By Dave Mikolajek

Feeling Fall’s frail approach to the beginning of Winter brings two things to mind. One, walking down to the Tosa village for some delicious drinks and food. And two, to shop or prepare for fire pit parties with a small group of friends. So, here are a few adult beverage ideas for this time of the year when we can still live a little before being cooped up during a blizzard (which is kinda fun too). Let’s party.


 

 

Devastator Double Bockfaf64a_bfc6a2de4dd04e18a1937d4cae594155

This creamy, rich, brew fills the palate with tastes of cinnamon, leafy hops, and brown sugar; then finishes with some caramel sexy sweetness. Medium in body, it offers aromas of spice mixed with toasty malt. Suggested food pairings include cow and rattlesnake.

 

 


 

faf64a_234996eb2a9c4871bda06749b6606f32Beam Maple Apple Cider

This warm concoction smells like Fall and tastes like teen spirit. Easy to make instructions are to mix one ounce of Jim Beam Maple bourbon with piping hot apple cider. Stir and add a dollop of whip cream. Slowly sip to prevent burning of that oh so sensitive skin at the roof of your mouth.

 

 


Tiramisu Martinifaf64a_313aa2d322b24665ab46b4974dca72f3

Done dining, but unlike me, you saved a little room for dessert? Well, feel less guilty drinking it instead of trying to pretend that you’re not actually shoveling it into your pretty mouth. This delicious dessert martini mixes equal parts of vanilla vodka, Kahlua, clear Creme de Cocoa, and Irish cream. Aggressively shake, pour into proper stemware, and sprinkle a dash of powdered cocoa. ​

 

 


 

 

faf64a_92277c5c4eef482a88de09eff60244e7Hedges C.S.M Red Blend

This deep, dark, ruby blend brings aromas of black cherry, blackberry, sweet plum fruit, and sweet toasted oak. You’ll also notice uncanny undertones of ripe melon, dried herbs and vanilla ice with hints of cocoa powder, tobacco, and graham cracker. Pairs stupendously with prime rib or wild game such as elk or deer. ​

 

 


 

 

Eggnogcocktail_2X

  • 6 eggs, separated
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 5 c. milk
  • 1/2 c. light rum
  • 1/2 c. bourbon
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. whipping cream 1/4 c.
  • sugar
  • ground nutmeg

In a small mixer bowl beat egg yolks till blended. Gradually add 1/4 c. sugar, beating at high speed till thick and lemon colored. Stir in milk, rum, bourbon, vanilla and salt. Chill thoroughly.

Whip cream. Wash beaters well. In large bowl beat egg whites till soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating to stiff peaks. Fold yolk mixture and whipped cream into egg whites. Sprinkle nutmeg over eggnog and serve immediately. Makes about 15 (4 oz.) servings.