Holiday Cocktail: The White Christmas

Makin' It With Maren

by Maren Swanson

December 11th, 2012

Living in Los Angeles is great; the summers aren't too hot and the winters are mild. However, when the holidays roll around, I definitely long for the seasonal changes like snow, sledding, snowmen - noticing a pattern here? The white, fluffy consistency of snow is a luxury that I don't get to experience, so unless I'm watching a movie like White Christmas or other snow-themed movies, I'm left to my imagination…

Since I will be planning some holiday parties of my own, I wanted to create a cocktail this winter that would mimic the idea of snow and add the flavors of the holidays. So after a few trips to the store and some experiments with my KitchenAid mixer, I concocted one of my favorite drinks yet: The White Christmas.

The White Christmas cocktail is tasty, playful and it gets me in the mood - for the holidays, that is! The peppermint whipped cream on top is an added treat that your guests can eat with the candy cane garnish. Based on the famous White Russian cocktail, The White Christmas starts with good

old-fashioned Kahlua (we tried the new Cinnamon Spice flavor), vodka and milk, but with a twist!

To make this drink, follow the steps below. I promise that this drink will be a huge hit for family and friends this Christmas!

The White Christmas:

1 oz Vodka
1 oz Cinnamon Spice Kahlua
4 ozs Milk (fat free, 2% or whole milk)
1/2 oz Sweet Italian Creamer (Coffemate - fat free or regular)
1/4 oz Peppermint Extract
Ice

Garnishes:
Peppermint Whipped Cream (see below)
Peppermint Sprinkles
Mini Candy Canes
Mint Sprigs

Layer ingredients in a glass or martini shaker (not garnishes). Add ice and shake well 3 to 4 times. Re-distribute mixed ingredients to a fresh glass of ice. Top with garnishes. Serve. Enjoy!

Peppermint Whipped Cream:
1. You can add peppermint extract to already prepared store bought whipped cream or:
2. Use a stand mixer to whipped one small container of cold whipping cream. After whipping for 5 minutes on medium speed, add in a 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar and 3/4 oz of peppermint extract (to taste).

A Day at Swanson Vineyards and Winery - Napa, California

A Day at Swanson Vineyards and Winery.

by Maren Swanson

November 28th, 2012

The first time I discovered Swanson wines, I was reading a wine book that I keep stashed in the back of my bar. I bring it out on occasion when I'm sipping on the nectar of gods and my mind can wander to far away places that promise a beautiful escape with serene surroundings - a rarity for me. When it comes to literature on wine and wineries, I appreciate the words AND the pictures, so naturally, Swanson Vineyards and Winerycaught my eye because of the spectacular photos I had viewed and secondly, for the name: Swanson. You see, my last name is Swanson, so I must admit that I have a tender place in my heart for anything that owns the family name.

When it came time to plan my trip to attend Flavor! Napa Valley this year, I was determined to make my work trip an unforgettable one with an overall objective to collect the most "material" that I could (hint: wine). I began my road trip (driving an SUV to ensure maximum storage of "material") with a few stops in Sonoma and planned a final destination in Napa. My trunk was practically full and my trip was almost over by the time I arrived at Swanson Vineyards. I was able to set up an early appointment to collect photos and video prior to my tasting (appointments are required for all tastings and entrance) which was ideal because after a night of continuous rain, the clouds had begun to part that morning and the walkway to the Swanson salon room was covered with fallen amber leaves.

The fog was hovering over the freshly picked vines and and the dew on the flowers sparkled like diamonds from the the sun-kissed flowers. Wait a minute. Is this a fairy tale beginning or reality? That was how I felt - transported to a make-believe world of whimsical stick figures and birds that sung like they had sprung from a Disney movie. Before my mom and I entered the French doors to our tasting, a lively woman with long gray hair greeted us outside. Bright as the emerging light, Elizabeth Swanson (wife of founder W. Clarke Swanson), shook our hands and invited us in for some wine and conversation. Later as told to us by our "Salonlier," Elizabeth and Clarke opened the winery in 1985. Daily, she pops in and helps decorate the room with fresh cut flowers from her home garden.

Upon entering the salon, one immediately notices the colorful interior and eclectic furnishings collected from previous centuries and foreign land. Coral walls, cherubs and chandeliers stand silent as flickering candles illuminate crystal wine glasses being set on the table. It's all in the details here. And just as I was beginning to take it all in, a cool glass of Rosato was slipped into my hands.

As the other guests arrived, we were seated at an old wood table inlaid with slices of geode. Stories and wine were passed while we noshed on potato chips with creme fraiche and caviar, including a plate plump with artisanal cheeses - all delicious. The setting was intimate, only 8 of us gathered, practically made to feel like royalty. Among the varietals poured: Chardonnay, Merlot (they are famous for it), Petite Syrah, Face Cabernet Savignon (my favorite) and Angelica. Next door, they have a Sip Shoppe with sweet wines and chocolate tastings that I'll have to try some day.

Alas, after the tasting, I was sad to leave. I secretly hoped I could one day live in a place as magical as Swanson Vineyards and Winery - at least I shared the name! So in an effort to share my formidable experience with you, the reader, I leave you with words, pictures AND video. Salud!

Follow me @MarenSwanson

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Holiday Wine Tasting at Montage Beverly Hills

Artistry of Wine - Montage, Beverly Hills

by Maren Swanson

Now that it officially feels like fall, I have surrended myself to everything "holiday," but besides the scarves and new line of Uggs boots on the market, my full attention shifts to the dishes and drinks of the season like roasted turkey, hearty vegetables, full-bodied red wines and smoky anything. So in the spirit of cold weather and yumminess, raise a glass and get excited to imbibe in a luxorious setting and enjoy an array of tantalizing treats.

During the holiday season, Montage in Beverly Hills offers you a chance to taste wines and bites, complimentary. Located in The Library of the hotel, locals and hotel guests can taste seasonal sips and enjoy holiday-themed dishes paired with selected wines. The complimentary wine tasting series called, Artistry of Wine, begins on Saturday, November 10th and ends on Saturday, December 15th. All of the parings last for one hour, 4pm - 5pm and include wine pairings for traditional holiday meals like turkey and pumpkin pie to vegan dishes or Hanukkah brisket.

Last year I was eager to attend the tastings at the Montage with my fellow foodie writer Tara Redfield, and my boyfriend, but to our surprise, we arrived to find a lack of organization and a no-go event that left us parched and very sad. They were very appologetic and I have a feeling that this year will be very different. Besides, nearby Bouchon boasts an elegant happy hour and we scored a great Christmas photo, too.

Montage Beverly Hills gives you a great opportunity to enjoy its beautiful splender and enjoy some fantastic festive wines. I recommend dressing up, warming up with wine and taking some time to appreciate the "gifts" on the season. Cheers!

Follow me @MarenSwanson

Montage

225 North Canon Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 860-7800

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Love Happy Hour - Dia de Los Muertos: Deadly Deals for Drinks

by Maren Swanson

October 27th, 2012

If you aren't already excited enough for Halloween, don't forget about the follow-up festivities for "Dia de los Muertos," aka Day of the Dead. One day after Halloween marks the Mexican holiday that brings people together to remember the ones they have lost. Day of the Dead has recently become very popular in other cultures as well; ornate, yet scary masks with colorful adornments can be found in countries everywhere. What used to seem morbid to some, may now be welcomed as a new tradition in observing our deceased. So whether you are a first-timer or an old soul, here's a chance to honor the passed and party in the present.

Party:

Yxta Cantina - Downtown Los Angeles

Beginning at 9pm, you can dance the night away with DJs and drink specials at Yxta's downtown cantina. $3 Tecate, $5 Sino Blanco shots, $6 Sino house margaritas, Jamaica margaritas, $10 Day of the Dead cocktails, $2 Tacos and $7 for 2 tamales are the reason alone you should make it to this party.

601 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles 90021
(213) 596-5579

Wine:

If you happen to be the more mellow type and prefer to imbibe in home, you can pick up some decorative bottles for a good time and some scary art. We found most of these bottles at Cost Plus World Market or Trader Joe's for under $10.

Dearly Beloved Forever Red has a skeletal label that screams scary. The Mexican folk art-inspired design on the bottle reminds me Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The best part about this wine - it costs $6.99 at your local Trader Joe’s and has a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Carignane & Grenache.

Dia de los Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that is produced soby South Coast Winery in the Temecula Valley. It's juicy flavors would pair well with beef, duck, salmon and goat cheese.

Tequila:

KAH Tequila

Inspired by the sugar skulls or "Calaveras" given to the living during Dia de Los Muertos, Kah Tequila has flavors of spicy white pepper and cooked sweet agave, delivering a deadly visual and delicate finish. This tequila may cost a pretty penny more, but it is delicious.

Halloween Cocktails: Clockwork Orange Cocktail

Makin' It With Maren

by Maren Swanson

October 20th, 2012

Finally the weather is starting to change and autumn has arrived! Between decorating my home and shopping for costumes, I have gathered some fun and festive ingredients to create yet another SPOOK-tacular Halloween inspired cocktail! With just a few ingredients, including some "Orange Dream" flavored vodka from Hard Luck Candy, you can make your own at-home Clockwork Orange cocktail.

Just watch my new "Makin' it with Maren" video and I will show you a quick how-to drink recipe to keep your friends and party guests excited for the Halloween festivities! Remember to drink responsibly and have a hauntingly good time! To find out how to make another Halloween cocktail from Hard Luck Candy, check out the Lemon Pie Martini.

Clockwork Orange:
1 oz Hard Luck Candy "Orange Dream" Vodka
1 oz Ginger Ale
1/2 oz Milk or Cream
Ice

Layer ingredients in a shaker tin.

Shake vigorously.

Strain into glass (mini martini glass recommended).

Garnish (we used candy pumpkins).

Enjoy.

For other drink recipes, check out PourPlay!

Love Happy Hour - Makin' It With Maren - Halloween Cocktails: Lemon Pie Martini

Makin' It With Maren

by Maren Swanson

October 6th, 2012

Fall is here, and I couldn't be more excited! The air has a slight chill in it and there are pumpkins everywhere. Now that I've cooled off, I have been inspired to create some SPOOK-tacular Halloween cocktail creations. This month, I've teamed up with Hard Luck Candy Vodka to make some fun and tasty drinks. Hard Luck Candy Vodka carries flavors like Root Beer Barrel, Lemond Drop, Red Fish (like Swedish Fish) and Orange Dream. Basically, some our favorite childhood candies have been bottled up with booze for us as adults!

So check out our new "Makin' it with Maren" video and learn how to make a Lemon Pie Martini with some Halloween themed garnishes. Next week we will unveil the "Clockwork Orange" cocktail, which is a great pre-martini drink for your Halloween party guests.

Lemon Pie Martini:
2 oz Hard Luck Candy "Lemon Drop" Vodka
1/2 oz Smirnoff "Whipped Cream" Vodka
1/2 oz Milk
2 Dashes of Bitters
1 Egg White
Dash of Salt
Lemon Wedge
Ice
Sugar

For other drink recipes, check out PourPlay!

Halloween Cocktail Recipes Unveiled Next Week!

Stay tuned...

Next week I'm unveiling our SPOOK-tacualar Halloween cocktail recipes!