During Valentine’s Day season most people focus on Champagne. That’s totally understandable because it’s one sexy wine. I want to encourage you to try something other than sparkling wine. How about adding Cognac into your libation rotation? It’s that time of year, February, also known as the month of love. Though at Cupid’s Pulse we bring the love year-round.
Cognac is produced in a very charming city of the same name in France. French is the language of lovers so think of it as the spirit of “love in a bottle”.
For so long people have thought of Cognac as an older man’s drink, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The spirit has a vibrant history of being the libation of choice by kings, queens, and aristocrats. Now, most people think of rappers when they see Cognac. It’s true than many famous singers/rappers love Cognac. However, it’s also enjoyed by men and women around the world, especially in Japan and the US. Besides being known for luxury, it’s rather seductive. It’s easy to find it as an ingredient in cocktails at fancy hotel bars and even dive bars have gotten into serving classy Cognac drinks. People have caught on to how delightful and versatile Cognac can be.
Ready to get it in? Here are some celebrity-inspired suggestions:
Branson Cognac
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is always up to something. If he isn’t posting leaks for his hit show, Power, he is trolling someone online. What you may not know about him is that he released a Cognac last year called Branson. If you go with the VSOP. it’s meant to be used in a cocktail. If you really want to turn it up, get the XO. It’s always a smooth move. When you get a whiff of citrus, tobacco, and honey, it starts the game of seduction.
50’s s love life has been bumpy throughout the years. He may not be the person look to for love advice; however, Branson would be the perfect selection to use in a hot drink to have a cozy night with your partner.
Café Amore Cocktail
1 ounce Branson Cognac
1 ounce amaretto
6 ounces coffee
Whipped Cream ( garnish)
Pour Cognac and amaretto into an Irish coffee glass. Fill with hot black coffee. Top with whipped cream.
When Conjure first came out it was a little rough around the edges. The spirit by Ludacris has stepped up its game. The tag line is “Conjure the Possibilities”. Sounds fun, but you may want to proceed with caution since some have called Cognac, “baby-making juice.” Or as Ludacris would put it, makes you a” lady in the streets, but a freak in the bed”
The aromas in this juice are cocoa, cedar, and hazelnut. Below is the recipe by Conjure for a sweet tea that would be perfect to pair with a romantic home-cooked dinner. It will get your senses going among other things.
Conjure Sweet Tea
4-5 mint sprigs
1 1/2 oz. Conjure
3/4 oz. freshly pressed lemon juice
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. iced tea
Fill glass with ingredients. Shake and strain over fresh ice cubes. Garnish with a spring of mint.
For more Love & Libations date night ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
‘Tis the season made for entertaining. Whichever holiday you invite people to celebrate with you, a punch is the way to go. It’s a great way to imbibe with family and loved ones, plus it saves you the hassle of having to continuous drinks during the night. Put out a punch bowl then pop a ladle in it, you will be good to go.
Must-Try Holiday Punches!
Blackened American Whiskey
As we know, celebrities love being in the booze game. Who would have thought that award-winning Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, and Metallica would collaborate to create a bourbon. Maybe their song, “Whiskey In A Jar” was a big hint. Blackened American Whiskey is a marriage of the finest bourbons, ryes & whiskeys, however, it’s mainly bourbon. The whiskey gets finished in black brandy casks. Does it get any sexier than that?\
This is all to say that the whiskey would be perfect in a punch The first time I had Blackened was in a cold toddy. It’s the sibling cocktail to the hot toddy. It’s refreshing and is a holiday treat in a glass.
Using a vegetable peeler, remove zest from orange and 1 of the lemons in strips, leaving white pith behind; slice fruit in half. Squeeze juice from orange into a small bowl. Squeeze juice from lemon into a measuring glass. Slice remaining lemons in half and squeeze juice into glass to measure 1 cup total; save any remaining lemon halves. Set orange and lemon juice aside.
Place zest in a small saucepan. Beat cinnamon sticks with the side of a chef’s knife to break up a little and add to saucepan along with smashed ginger, tea bags, cloves, and 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat; let sit 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, then stir in honey; let cool completely, about 15- 20 minutes.
Strain tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher and add whiskey, bitters, and reserved orange juice and lemon juice. Add 2 cups ice and stir until ice is melted and the toddy is very cold.
To serve, pour toddy into glasses filled with ice and garnish with orange twists.
Another spirit that should make a guest appearance at your holiday table is tequila. You can make a yummy libation that pairs with your autumn dishes. I’ve recently discovered that tequila deserves more credit when it comes to pairing with food.
Did you know that Rita Ora has a female-driven tequila called Próspero Tequila? It’s a relatively new libation and a new area for Ora. The distiller of tequila is one of the few women in the industry. It’s smooth, elegant, and sassy, we couldn’t expect anything less from Ora.
What should you make with this tequila? The Texas Punch is a good way to go since it’s the perfect addition to any gathering. It’s a drink that your friends and family will love. It’s also a drink that you can make for you and your boo to keep in the fridge for after a hard day at work.
Texas Christmas Punch
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 cups pomegranate juice
3 cups PrósperoTequila
1 cup lime juice
2 cups cranberry juice
1 750-ml bottle sparkling wine (recommend Crémant or Cava)
fresh cranberries to garnish
Directions:
In saucepan combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, dissolving the sugar. Remove from heat and cool completely. This will create what is known as simple syrup.
In a large punch bowl stir together the simple syrup, pomegranate juice, tequila, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Chill for 2 hours. Stir in the sparkling wine and serve for a very good time.
For more Love & Libations date night ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
Pumpkin spice lattes are great, but wait, it’s time to get wines for autumn. ‘Tis the season for snuggling, cuddling, and binge-watching your favorite shows with a libation to sip and savor. What this means is that it’s time to stock up on wine. Have a good supply so that you are ready for crisp cold nights and snowstorms. Plus, you never know when Netflix is going to drop a new surprise show on a Friday night.
While everyone talks about Champagne being sexy, the seduction of tequila is starting to be known. It’s been said that women who drink tequila make fabulous lovers. Being a tequila drinker, I won’t confirm or deny these claims. You will have to do your own field research to see it if it’s true.
When you ask someone which cocktail they love, the Negroni may be the first thing that comes to mind. It’s such a phenomenon that you can find one on pretty much any menu, or simply request it at a bar. As I mentioned in an earlier column, Anthony Bourdain loved this drink so much that he called it “the perfect cocktail”. There’s even a Bubbly Negroni that was invited for Valentine’s Day; the sex appeal can’t be denied. This drink is perfect for date night!
Rosé is the ultimate sip and chill with your partner or get together with friends kind of wine. While it’s perfect for any time of year, spring and summer, seem to be the time that people fixate on rosé. That means rosé will be popping up at your local wine store any minute. Which one should you try? Decisions. Decisions.
The most popular holiday in March has got to be St. Patrick’s Day. The celebration is a feast day for Saint Patrick the patron saint of Ireland. Once the Irish made it to America they used the day to honor all things, Irish. The Kiss Me I’m Irish slogan comes from if you can’t kiss Blarney Castle, the next best thing is kissing someone who’s Irish to get the power of eloquence and luck.
St. Patricks Day Drinks
To celebrate this joyous Irish occasion indulge in some cocktails named after famous Irish writers. As we all know the Irish love drinking to their dearly departed. The following cocktails are inspired by Irish writers who had very interesting love lives.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde is one of Ireland’s most influential playwrights. It’s said that he got his storytelling skills from his mother, Lady Jayne, who was known for making an entrance. His first love was Florence Balcombe, but she dropped Wilde to marry Bram Stoker. After proposing marriage to two other women, Wilde eventually married the scandalous woman, Constance Lloyd, who was just as ambitious as he was. They lived a life surrounded by bougie folks. While an affectionate marriage, Wilde ended up preferring the company of young men. As Wendy Williams would say “How you doin?”
The Irish icon, James Joyce, published his first piece at 9. Some of his most popular works are Ulysses, The Dead and Finnegan’s Wake. While you may not consider those page-turners, there are letters by Joyce that may be up your alley. You may be surprised to find out that Joyce wrote filthy love letters to his wife, Nora Barnacle. Some of them would even make Christin Grey blush. There’s nothing like a good ole fashion naughty love letter to spice things up in a romance. Use Joyce for inspiration to write your own and serve this cocktail.
James Joyce Cocktail
1 ½ ounce of Irish whiskey
¾ ounces sweet vermouth
¾ ounces Cointreau
½ ounce lime juice
Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice
Most people have read “The Great Gatsby” since it was required reading in school. It was a very glitzy and glamorous story of prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922 written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. While he was born in America, he had had Irish roots. Fitzgerald and his saucy wife Zelda lived a party filled life and had a passionate relationship. Basically, they partied and loved hard. While there isn’t a cocktail after him, he loved a drink called The Gin Rickey. His spirit of choice was gin because it was undetectable on his breath. He is known for saying “ First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you”.
The Gin Rickey
Ingredients
2 oz. Gin
½ Lime
Club Soda
Add the gin to the Collins glass full of ice. Add the juice from the lime half, then drop the shell into the glass. Top with soda water.
While most of the attention in February goes to Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day, the whole month is known as the month of love. This is where red wine comes in.
It’s been said that when you want to get romantic, red wine is where it’s at. It boosts the libido. The wine contains flavonoids (antioxidants) that increase the blood flow to key areas that get things going in the boudoir. While the tannins and histamines in the wine give your body a bit of warmth which also gets you in the mood for a little fun.
Some people still miss sipping red wine while watching Olive Pope and her Scandal squad. The show made drinking red wine on Thursday nights a special occasion. While you can still catch Scandal on a streaming site, there are other fabulous shows with characters getting their drink on. Here are some shows paired with some of the hottest celebrity libations to help you get a binge on when you and your partner want to kick it at home.
If you watched the Golden Globes, you know that Sandra Oh won for best actress for her portrayal as Eve Polastri. Oh plays a detective hot on the heels of a sociopath assassin. It’s all so very cat and mouse. She’s so dedicated to her job that it’s hurting her marriage. Who hasn’t had a partner that’s taken them for granted? I think we can all raise our hands.
That means Eve needs white wine from time to time. The Ferguson Crest Viognier would be the kind of wine that helps up unwind with this series. Hopefully in season two Eve gets that assassin and keeps her man.
Some of you will remember Richard Madden from Game of Thrones. In this show he plays, Sergeant David Budd, working as a specialist protection officer for the police department. He gets assigned to protect the Home Secretary, Julia Montague. When you get a good looking bodyguard protects a sexy cougar something is going in the romance department. Between his PTSD, failed marriage, sleeping with his boss, and bullets, David needs a drink every now and then.
Scotch is the way go to when sipping during this show. It seems fitting to drink, Haig Club, by David Beckham. It’s like having two good looking Davids at the same time.
Ray Donovan- Bob Dylan’s Heaven’s Door Tennessee Bourbon
Liev Schreiber headlines this show which is headed to its 7th season. Ray Donovan is a Hollywood fixer who finds himself in quite a few dangerous situations. He’s like the Oliva Pope of Hollywood ( season six he hits NYC). Then there’s his hot mess of an Irish Catholic family who is more trouble than his clients. However, Ray’s scrappy wife, Abby, is the glue that holds the family together.
The Donovans are very much into whiskey. It just might be in every episode. Watching the show while sipping a Heaven’s Door Tennessee Bourbon, will make feel just like a Donovan.
The family is lead by Lady Mae Greenleaf and Bishop James Greenleaf who have been married forever while running a successful church with their children. Their estranged daughter, Grace, comes back home and all hell breaks loose. This show may be focused on a family in the church, but they are as scandalous as they come. Cheating, stealing, incest, and so much more. Did I mention that Oprah shows up in a few episodes? There’s so much drama, I guess you could say all the characters needs Jesus.
The Greenleafs are a lot like the Donovans, they love libations. There seems to be a consistent theme of red wine so Night Ender by Aisha Tyler/Nocking Point Wines is a great choice for a sip and binge.
For more Love & Libations date ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
Tis’ the season for cocktailing like the rich and famous. It’s no secret that celebrities love a good party, but then again who doesn’t? As you entertain or spend quality time at home this season channel your inner celeb with one of the following drinks.
While she may no longer be with us, Elizabeth Taylor is an icon. It’s not a secret that Taylor loved herself a drink. Some of her heavy drinking came due to her rocky yet passionate relationship with Richard Burton. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, drinking was a recreational sport to many. Taylor’s favorite cocktail was the “Black Russian”, she added the Hershey’s syrup for her own special touch. This libation would be great with holidays cookies, watching classic Christmas movies and wearing matching pajamas with your partner.
Heat the chocolate syrup until it gets warm (make sure not to burn it). Add the ingredients to a mixing glass or shaker and stir until well combined. Fill the glass with ice and stir until chilled. Stain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
For years I’d heard about a cocktail called the “Pornstar Martini”. It’s a popular drink in places such as London, though most bartenders around the globe know how to make one. I had the pleasure of meeting the inventor of the cocktail, Douglas Ankrah, at an event in NYC. Since I know the drink is popular in the hottest bars in London, I asked him what famous people had been spotted sipping his cocktail. Let’s just say that the Duchess of Cambridge (who we all know as Kate Middleton) use to enjoy this martini when out with her friends.
This drink is obviously a good choice for a party because it would get the guests talking. It’s Also the perfect libation to serve when you are snuggling in with your boo. It’s a little naughty yet nice. Suggestive cocktails have a way of making couples creative. Besides that, it’s a good drink of Netflix and chill.
Pornstar Martini
2 oz. vanilla vodka
1 oz passion fruit puree
½ oz vanilla syrup
½ oz lime juice
Side shot of Champagne ( or go with Crémant)
Combine vodka, passion fruit, vanilla syrup and lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake it up then strain into a coup. Serve with a shot of Champagne or Crémant.
In the past few years, Oprah has been showing us her fun side. Lady O mentioned that she makes a mean margarita, but her favorite drink is a Pomegranate Rosé Martini. When you are living a luxurious life like Oprah, the sparkling wine for this libation has to be champagne, of course. Can’t you totally see Oprah and Gayle kicking back with a few of these over the holidays in one of her stunning homes. This cocktail is great for catching up with your girl squad.
Pomegranate Rosé Martini
2 oz vodka
3 oz. fresh pomegranate juice
½ tsp fresh lemon juice
2 oz rosé Champagne
Fill the shaker with ice, vodka, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice. Strain into a martini glass and top off with the sparkling rosé. Garnish with dried star anise.
For more Love & Libations date night ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
October brings on the spooky vibes. This month’s column is going to focus on cocktails inspired by a couple of villains and a badass woman who are icons, especially during the Halloween time. The cocktails include a celebrity brand to as well as a simple alternative spirit. Their libations will get you to have a scary good time.
It’s no secret that Kathie Lee Gifford loves wine. She and her co-star Hoda always have a fun libation in front of them during the show. The name of the wines come from her last name and belief that friendship, love, and laugher are gifts that should be cherished. Recently Gifford has said that she is willing to make room in her heart for someone new. At this point, it would take someone pretty special to wine to sweep her off her feet. Her busy social life and show keep her content.
What’s great about Gifft Wines is how affordable they are. It makes them the perfect option to channel your inner Kathie Lee and entertain friends and family.
One could say that Kyle McLaughlin is aging like his fine wines. When not acting McLaughlin can be found focusing on making small batch wines in Walla Walla, Washington. It’s his home state and he said that he was obsessed with wines from the region. The unusual name for his line of wines comes from a reference from Shakespeare. If you’ve never had wines from the state you are in for a treat. Washington is known for producing amazing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Syrah.
This is a special wine that should come out for a special occasion like an anniversary or romantic dinner. Make sure you have this one at home or a hotel so that you are close to the boudoir, it will give you the feels.
If you won’t know the actor, Sam Neill by name, you would definitely know him if you saw him. He recently was seen in the frisky movie, Gerald’s Game. Let’s just say handcuffs were involved. While he has had a very successful career as an actor, he found that he had a passion for wine. Neill has been in the wine game since 1993. Unlike most celebrities who have a wine business in Napa or Sonoma, his winery is in New Zealand. He owns four organic vineyard spread around Otago, a beautiful region known for its luscious mountains.
This big juicy Pinot Noir is bold and full of body. It will be a delight on the palate of any red wine lover. With this wine you could opt for a nice quiet dinner of lamb or steak or have it when you have your closest friends over. It’s not a wine for so called friend, but perfect for your squad.
Legend teamed up with the very classy Raymond Vineyards to produce his award winning wine. The goal of the wine is to bring together classic elegance, rich complexity and modern soul.
It has notes of chocolate, blackberries, and oak. Let’s just say that it’s seduction in a bottle.
This is a wine that is all about spending quality time with your partner. You might even want to whip up a recipe from Chrissy Teigen’s new book, Cravings: Hungry For More, and pair with the wine. It would be like taking love tips for Chrissy and John.
For more Love & Libations date ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
Everyday it seems like another celebrity is announcing a new wine or spirit. It’s hard to keep up, especially when some of them are being quiet about it. There are some famous folks who just put their name on some booze so they can make money. However there are some celebs who do it for love. Below is a list of libations that the stars are putting their heart into.
There’s no denying that tequila is one of the hottest spirits around right now; however, not all tequila is created equal. Some of it is cheap and fills you with nothing but regrets the next day. In fact, that may be the reason you’re scared to get anywhere near this specific libation ever again. Do yourself a favor and revisit the spirit or take a different approach to it. While there is bad and ugly tequila, there is some really good juice that has hit the market. It’s a spirit that men and women enjoy. It’s been said that women who drink tequila are mysterious and sexy. On your next date night, maybe pour a little tequila on the rocks to knock off their socks.
Read for More Tequila Tips from Relationship Expert Yolanda Shoshana!
When I was thinking about what I wanted to do for this column, I was walking through NYC and came upon Les Halles. Unless you have been away from the news recently, you may know that Anthony Bourdain passed away. Les Halles was a French bistro where he got his start as an executive chef. Let’s just say many romantic nights were had at the restaurant. Though both locations of the bistro are now closed, people have been leaving tributes to him pasted on the windows. Consider this my cheers to the icon.
The culinary world is still reeling over the death of Bourdain; in fact, it may never be the same. It will be hard to find anyone who can take his place, though someone will try to fill the void. He undoubtedly changed the way that people eat and drink. Someone said, “He was the Mr. Rogers of the food world.” I would have never compared the two, but he did have an edgy Mr. Rogers charm about him. More importantly, both men had a way of making people stop, listen and think in a way that impacted lives. People around the world are coming forward with stories of how Bourdain helped them learn to love food. Since there’s such a deep connection between love and food, maybe Bourdain should have added “love doctor” to his resume.
Keep reading for details from our relationship expert Yolanda Shoshana on the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorite cocktail!
All eyes have been on the royal celebrity wedding between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Between the cameras, approvals from the Queen, and invitations, Markle will probably be thrilled to relax with a glass of wine during her wedding reception. While there are many charming things about Markle, what I like about her the most is her love of good Italian red wine. Imagine chilling with Meghan over a glass of red, talking about tiaras and, hopefully, she shares the secret to her roast chicken recipe.
“The Tig” was the name of Markle’s lifestyle blog that was named after Tignanello, a full-bodied red wine from Italy. Long story short, it’s a wine from Tuscany that is a part of what is called the Super Tuscan revolution, which took place in the 1970’s. The red blend is a combo of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc produced in the Chianti Classico region. This would suggest that Markle has a sophisticated palate. She is prepared for all of the fancy meals at the palace, not to mention the food she will share with Prince Harry as they travel the world together.
A bottle of Tignanello can run from $80 to $150. However, there are Tuscan wines up to par that are more affordable. The following is a list of five wines that I like to think of as “royal reds” from Tuscany and ones that I think would receive a thumbs up from Markle herself. After all, a bold Italian red is perfect to sip during fairy-tale weddings or for a date night with your prince or princess.
Whether you care about the Kentucky Derby or not, you will be hearing about the races’ infamous Mint Julep until the Derby is well and done. You can’t have a Derby celebration without the classic cocktail! Plenty of celebrities show up at the Derby to be seen, including Kathy Couric, Debra Messing, Tracy Morgan, and Harry Connick Jr., to name a few. Some celebrities even host events. Try hosting your own Derby party for a fun date idea!
Keep reading for celebrity spins on Mint Juleps for a fun date idea!
With the start of spring earlier this week and summer creeping closer, it’s time to bust out the rosé. While it’s fun to “rosé all day” anytime of the year, there’s something even more magical about sipping the pink wine during the spring and summer months. If you’re looking for a fun date idea, here are four rosés that you can enjoy to make you feel like the rich and famous.
Love didn’t keep Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie together, but their wine, Miraval, is still flowing strong. When the former celebrity couple came out with the rosé, it was such a hit that it was named “the best rosé in the world.” When they split, the first question was, “What will happen with the wine?” Luckily, the wine lives on!
Pitt once said that he tastes every barrel himself — but now, I’m not sure who tastes for him now since he is rocking a sober life. Made from four grape varietals in Provence, it’s an elegant wine that works for all types of occasions. This wine is perfect for what Wendy Williams calls the “kitchen table top,” when you are with family and friends sharing secrets, celebrity gossip, and the joys or oys of life.
Diving Into Hampton Water Rosé
Can you imagine Jon Bon Jovi sipping rosé by the pool? It’s not a bad image at all. He just launched a new rosé inspired by the Hamptons called Diving Into Hampton Water. Rosé wine is known as “Hampton’s Gatorade” because it’s a big deal during the summer. Bon Jovi’s son, Jesse Bongiovi, came up with the concept and name of the wine. While the name of the wine features the Hamptons, it’s actually produced in the South of France by the very charming winemaker, Gérard Bertrand.
It’s the kind of wine to sip by a pool when hanging out with your boo. The wine is selling out because it’s shiny and new. If you can get your hands on a bottle, it will be a special treat for you and the one you love.
Sofia Rosé
This rosé by Francis Ford Coppola is named after his only daughter Sofia, who most people know as a talented director and screenwriter. With her busy schedule, I can’t help but wonder how often she has her wine. This California wine is a blend of Syrah and Pinot Noir. It’s an elegant wine in a sexy bottle that showcases the lively pink color of the rosé. The aromas in the wine are floral and berries, which make it wonderful to pair with fish, seafood, and cheese.
Skip the Sofia Rosé bubbles in the can and go for the still wine in a bottle. It’s perfect to pair with a quiet date night at home or when you’re cooking dinner together.
While Lisa Vanderpump is famous for being one of the stars of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she is quickly becoming known for her wine. Since she and her husband, Ken Todd, are in the hospitality business with 28 bars and restaurants, having a wine is a natural progression. The Vanderpump Rosé is produced in Provence, so it’s perfect to drink when you want to feel like you are in the France without hopping on a plane. As Vanderpump says, “Life isn’t all diamonds and rosé — but it should be.”
It’s a feminine wine with a lot of personality on the palate. This wine is perfect for your summer soirees at a rooftop bar or in the backyard with your squad.
For more Love & Libations date ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
Preparing a nice home-cooked meal on a date night with your partner is one of the sexiest things that you can do together. It’s also important to pair your food with the right spirit or wine. There are some celebrity chefs who have the perfect libations to add a sensual touch to your dinner table.
As soon as January 1st hit, the Valentine’s Day decorations, chocolates, and teddy bears are out. Now that February is only a few weeks away, it’s time to prep. February is known as the month of love. Besides Valentine’s Day on the 14th, there are 27 other days to show love to your partner, friends, and, of course, yourself.
That being said, here are three libations to help you show love next month:
December, a month packed with festive holiday gatherings, is the perfect time for sparkling wine. It’s also a great way to pop into 2018. Bubbly is known for special occasions, so whichever holidays you celebrate, there’s a bottle that will pair perfectly for your situation. Honestly, it’s always a good time for sparkling wine. Even if you are having a quiet date night at home, you can break out the bubbles!
Enjoy Celebrity Sparkling Wine on Your Next Date Night
Thanksgiving is a time for spending with the ones who we love. That also means it’s a time when wine and cocktails are flowing to celebrate gratitude and the joy of being together. Here are some beverage ideas perfect for pairing with your Thanksgiving meal, whether you’re having a special date night with your partner or a dinner with your friends and family.
A great way to butter up your mother-in-law is with a bottle of bubbles. Slip her a bottle of Carlos Santana’s Supernatural Brut. The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot grapes is a creative collaboration between Mumm Napa and Santana. The aromas of apple, fig, and vanilla are signatures of the holidays. Mumm Napa is one of the best sparkling wine houses around, so she will probably hide the bottle to save it all for herself.
Celebrity Couple Inspiration for Thanksgiving Day
Bring celebrity couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé to your Thanksgiving table by busting out a bottle of D’USSÉ. A lot of people think of Cognac as a drink for men, but women also love the brandy as well. Your relatives will be thrilled to indulge! Plus, if you aren’t married yet, maybe it’ll get you “marriage material” points. D’USSÉ has notes of caramel, spices, and honey that will excite your nose as well as your palate. Use the brandy to mix up some cocktail classics like a Sidecar or French 75, which go great with turkey, cranberries, and dressing. Above all else, Cognac is an elixir of love, mainly because it makes everybody feel good.
When you know that your partner digs Scotch, you can most certainly pair it with a Turkey Day feast. A good selection is Haig Club Scotch Whisky, a single grain scotch whisky in a striking blue bottle that is as posh as its British creators David Beckham and Simon Fuller. Think toffee and butterscotch notes with a short finish. Keep it simple by adding a touch of club soda to it to pair with dinner. If you still plan to serve wine with dinner versus the whisky, make a light Scotch-based cocktail as an aperitif to kick off the festivities.
When your Thanksgiving meal is over, a perfect way to chill with your significant other or family and friends is by having an after-dinner drink such as a Limoncello. The Italian lemon liqueur is mainly produced in Southern Italy. While it’s slowly becoming more popular around the world, it’s the second most popular liqueur in Italy. Danny Devito’s Limoncello is the pick that will do the trick. Devito ended up getting into the Limoncello game after drinking far too many with George Clooney and showing up tipsy for an interview on The View. This is what you call turning lemons into Limoncello!
For more Love & Libations date night ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
Pumpkin spice isn’t the only thing that arrives during Autumn. The season brings in the cold weather, making it the perfect time to snuggle up to your boo and enjoy some red wine to keep you warm. It’s been said that red wine is an aphrodisiac for love. According to Euripides, the Greek tragedian who was a wine connoisseur, “where is no wine there is no love.”
Here are some celebrity reds and date night ideas to enjoy during the crisp and cold months:
LVE Cabernet Sauvignon, Raymond Vineyards
Soul singer John Legend has a collection of wines called LVE produced in Napa Valley. His Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of blackberries, dark chocolate, and black tea. Can’t you imagine Chrissy Teigen making a dish from her cookbook for Legend and pairing it with some of his wine? File that under relationship goals! Put on some of Legend’s slow jams, sip some LVE, and make it a very romantic night.
You know you are an icon when you’ve passed away and you end up with your own wine. Marilyn Merlot is inspired by none other than Marilyn Monroe. If Monroe’s sassy attitude could be put in a bottle, this wine would be the answer. It’s easy to assume this wine is mainly for fun, but it’s actually a high-quality wine produced in Napa Valley that’s been going strong since 1981. Vanilla and tart cherries will flirt with your palate. When you are feeling extra frisky, maybe even a bit adventurous with your partner, this wine is the one.
Pinot by Tituss, PBTB Wines
If you have ever watched the Netflix hit, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, you are probably familiar with the character Titus Andromedon, played by Tituss Burgess. In season one, his character sang a song called “Peeno Noir.” The song became a viral hit, which lead to Burgess creating a Pinot Noir wine. The actor has said that the wine is meant to be enjoyed by all the fabulous “Kings and Kweens.” This fun and fruity wine is great for a Netflix and chill night or some hold me, let’s Hulu.
The Director’s Merlot, Frances Ford Coppola Winery
Coppola has been in the wine game for a while. His wines tend to be inspired by the art of storytelling and filmmaking, so they have unique names to reflect that. The Director’s Merlot is a juicy and succulent red that is a good example of a wine from Sonoma. Coppola has probably won more awards for his wine than his films. This Merlot is perfect to enjoy while relaxing by the fire and having a nice conversation with your love.
Drew Barrymore is the perfect celebrity to have a wine. She knows how to have fun and live it up. She created her line of wines with the help of the California-based Carmel Road Winery. Her red blend is meant for every day sipping. Since it has notes of tobacco, spice, and fruit, it would be good paired with meat or something from a slow cooker. Long story short, when you are home for a nice, quiet meal with your partner, this is the perfect wine to choose.
For more Love & Libations date night ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
In the latest celebrity news, three famous couples have caught the public’s attention. One of which is new celebrity couple is stepping out in young Hollywood, while a more seasoned couple is prepping for a celebrity baby, and another is just getting things started. . But who’s stepping out this time around hand in hand? Join me as I look into the crystal ball of relationships and love. Below, I share my predictions for these celebrity couples.
Celebrity Couple Predictions: Celebrity Relationships That May or May Not Last
