Antica Cuvée

This is a superb grappa I discovered while toasting with new my Venetian friends. As holidays such as Easter arrive I will be toasting with this same grappa but with prayers and wishes of health, peace and prosperity.

Nonino's hand blown bottle may have a bit to do with catching your attention, but the quality content inside the bottle speaks volumes for the grappa industry in Italy. The Friuli based Nonino Family changed the way the world views grappa. This fine grappa is made from a blend of 3 grappas from the varietals: Ribolla Gialla, Moscato, and Verduzzo. Antica Cuvee is aged for 12 months in limousin oak barriques and bottled with no additives. It is described as a rich, round and warm on the palate with a long and warm finish. The aromatics are spices, brioche vanilla and almond. 

Serve at room temperature in wide balloon-type glasses, sip as a digestive. Perfect with foie gras, dark chocolate or hot chocolate dessert.

Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Classic Champagne Cocktail Recipe: Six ounces of champagne and a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters is all it takes to make a sophisticated cocktail for the New Year. Drop the sugar cube into a tall flute glass, and then slowly add champagne and a lemon twist. 

Tips: With the Champagne Cocktail, you can trust the bitters to take the edge off a lesser quality champagne or sparkling wine. For this drink, you can use a less expensive wine, spending about $10 to $18 for a good domestic bottle. Or, as I personally prefer to use a good Prosecco for under $15.

When opening Champagne or Prosecco, use a gentle twist - save the bubbles for the inside of the glass and not the floor.

chefgeorgehirsch.com

Number One

What makes the vanilla latte one of the most popular coffee drinks? Vanilla latte is simply espresso, steamed milk (with the froth) + vanilla syrup. Taste combo, I guess. It is the number one specialty coffee ordered in coffee houses in the US. Myself, I'll opt for a double espresso pianura first, but I'm always one to share what's hot - especially during this chilly time of year. So, warm up with a vanilla latte. 

Vanilla Latte

1 oz Vanilla syrup
8 oz milk
2 shots espresso

Steam milk and vanilla syrup together. Pour heated, flavored milk into a tall glass and add brewed espresso. Spoon a thin layer of foamed milk over beverage. Option: 1/2 cup of very strong brewed coffee can be substituted for 2 shots espresso.

Tips: 
- Use 1 percent or whole milk for better froth
- For the best tasting espresso, grind the espresso beans just before preparing.
- Enjoy drinking espresso immediately because it has a 10 second window before it begins losing flavor and increases in bitterness.

Time For Glühwein

During the Christmas season many German town centers have street markets with stalls selling cookies, arts and crafts, wooden toys and other festive items. Almost every street corner seems to boast Bratwurst and Glühwein stalls. Light a roaring fire and pour yourself a small glass of warm, spicy red wine. Below is a basic recipe, but in Germany vendors will offer you additional flavorings such as elderberry cordial or a shot of dark rum. At home, spike it too, if you choose.

Heat your Glühwein in a large saucepan on the stove or in a large jug in the microwave, but don't let it boil or the alcohol will evaporate. If you want a less alcoholic drink, then mix in apple juice or water. 

pk-photo | istock

Glühwein Recipe

Chef George Hirsch | Makes 6 servings

1 bottle full-bodied red wine
1 small lemon
6 orange slices
10 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
4-6 Tablespoons sugar
3 ounces brandy

Preparation

Pour the wine into a large saucepan. Cut the lemon in quarters. Stick the cloves into the rind of one quarter. Slice the rest thinly. Add the lemon quarter and orange slices to the pan with the cinnamon and sugar. Heat slowly until hot, but do not allow to boil. Add brandy and serve in heatproof glasses or small cups Place a metal teaspoon in the glass before adding the hot liquid to prevent glass from breaking.

Killer Keller

Bottoms-up to the summer brew from our friends + award winning brewmaster at Southampton Publick House Brewery.

Visit an Old World Lager brewery and the brewmaster will insist that you enjoy a "keller" beer direct from the aging tank. To a brewer this is beer at it's purest, unfiltered, nuanced and gently carbonated." Each year they make it with a different hop variety to create a unique interpretation of the pilsner style. 

Flavor Description: Fresh hop aroma and a bracing bitterness are balanced by a clean malt profile. A dusting of yeast and traditional lagering create a crisp, smooth flavor profile.

Food Pairings: Ideal served with seafood, meats and spicy foods.

publick.com

View TV segment at Southampton Publick House Brewery

George Hirsch TV series visits Southampton Publick House Brewery