The most magical time of the year is also often the most stressful. Luckily it’s also an amazing time full of joy and excitement. Finishing off 2021 on a high note with an intimate gathering of loved ones is sure to be a holiday highlight. We are here to help ease the stress of hosting and help you create easy, memorable moments this holiday season with simple recipes, wine pairings and cocktails.
1. Serve Holiday Hors D’oeuvres Paired with Your Favourite Wines
There is nothing that makes a festive gathering more memorable than delicious food. We’ve created three holiday appetizer recipes to pair with your favourite wines. Pick one or serve all three – your guests will definitely be impressed with your wine-pairing know-how!
Appetizer Recipes to Pair with Pinot Noir
Spicy-ish Honey Mustard Recipe
This honey mustard pairs great with Pinot Noir thanks in part to the sweetness from the honey. Its typical medium-body and medium-high acidity makes it an easy companion for food pairing, from duck to mushrooms. Adding our honey mustard to your favourite cut of meat will be a delicious partner to a glass (or two) of Pinot Noir.
Appetizer Recipes to Pair with Merlot
Pistachio Mustard Crusted Lamb Pops Recipe
Merlot is the ideal wine match for our mustard crusted lamb pops. The wine’s inherent sweetness works well with the umami of the lamb and the spiciness of the mustard. Merlot is a classic dinner wine that is typically universally enjoyed, so it is great to open up when having guests over.
Appetizer Recipes to Pair with Sauvignon Blanc
Pomegranate & Pine Nut rolled Goat’s Cheese
Share this sweet and savoury Goat Cheese on your holiday charcuterie or as a light hors d’oeuvre, with a perfectly chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Both the cheese and the wine offer great acidity that don’t overpower one another. Sauvignon Blanc is appropriately citrusy and mineral-driven, which clears your palate for the next bite.
2. Serve Festive Wine Cocktails to Get Everyone in the Holiday Spirit
When it’s time to get people on their feet, dancing to the best holiday songs, it’s also time for cocktails! We created some incredibly delicious (and easy) wine-based cocktails for you to serve at your holiday party. They’re sure to put your guests in a festive mood.
Holiday Wine Cocktail Recipes:
Sparkling Wine French 75 Recipe
Served best extra chilled and with your most favourite sparkling wine. This is your chance to break out the cocktail shaker and impress your guests!
Red Mulled Wine Recipe
A traditional drink for good reason. This is a holiday standby that deserves a spot on your party menu. Keep your guests warm and toasty
Cranberry and Rosemary White Sangria
Who doesn’t love a wintery spin on a summer classic? Sangria can be shared all year and is the perfect punch alternative to keep your holiday festive and merry.
3. Be Prepared
If you’re looking to keep things simple this year or maybe you’re hosting a few times throughout the year, keep your cellar stocked with a monthly wine subscription. WineCollective offers a number of subscription options – from 2, to 4, to 6 bottles per month – just choose all red or mixed.