brandivate beverage of the week - Archives
February 2021
February 26, 2021
Bonanza Cabernet
It’s Friday and most decidedly time for the brandivate beverage of the week! Today we are going upscale by enjoying a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that tastes as sophisticated as it looks in the sultry black and white photo. Before the red is enjoyed in the stunning 19.5 oz. Bella Ballon glasses (#6641S4), we are heightening the experience of the wine – and our anticipation of that first taste – by aerating it in the gorgeous 46 oz. Essence Wine Decanter (#8800). As both of these striking pieces from our friends at J.Charles are decorated with a classy deep etch, the brandivate logos are subtlety striking.
As for the wine, there is little that is subtle about it. Bonanza by Chuck Wagner opens with scents of currants and dried roses, grape pomace, and freshly tilled soil at the outset. The nose is nuanced with toasty oak imparting a subtle smoked meat character. Flavors of blueberries and blackberries mix with the warmth of vanilla and toasted bread. Silky tannins and striking smoothness. Mouthwatering, lengthy finish trails off with the taste of unsweetened chocolate and cassis.
The story behind the wine simply adds to the experience. More than 40 years after he and his parents founded Caymus Vineyards, Chuck Wagner undertook a new project: creating a Cabernet Sauvignon from a broader stretch of California farmland. The memory of enjoying family meals guided him, always accompanied by a good glass of wine. Chuck wanted to create a delicious Cabernet that would be more widely accessible, made from places worthy of exploration and discovery. We believe he was successful.
How are you patiently anticipating the weekend? #bbotw
February 19, 2021
Whiskey Daisy
It’s a frigid Friday here at the brandivate beverage of the week which means we are desperately seeking a libation to provide us a wee bit of warmth. In other words, it’s time to break out the brown liquor in the form of rye whiskey and this sweet cocktail shaker (#AMSHAK3) from our friends at Bel Promo. To start that fire to fuel the weekend we are combining Piggy Back from Whistle Pig with freshly squeezed lemon juice, Grand Mariner, and just a bit of sweetener to make the “Whiskey Daisy.” This cocktail is a cousin of the sour but becomes a “daisy” with the addition of the orange liqueur and is the perfect mix of bold rye and tart citrus that provides he perfect amount of inner warmth where you can imagine those summer days ahead.
How are you thawing into the weekend? #bbotw
Whiskey Daisy
Ingredients
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2 oz. Rye Whiskey (Bourbon can be used if that suits your fancy)
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1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
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½ oz. Grand Mariner
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¼ oz. Simple Syrup
Directions
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker – we highly recommend the 24.6 oz. Stainless Steel one from Bel Promo – and top with fresh ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.
February 12, 2021
We are blushing over this brandivate beverage of the week and hope you do too!
As we kick off the start to Valentine's Day weekend we thought we would share the romance with a bubbly and quite delicious Kir Royale. This simple, yet classic cocktail will be sure to set the mood as you swoon over that special someone.
Kir Royale
Ingredients
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1/2 ounce Chambord (while you could use creme de cassis we recommend this sultry selection)
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5 ounces chilled brut Champagne (you definitely want the dry stuff here)
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Pomegranate seeds and Blackberries for garnish
Instructions
Place a handful of Pomegranate seeds into a Champagne flute. Pour in the Chambord. While holding the glass at a 45 degree angle (gotta preserve those bubbles!), gently pour in the Champagne. Drop in a blackberry and garnish the rim. Enjoy!
How are you romancing into the weekend? #bbotw
Kir Royale
February 5, 2021
It’s Friday and time for the original Friday adult drink share: the brandivate beverage of the week! This week we wanted to make a Manhattan – a classic cocktail made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a cherry – but laziness is a thing, people. Thankfully, the good people at Boulevard Brewing developed a Manhattan inspired ale: Manhattan Social Club! This barrel aged beer mimics the lovely libation in every way with an underlying sweetness that dances just below the spicy and herbal notes. In fact, it’s such a perfect substitute for the drink we are enjoying it out of a martini glass to class it up a bit!
How are you cocktailing into the weekend? #bbotw
Manhattan Social Club