BY ROMAR NICHOLS
THE HOLIDAYS have always
been my favorite time of year;
they are filled with gatherings
and events that bring out the
spirit of the season in everyone. For many, these celebrations aren’t complete without
the appropriate libation.
There’s a long history of cultures combining
festivities with spirits, from ancient rituals to the
holidays we observe today. From St. Patrick’s Day
to New Year’s Eve, with Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving, religious observations and likely a wedding, anniversary and birthday or two in between,
these celebrations have typically involved the
pleasures of sharing good food and drink with the
special people in our lives.
With such a storied history, it’s no wonder
there are several classic and creative cocktails
that perfectly fit a variety of holiday themes. And
professional mixologists, like Costco member
Tommy Sieritis, are always looking to create new
and unique concoctions.
This October, for instance, get into the spirit
(ha) with his Scary Berry ;;, a delightfully spooky
Some special sips for the holidays
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Costco offers a variety of spirits, wine and beer
in warehouses where alcohol sales are allowed.
And, of course, you can ;nd a variety of ;ne
foods to ;ll out your holiday menu.
FOR YOUR TABLE
Holiday
cheers
SCARY BERRY 75
;HALLOWEEN;
3 to 4 blackberries
1 ounce simple syrup
1½ ounces Kirkland Signature™
London Dry Gin
½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon
juice
4 ounces Kirkland Signature
Brut Champagne
Muddle the blackberries with the
simple syrup. Add the gin and
lemon juice. Shake and strain into
a Champagne ;ute. Fill the rest of
the glass with Kirkland Signature
Brut Champagne. Makes 1 serving.
CRANBERRY
PROSECCO SPRITZER
;THANKSGIVING;
1 tablespoon orange liqueur
(e.g., Grand Marnier)
1 tablespoon cranberry juice
3 to 4 fresh cranberries
6 ounces Kirkland Signature
Prosecco DOCG (chilled)
1 cinnamon stick
Pour the orange liqueur and the
cranberry juice into a Champagne
;ute. Add fresh cranberries and
;ll with prosecco. Garnish with
the cinnamon stick and serve.
Makes 1 serving.
BEAUTIFUL CITRUS
;CHRISTMAS;
¾ ounce Kirkland Signature XO
Cognac
½ ounce orange liqueur (e.g.,
Grand Marnier)
¼ ounce Campari
3 ounces Kirkland Signature
Brut Champagne
1 orange slice
Combine the cognac, orange
liqueur and Campari in a cocktail
shaker or tall glass ;lled halfway
with ice. Stir with a long spoon.
Strain into a wine glass and top
with Champagne and an orange
slice. Makes 1 serving.
Recipes courtesy of Tommy Sieritis, mixologist, Beach House Bar & Grill, Seattle.
and sparkly blend of dark blackberries, gin and
Brut Champagne.
Come November and December, ’tis the season for classics such as hot toddies, spiked eggnog
and hot buttered rum, but you don’t need to stop
there. Unique, inspired combinations, such as
the Cranberry Prosecco Spritzer or the Beautiful
Citrus, can infuse your gatherings with a touch
of something special and make your guests feel
truly appreciated.
I would be remiss if I didn’t encourage everybody who enjoys indulging a bit when they celebrate to drink safely and responsibly.
However you observe the season, happy holidays from all of us at Costco! C
Romar Nichols is a buyer in Costco’s wine, spirits
and beer department.
