| The holidays are almost upon us, and that means | | | | super-premium vodka. Kutskova, which retails in |
| "'tis the season" for parties with co-workers, | | | | the $25 range, has received rave reviews as well |
| dinners with families, get-togethers with close | | | | as gold medals from the San Francisco World |
| friends and quiet nights by the fireside with loved | | | | Spirits Competition and Tastings International |
| ones. If you're planning to do some entertaining, | | | | Review of Spirits, for its pure, crisp flavor and |
| do everyone a favor and look beyond the | | | | cool, soft aftertaste. |
| traditional spiked eggnog and hot buttered rum. | | | | Something Different |
| There are some better options; so here are a | | | | If you're looking for a truly unique gift for a |
| few suggestions to warm your belly and fill your | | | | liqueur connoisseur, look for a delightful cordial |
| guests with holiday cheer. | | | | called Amaro Montenegro. For those of you not |
| Some Like it Hot | | | | familiar with Amaro Montenegro, it is an herbal |
| On a cold winter day, there are few things better | | | | liqueur that has a sweet taste and slightly bitter |
| than a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate or | | | | finish and is usually served before or after a meal. |
| mulled cider served with chestnuts or biscotti | | | | Bartenders and barristas across Europe have |
| besides a roaring fire. Put some "fire" in the mug | | | | been using Amaro for years as an ingredient in |
| by adding one ounce (approximately a shot) of | | | | everything from cocktails to coffees, and it is |
| Vecchia Romagna Brandy and garnish with | | | | now beginning to gain popularity here in America. |
| whipped cream. Brandy mixes exceptionally well | | | | With vibrant flavors of spice, molasses, clove and |
| with warm beverages (especially coffee) and | | | | orange peel, Amaro Montenegro was recently |
| adds a sweet, yet slightly spicy, bite to the drink. | | | | given outstanding ratings by the "Spirit Journal," |
| Vecchia Romagna, which is one of the oldest | | | | "Wine Spectator" and "Wine Enthusiast." It serves |
| Brandy distillers in Italy, imports four sophisticated | | | | best straight when chilled or at room temperature |
| Brandies: Etichetta Nera or "Black Label," which | | | | poured over ice cream. For the holidays, Amaro |
| retails for a very affordable $26.99, and three | | | | Montenegro is available as a gift set that comes |
| high-end vintage Riservas (10, 15 and 35 years | | | | with a special Amaro glass and retails for $21.99. |
| old) that range from $40 to $200. Vecchia | | | | Get Cozy |
| Romagna Brandies are also available in attractive | | | | Possibly the most cherished thing about the |
| gift boxes that make great gifts for "dads and | | | | holidays is that it brings people together. With |
| grads." | | | | close friends and family traveling from |
| Love that Lemonwhat is it that bartenders and | | | | everywhere for a visit, you may find yourself |
| desert chefs have in common these days? The | | | | playing host to an intimate get together. Whether |
| answer is a delightful liqueur known as Lemoncillo | | | | served on the rocks, mixed in a cocktail, with |
| (also spelled Limoncello). Perfect for cocktails and | | | | champagne, or warm in a snifter with a cigar, |
| confections, Lemoncillo is a luscious spirit made | | | | what could be better than a rich, velvety, |
| from lemon zest infused with alcohol. It has gained | | | | aromatic Cognac? Produced from among the |
| in fame due to its versatility and perfectly | | | | finest vineyards in the Grande Champagne region |
| balanced sweet/tart flavor. One Italian company, | | | | of France, Croizet Cognacs have received praise |
| Giori, produces a Lemoncillo that has earned praise | | | | at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for |
| from epicurean experts and can be used equally | | | | their incredible flavor and smoothness. And, with |
| well in Cosmo Volanos as it can in lemon | | | | the VS retailing at $19.99, VSOP at $29.99, XO at |
| meringue. Giori also offers a one-of-a-kind | | | | $74.99 and XO Gold at $99.99, Croizet's line of |
| Lemoncillo "Cream" liqueur that serves well in | | | | quality cognacs are exceptional values compared |
| espresso or drizzled over brownies as a glaze. | | | | to other, better known brands. Additionally, the |
| Giori Lemoncillo and Lemoncillo Cream both retail | | | | VSOP, XO and XO Gold are presented in |
| at $18.99 for a 750-ml bottle. | | | | attractive individual boxes perfect for holiday gift |
| Feel the Chill | | | | giving, and the XO Gold is presented in a festive |
| Cocktails are a sure-fire hit for holiday parties, and | | | | gold bottle. |
| no cocktail party is complete without vodka. | | | | Wrap it Up |
| Vodka (especially the unflavored, premium kind) is | | | | This time of the year can be pretty hectic with |
| ideal for cocktails because true, quality vodka has | | | | trips to the mall, travel plans, preparing the house |
| a faint, icy aroma and a smooth, dry, almost | | | | for guests, cooking feasts and more. But, no |
| neutral taste that inherits the character and flavor | | | | matter what holiday you're celebrating this |
| of a mixer. So, everything from chic | | | | season, or whether you're hosting a get-together |
| Cosmopolitans, Martinis and Vodka Mimosas, to | | | | for two or two hundred, these holiday spirits can |
| standards like White Russians, Gimlets and | | | | fit into just about any occasion. So, may your |
| Screwdrivers can be made from the same bottle. | | | | days be merry and bright, and remember to drink |
| One exceptional example is Kutskova: | | | | responsibly. |
| Russian-made, five-times filtered, double distilled | | | | |