EGWs6uuBZ3pp-zGuVVdmeLgkJG4 Across the Avenue: Recipes: Festive Drinks for the Holidays #2017HolidayGiftGuide #holidayrecipe #DeutschFamilyWine

Recipes: Festive Drinks for the Holidays #2017HolidayGiftGuide #holidayrecipe #DeutschFamilyWine


The winter season is a time to celebrate! We're in full holiday party-planning mode now and the first thing on our to-do list is a festive drink menu. For years, Deutsch Family Wines has been one of our go-to places to find top notch, premium wine selections because they never disappoint. Whether you're looking for a delicious wine selection to serve straight or a fun and festive wine-based cocktail to add some glitz to your celebration, we've put together some exceptional suggestions for you. Check them out below...



We've posted about Josh Cellars in the past because it's hands down one of our favorite wineries! This year, we highly recommend the Josh Cellars Reserve for your holiday celebrations if you're looking for an upscale, quality cabernet sauvignon. This fruit-forward wine is complemented by notes of earth, spice, vanilla and structured tannins. We love the aromas of fresh black cherries, blackcurrant, rose petal, and roasted walnuts and appreciate the oak maturation that makes this one of Josh Cellars' premium wine offerings. Your guests will love it! 

Pair It: The Josh Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with Grilled steak, short ribs, braised red cabbage, and roasted duck.







The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc
This white wine has hints of bell pepper, passionfruit and citrus. It's a really interesting blend that isn't typically the type of wine we go for, but the bell pepper adds an interesting dimension. It has a nice balance of fruitiness and crisp mineral finish.

Pair It: The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with seafood dishes such as oysters, prawns and fish.

Peachy Penguin
  • 2 tablespoons mild honey
  • 2 medium-sized peaches, chopped
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1bottle The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2 cups sparkling water
  • ice

1. Combine sauvignon blanc sparkling water and ice. 
2. Add honey, peaches and lemon juice. Stir and enjoy!




The Calling 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
The  Deutsch Family's Calling Collection is an easy win for the holidays. If you're a fan of red wine, you'll love the profile of The Calling 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Fruit for this vintage was sourced from several locations in the Russian River Valley, to create a taste with delicious complexity. The aromas of Bing cherry, cranberry and a hint of white pepper, along with palate tastes of lush raspberry and strawberry and an excellent acidity and a lingering finish will complement traditional holiday dinners perfectly!

Pair It: The Calling Pinot Noir is especially delicious with filet mignon, lamb and orange roughy.


Strawberry Snowflake

  • 8 strawberries
  • 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 bottle of The Calling Pinot Noir 
  • 1 liter of soda water
  • honey, to taste
  • white cocktail rimmer sugar


1. Cut strawberries into thin slices.
2. Combine strawberries, lemon joice, pinot noir, soda water and honey. Mix well.
3. Coat rims with white sugar before filling glasses. Serve and enjoy!





Skyfall Vineyard Merlot
This red wine will create the perfect winter wonderland feel with its wonderfully developed plum, vanilla and leather aromas coupled with juicy flavors of cherry candy and hints of cocoa powder that weave through the palate. It finishes with a balanced acidity and polished tannins.

Pair It: This merlot pairs well with both chicken and beef dishes, making it a very versatile choice!

Santa's Sangria
  • 2 red apples, chopped 
  • 2 oranges, chopped 
  • 1 cup cranberries 
  • 1 pomegranate, seeded 
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 bottles Skyfall Vineyard Merlot
  • 2 1/2 cups ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
  • Ice


1. Toss apples, oranges, and cranberries into punch bowl. 
2. Add pomegrante seeds, cinnamon and nutmeg. 
3. Add wine, and stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator.
4. When it's time to serve, add the soda and ice and stir again. (This will keep your punch fizzy longer!

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by Deutsch Family Wines. As always, our posts are our own, honest opinions.