LYRA MAG.

Craft(y) cocktails that don't require special equipment (or engineering skills)-may not be Instagram bait -but refreshed classics, made easily enough with a holiday twist-are ideal drinks to serve with or without party nibbles. Think RUM One of five-Pensacola Florida's ' signature' cocktails =local Sandshaker's "The Bushwacker" aka a grown-up milkshake ... a tasty SWEET swirl of rum, crème de cacao, cream of coconut and vanilla ice cream. This worthy Eggnog sub- egg free- screams party on . THREESOMES: The foundation of any excellent cocktail...stirred or shaken...should be worthy of sipping solo too. Gift-able - Mad River Distillers 'trio -passes that test-with a splash, over a cube-or mixed with the extras. Retro Look-Modern Tastes Ever since we saw BITTERMILK 's retro packaged cocktail mixers-at a Fancy Food show a few years-back-we knew this privately owned company would DO REALLY WELL Try a hand crafted-real ingredient...

Sparkling Wines From France (Le Grand Courtage) Red+CavaWines From Spain (Clos de  Tafall, El Mirac, Parès Balta), Hard Cider (Hazlitts Cider Tree), Beer (Catskill Brewery)+Bourbon ( Taconic Distillery) From New York, Ryes/Bourbons (Mad River Distillers) From Vermont, Home Brewed Pico Systems, NUMI Organic Teas, Honey Stinger Honey, BOKU Superfood Parties-gatherings are numerous in December..for festive reasons-or to commiserate.. ...at any rate-guests expect beverages-maybe even more than eats-offered up for sure. SO why not mix up the offerings from the usual...even on a budget-there are so many small craft wineries and distillers these days-that provide unique tastes-guranteed for palate pleasers...alcoholic and not. via GIPHY Wine Spectator anointed 90 points!!! Wines from Spain...ahhh-Clos de Tafall 2014 produced by Clos Berenguer....aged 12 months in French Oak-is an aromatic red wine with floral, currant, kirsch and dark chocolate-cola flavors with lively tannin...