We’re told that sparkling wine is a terrific go-to drink for the holidays – it goes equally well with potato chips and turkey dinner. So it’s no wonder the guys at Lacombe Park Spirits, owners and brothers Jeff and Karem El Halaby, have used the bubbly for one of their holiday drink options. And like the two entrepreneurs, these fun and friendly offerings are a change from the expected.
“People are in a mad rush to get to Christmas but once there, they have time at home with family and friends,” said Jeff, who has run the Lacombe-area independent liquor shop for 11 years with brother Karem. “Most people want to do something special – to make a bigger deal when entertaining. These ideas are ones you won’t find at everybody’s house.”
With a nod to those who love the sparkling wine and orange juice-type drink, the Halabys suggest a maple berry sparkler: one ounce of maple whiskey liqueur with four ounces of sparkling wine over blackberries in a champagne flute. “I love that on Christmas morning. It’s different and easy to create,” said Karem.
How about wowing guests with a cocktail the brothers call Saint Cynny, a martini that is reminiscent of the sweet side of the season? For this seasonal sipper – think sugar cookies and spices – mix an ounce of cinnamon vodka, a half-ounce of espresso vodka and one ounce Irish cream liqueur –shake and top with chocolate flakes.
Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy a warm-me-up hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon or chocolate sprinkles on top, or turn it into a grown-up chocolate maple cream by adding 1 ounces of a maple cream liqueur.
“The holidays are about fun beverages and fun eats,” Jeff said, toasting the season donned in hat and parka.
Did someone say fun eats? Cocktail and appetizer get-togethers are a less cumbersome way to entertain than a sit-down meal, and guests can mingle in the kitchen, where guests always end up anyway, at this type of casual soirée.
Paul Shufelt, corporate chef of the Century Hospitality Group, said preparing bite-sized goodies ahead of time is key – favourites like wings can be made fancier for a holiday party by creating a duck confit l’orange – ooh la la.
“You can mix it up – make personalized chocolate sponge cake in the microwave while guests watch. Have a Panini-press on the go for Cubano-style grilled sandwiches, or make turkey BLT sliders – being playful and creative is important,” said Shufelt. “And a signature cocktail, in a pretty glass server is a good idea too – then you aren’t playing bartender all night.”
Sous chef Hans Pinto favours a Christmas raddler, a 50-50 beer and juice drink that mixes light beer, mandarins, simple syrup, mint, basil and grapefruit for a refreshing, festive drink. “It looks and tastes great, and keeps the alcohol content down,” he said.
Edmonton chef Andrew Cowan sees a trend toward such casual holiday parties, with comfort foods like yam waffles topped with roast pork or turkey sliders with holiday flavours of sage, nutmeg and cranberry mixed in. “You want to make parties relaxed and comfortable for the host and guests, so there’s less stress and more enjoying,” he said.
