GGN FOOD + DRINK: Give Your Bar A Glow-Up

CHEERS, SWEETIE! Glow-up Your Bar with These Fab Four! Did your summer entertaining leave your home bar in a shambles? This time of year is a great time to give your bar a glow-up! Host of the podcast What R You Drinking? (and longtime GGN contributor) Raquel Richards tells us how:

Every home bar needs to keep up-to-date with the latest trends in beer, wine, liquors, and mix. As we ease into fall it’s time to give your bar a makeover, so you can keep offering cool cocktails to your guests into this new season.

There is no need to spend a lot, but let’s face it, we want to look fancy, don’t we?

Let’s start with a magic mix which can also double as a non-alcoholic cocktail. All you have to do is pour into a cocktail glass and garnish it with a flower or a piece of fruit. No passé lemons or limes though, please!

Ocean Spray Sparkling Drinks

Ocean Spray’s range of sparkling drinks offers a refreshing and flavourful twist on the classic cranberry juice. These bevvys are made with real fruit juice and sparkling water, making them a healthier alternative to sugary sodas.

Sparkling Cranberry:

This classic flavour is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a vibrant cranberry aroma. It’s an excellent choice for any occasion.

To my surprise I really liked this one. Why was it surprising? Because one of my favourite mocktails is cranberry and soda water garnished with either cranberries floating in the glass or a strawberry! This pre-mix tastes just like homemade.

Sparkling Pink Cranberry:

For those who prefer a sweeter option, Sparkling Pink Cranberry is a great choice. This drink has a delicate pink hue and a slightly sweeter flavour than the original Sparkling Cranberry. It’s perfect as a mocktail, just add a few pieces of dragon fruit into it!

This flavour will please those who love sweet cocktails. (My tastebuds prefer dry or bitter.)

Sparkling Lite Cranberry:

For those watching their calorie intake, Sparkling Lite Cranberry is a great option. This drink has all the flavour of Sparkling Cranberry but without the added sugar. It’s a refreshing and guilt-free way to enjoy cranberry juice.

I enjoyed this one too, just as much as the Sparkling Cranberry. Serve as a skinny cocktail or mocktail to your guests.

Sparkling Cranberry Mango:

This unique flavour combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of mangoes. It’s a tropical twist on the classic cranberry juice.

This is perfect if you or your guest like things on the more unusual side!

Now let’s get to some wonderful new alcohol additions you’ll want to add to your bar.

Kronenberg 1664 Rosé Beer

Can we just admit rosé is so delicious we want to drink it all year – and do so? Introducing: Kronenberg 1664 Rosé Beer, a light and refreshing beer with a delicate pink hue. It’s brewed with a blend of malted barley, wheat, and hops. The appearance is of fine bubbles, slight cloudy haze, and light foam. The nose has strong fruity hints of berry. It has a balanced flavour of a refreshing raspberry undertone. Fine bitterness, while at the same time being slightly sweet.

This beer is perfect for sipping, and as a refreshing aperitif. I am a Kronenberg drinker and this rose beer pleased my tastebuds. However, due to its sweetness from the berries I can only drink one bottle or can. If you’re a sweetie though, this beer is for you!

It’s an excellent choice for pairing with food, such as grilled salmon or chicken. And I suggest using it for a marinade blend for salmon, chicken, and shrimp.

Chambord

This liquor is a toast to glamorous history. It dates from the late 17th century. The French royalty sipped on a black raspberry liqueur that would eventually become the Chambord we know of today. Fast forward to now, Chambord is considered a liquid gold liquor. It’s still crafted with the same passion and flair, just two hours south of Paris in the Loire Valley.

The flavour consists of the following:

Raspberries and blackberries, Madagascar vanilla for smoothness and Moroccan citrus peel which gives it that zesty zing! Plus honey, which gives it a touch of sweetness, and XO cognac.

For six weeks, the fruits steep to extract maximum flavour. Then, they’re gently pressed to release all the juice. Then the fruit extract gets cozy with cognac, vanilla, and fragrant herbs.

Finally, the Master Blender steps in to ensure every drop is worthy of the Chambord name.

This is where I get excited! Chambord is like the little black dress of the liquor world – it goes with everything. Its versatility makes it a star player in countless cocktails which is why it’s perfect as a glow up for your bar. From classic French Martinis to innovative brunch sippers, Chambord adds that je ne sais quoi to any drink. Perfect for a Real Housewives brunch!

Adobe Organic Wines

These economical wines make a perfect table wine for your bar. Adobe Organic Wines are produced by a family-owned winery in Chile. These wines are made with organic grapes and are certified organic by the USDA.

Adobe Sauvignon Blanc Emiliana:

This Sauvignon Blanc has a bright and citrusy flavour with hints of tropical fruit and herbs. It’s a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food, such as seafood or salads.

Adobe Cabernet Sauvignon Emiliana:

This Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark and fruity flavour with hints of black cherry, plum, and spice. It’s a full-bodied wine, but don’t expect it to have that full jammy texture of a California Cabernet Sauvignon.

I would serve this as a sipper for those who drink red wine and if you’re serving lamb, or a steak salad with tomatoes.

And there you have it, my favourite add-ons to make your ba shine. A perfect host always has the basics stocked, add these into the mix. And don’t forget to include non-alcoholic and skinny options; many people are opting out of alcohol or interested in low sugar options.

Happy and responsible drinking!