It’s almost time to toast in 2011! So here are our bubbly picks to help you ring in the New Year.

Sparkling Wine under $15

Korbel Brut Rose: Korbel offers affordable sparkling wines made in the traditional way for many decades. While most aren’t too nuanced, they are solid offerings with pleasing flavors and textures. The brut rose will bring a splash of color to your celebration along with the melon flavor and moderately … Read more

This creamy, peppermint treat in cocktail form is perfect for cozy nights by the fireplace.

Ingredients

1 ½ parts vodka
1 part peppermint schnapps
½ part simple syrup
½ part cream

Instructions

Shake all ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Strain into rocks glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with chocolate or chocolate-covered peppermint sticks.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Grey Goose.

Cranberry sorbet turns a classic cocktail into a beautiful holiday treat. This Christmas Cosmo has the appeal of a traditional Cosmopolitan with the added oomph of a dessert … all without being too sweet.

Ingredients

2 oz cranberry sorbet
½-1 oz vodka
½ oz Cointreau
¼ oz freshly-squeezed lime juice

Instructions

With a shot glass, scoop out 2 ounces worth of cranberry sorbet and place in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. … Read more

Brandied Apricots, a winter favorite …Read More

Giorgio G is fashion icon Giorgio Gucci’s foray into cognac. The distribution company, Emperor’s Brand, sent a sample of the Premier Cru Special Limited Edition, which is aged over 50 years. This was one of those situations where the small sample bottle left me wanting more.

The name implies it’s luxury liquor, but the taste confirms it. Made from Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne area, it has a deep gold color and gentle … Read more

Macallan’s Amber liqueur is so good that it’s worth sharing–even though it’s hard to find since they stopped making it. It’s a single-malt scotch liqueur with maple and pecan flavors. NOTCOT gave us some to try, and if you’re curious there are sources online for procuring a bottle. It smells like scotch and maple syrup! Have I built up enough of a demand and air of mystery?

The light smokiness of the scotch pairs perfectly … Read more

Poached pears are a simple yet elegant dessert to serve at the holidays. This recipe has the colors and flavors of fall, making it perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

4 fresh pears (I used Bosc)
1 cup bourbon
¼ cup cranberries
¼ cup honey
1 cup water
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Core and peel the pears, leaving the stems on. Combine all other ingredients in a pot and mix, then place pears … Read more

Autumn is my favorite season. The weather is mild but not yet cold. Nature changes colors. And it’s time for apple drinks!

The Harvest Highball uses apple cider, ginger liqueur, rye whiskey, and just a touch of cinnamon. It is a crisp, dry cocktail with an apple overtone and a ginger kick. The cinnamon and apple mixed just enough to make me think of fresh baked apple pie.

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz rye whiskey
1 … Read more

Have something to say? Say it with vodka.

Medea Vodka’s bottle has an LED display that holds six messages up to 255 characters each.

The bottle won the double gold medal at the San Francisco Spirits Packaging Competition.

Inside the bottle is pot-distilled wheat vodka from Holland that goes for about $40. If you try it, let us know how it is!

Oh, the things you could do with 255 characters (times six!). Here’s just … Read more