spice up your Valentine’s Day with a trendy spirit! Whiskey and moonshine are both widely popular right now. We recommend the taste of 100% American corn whiskey infused with cinnamon liqueur in Platte Valley Fireshine. Smooth, complex and full of character, Fireshine offers a premium taste that could only come from more than 150 years of whiskey-making experience. Surprise your loved one by mixing it into something sweet— the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cocktail!

Simply mix equal parts Fireshine and RumChata in a rocks glass filled with ice and enjoy.

Of course, what would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate? Bicerin di Gianduiotto Chocolate Liqueur is a newer offering that is popular during this time of year. This liqueur is a blend of cocoa and roasted hazelnut which gives a little extra complexity than your average chocolate liqueur. For a special Valentine’s Day dessert, we recommend pouring this over vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Wine recommendations from Sally McNair and Rob Peter, Wine Specialists at Fine Wine & Good Spirits:

Is there anything more romantic than wine and chocolate? Create the perfect pairing by choosing wines with rich, dark black fruit flavors and low tannins. These are perfect accompaniments for chocolate, especially those varieties with higher percentages of cocoa.

Below are our top three picks:

Bodegas Aragonesas Garnacha Campo de Borja 2013: Grenache-based blends works perfectly with chocolate desserts. This one has rich, bold flavors of kirsch, blackberry jam, dark chocolate and toast.

Havens Black & Blue Red Napa Valley: This red blend is a customer favorite this year! The flavors of cherry liqueur, vanilla bean, and cocoa in this Chairman’s Selection® wine pair decadently with chocolate.

Lastly, if you want to add some sparkle to your Valentine’s Day celebration, the red berry flavors in a Brut Rosé Champagne or sparkling wine will also pair nicely.

Cheers!

Fine Wine & Good Spirits

Fine Wine & Good Spirits is run by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to provide alcohol-based products to the people of Pennsylvania. Visit finewineandgoodspirits.com to learn more.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits

Fine Wine & Good Spirits is run by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to provide alcohol-based products to the people of Pennsylvania. Visit finewineandgoodspirits.com to learn more.