Guest Count

To figure out the approximate amount of alcohol you’ll need, start by counting the number of confirmed guests. For cocktails and beer, a general rule of thumb is one drink per guest per hour. Wine and spirits, however, tend to be consumed a bit more slowly, so for these, you can calculate around 1.5 to 2 drinks per person per hour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uraken (ケンジーニアス) (@kenji.uraken)

Variety Matters

Beyond making sure you’ve got enough alcohol in general, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of drinks that will cater to everyone’s preferences. Include a mix of beer, wine, and spirits, and consider making a specialty cocktail for a seasonal touch. Tailor your choices based on what you know about your crowd–wine enthusiasts will likely appreciate more wine options, for example.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Wurm Jr. (@inspiredbycharm)

Keep It Personal

As important as it is to understand your guests’ preferences, even more important is to be aware of any specific dietary requirements and provide different options accordingly. Have non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water and sodas on-hand, and consider making a seasonal mocktail if your menu and budget allow. Many types of alcohol also contain gluten, which is a common allergen, so you may want to make sure that some of your offerings are gluten-free.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matt N Vic (@belgianbeerinnkent)

The post How to Plan What Alcohol to Buy for a Party appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sayana’s Food (@say_ana_fewd)

Ingredients:

• 3-6 medium-sized pears
• ½ cup sugar
• 8-10 whole cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 cups red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot)
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients (except the pears) in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar. 
2. Once the liquid is ready, peel the pears and place them into the poaching liquid. Avoid peeling the pears beforehand as they will discolor. 
3. Allow the pears to poach in the liquid on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, but rotate the pears every 5 minutes to ensure they poach evenly on all sides, including the tops of the pears. 
4. Once the pears have cooked, keep them upright in the poaching liquid and remove the saucepan from the heat, allowing the pears to cool down in the poaching liquid. 
5. Before serving, remove the pears from the liquid and leave them on a plate, covered with plastic wrap. Heat the remaining liquid in the saucepan, and bring it to a simmer. Allow the liquid to thicken slightly into a syrup. The cooking time depends on how much liquid is left, so keep an eye on it. If the syrup is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. 
6. To serve, pour a little syrup over the pears, alongside whipped mascarpone cheese or whipped cream.

The post Put Wine to Good Use With This Poached Pear Dessert appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Merlot

A rich, full-bodied merlot can handle strong flavors like pungent Gorgonzola, creamy Camembert, and Brie, as well as sharp Cheddar.

Sauvignon Blanc

An extremely versatile white wine that can be paired with cheeses of varying strength. Let the crisp liquid compliment smooth cheeses like Goat and Gouda, or offset sharper flavors from Asiago and Gruyere.

Pinot Noir

Much like Merlot, Pinot Noirs can be fairly heavy. Their fruity aftertaste works well with cheeses like Feta and Port Salut which are both known to be salty, yet subtle.

Riesling

A fruity, light wine such as a Riesling deserves to be accompanied by something which enhances its freshness. Think of creamy cheeses like Brie and Gouda, but don’t be afraid to get adventurous by trying a Blue cheese as well.

The post Your Handy Guide to Pairing Cheese and Wine Like a Pro appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Work the Angles

If the cork broke when you were opening the wine, leaving a chunk of the cork inside is frustrating. The best way to get it out is to gently use your wine key to twist, pull, and remove the other half of the cork if it hasn’t been pushed too far down the bottle’s neck. Insert the corkscrew at a 45-degree angle and use the side of the bottle for leverage.

Run the Neck Under Hot Water

This trick is pretty simple—put the neck of the wine bottle under hot water for about 30 seconds. The heat will cause the glass to expand and it might loosen it enough to get the cork out.

Push the Cork Into the Bottle

When all else fails, push the cork into the bottle. Pour the wine out of the bottle into a decanter, using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to strain any cork pieces.

The post How to Remove a Stuck Cork Out of a Wine Bottle appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Want to learn how to make a tinto de verano at home? It’s super easy! Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• Young red wine (non-aged)
• Soda water
• Lemon
• Ice

Instructions

Start off by taking either a pitcher or a glass, depending on how large of a drink that you would like to make. 

After you have done this, add equal parts of soda water, a neutral-tasting drink that contains carbonated water and sugar, and young red wine. You want a wine that hasn’t been aged and that has light to medium flavor and body, such as Spain’s famous tempranillo.

After mixing the two beverages together, take a couple of ice cubes and put it inside of your glass.

Garnish the drink with a slice of lemon, squeezing it into the drink if you would like to add a bit of citrus flavor.

That’s it! Your tinto de verano is ready to be drunk. We hope you enjoy!

The post Learn to Make Tinto de Verano, Spain’s Refreshing Wine Cocktail appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Add these light, refreshing, and flavorful white wines to your list for the next time you head to the store!

Albariño

Albariño is one of the world’s trendiest white wines right now. Originating in northwestern Spain and Portugal, this crisp and dry white wine explodes with citrus flavors and pairs excellently with seafood.

Sauvignon Blanc

This French varietal is now grown throughout the world, as drinkers have fallen in love with the green apple, lime, white peach and passion fruit tones that Sauvignon Blanc offers. Zesty, sharp, and tending towards being a very young wine, this grape is perfect for spring.

Prosecco

Looking for something sparkling? Why not try Prosecco, Italy’s favorite sparkling white wine? The Glera grape is used to create a fizzy, brut-style sparkling white that is perfect for sipping while outside on the porch or at a picnic.

The post Try These Refreshing White Wine Varieties This Spring appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Here’s how to recreate that awesome White Claw taste from the comfort of your own home without any gross additives or artificial flavoring. You can double this recipe if you are sharing the drink with a friend, or make even more if you choose to serve these as a cocktail at a gathering or event. This recipe is also versatile considering you can replace the vodka with your favorite white wine!

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of seltzer water on the rocks
• 1 shot of vodka (or white wine)
• Half a handful of berries or citrus fruits
• 1/2 of a lime

Instructions:

1. Place the berries or other fruit in an empty glass. Mash them with a spoon until smooth and pulpy. 
2. Pour in the glass of seltzer water with the ice.
3. Add the vodka or wine and squeeze in the juice from the 1/2 lime.
4. Enjoy!

The post How to Make Your Own Boozy Seltzer That’s Better Than a White Claw appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out these February food holidays and get prepared for celebrating!

National Chopsticks Day: February 6th

Chopsticks might be tough for some of us to learn how to use well, but have no fear! Order your favorite stir-fry dish or your favorite plate of sushi on the sixth of February, and use chopsticks on this day.

National “Drink Wine” Day: February 18th

As if we need another excuse to drink wine. Everyone’s favorite fermented grape beverage is celebrated on the 18th of February. This would be the perfect time to splurge on that fancy bottle you’ve always wanted to buy at the wine store. Treat yourself!

National Pancake Day: February 21st

Isn’t it great to know that you already have breakfast plans for Friday the 21st of February? This day is all about celebrating pancakes, one of our personal favorite breakfast treats. Pro tip: enjoy them with a dab of butter, a little maple syrup, and even a few pieces of fruit.

The post Get Ready For These February Food Holidays appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Pumpkin pie spice, or pumpkin spice, is a blend of spices that was originally used in pumpkin pies, hence its name. It’s made of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice or cloves. It compliments certain wines amazingly, and if you haven’t tried that combination yet, we urge you to do it soon.

“Generally, what varietals that work best with those ingredients are late harvest wines or wines that have a little more residual sugar in them, due to being left on the vine a bit longer. Wines picked later usually have just the right amount of sweetness and will pair nicely with that spicy, sweet flavor that we all love,” wine expert Cassandra Rosen told Food and Wine.

The post The Best Non-Coffee Pairing for Pumpkin Spice appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

What if we told you, however, that there is a foodie outdoor activity that is absolutely magical in autumn?

Vineyard tourism in autumn is one of the best things to do if you’re a travel and food lover. While the grapes of the harvest have already been collected and the vines are being prepared for the next crop of grapes, this doesn’t mean that the magic of the vine has already gone away.

Vineyards are always located in regions that, naturally, get cooler in autumn and winter. This leads the leaves of the grapevines to undergo the natural process of regeneration. While the vines are typically ugly and bare in winter, the spectacle of seeing the vine’s leaves change colors in autumn is unforgettable.

So, don’t think twice. If you are considering a visit to a vineyard, keep autumn in mind as a time of the year to do so. The spectacle of striking oranges, reds, and yellows combined with the slower crowds and the peacefulness of this season make autumn a perfect option for ecotourism.

You still have a few weeks left for the season so hurry up!

The post Visiting Vineyards in Autumn is a Magical Experience appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Guest Count

To figure out the approximate amount of alcohol you’ll need, start by counting the number of confirmed guests. For cocktails and beer, a general rule of thumb is one drink per guest per hour. Wine and spirits, however, tend to be consumed a bit more slowly, so for these, you can calculate around 1.5 to 2 drinks per person per hour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uraken (ケンジーニアス) (@kenji.uraken)

Variety Matters

Beyond making sure you’ve got enough alcohol in general, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of drinks that will cater to everyone’s preferences. Include a mix of beer, wine, and spirits, and consider making a specialty cocktail for a seasonal touch. Tailor your choices based on what you know about your crowd–wine enthusiasts will likely appreciate more wine options, for example.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Wurm Jr. (@inspiredbycharm)

Keep It Personal

As important as it is to understand your guests’ preferences, even more important is to be aware of any specific dietary requirements and provide different options accordingly. Have non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water and sodas on-hand, and consider making a seasonal mocktail if your menu and budget allow. Many types of alcohol also contain gluten, which is a common allergen, so you may want to make sure that some of your offerings are gluten-free.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matt N Vic (@belgianbeerinnkent)

The post How to Plan What Alcohol to Buy for a Party appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sayana’s Food (@say_ana_fewd)

Ingredients:

• 3-6 medium-sized pears
• ½ cup sugar
• 8-10 whole cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 2 cups red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot)
• ½ cup water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients (except the pears) in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar. 
2. Once the liquid is ready, peel the pears and place them into the poaching liquid. Avoid peeling the pears beforehand as they will discolor. 
3. Allow the pears to poach in the liquid on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, but rotate the pears every 5 minutes to ensure they poach evenly on all sides, including the tops of the pears. 
4. Once the pears have cooked, keep them upright in the poaching liquid and remove the saucepan from the heat, allowing the pears to cool down in the poaching liquid. 
5. Before serving, remove the pears from the liquid and leave them on a plate, covered with plastic wrap. Heat the remaining liquid in the saucepan, and bring it to a simmer. Allow the liquid to thicken slightly into a syrup. The cooking time depends on how much liquid is left, so keep an eye on it. If the syrup is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. 
6. To serve, pour a little syrup over the pears, alongside whipped mascarpone cheese or whipped cream.

The post Put Wine to Good Use With This Poached Pear Dessert appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Merlot

A rich, full-bodied merlot can handle strong flavors like pungent Gorgonzola, creamy Camembert, and Brie, as well as sharp Cheddar.

Sauvignon Blanc

An extremely versatile white wine that can be paired with cheeses of varying strength. Let the crisp liquid compliment smooth cheeses like Goat and Gouda, or offset sharper flavors from Asiago and Gruyere.

Pinot Noir

Much like Merlot, Pinot Noirs can be fairly heavy. Their fruity aftertaste works well with cheeses like Feta and Port Salut which are both known to be salty, yet subtle.

Riesling

A fruity, light wine such as a Riesling deserves to be accompanied by something which enhances its freshness. Think of creamy cheeses like Brie and Gouda, but don’t be afraid to get adventurous by trying a Blue cheese as well.

The post Your Handy Guide to Pairing Cheese and Wine Like a Pro appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Work the Angles

If the cork broke when you were opening the wine, leaving a chunk of the cork inside is frustrating. The best way to get it out is to gently use your wine key to twist, pull, and remove the other half of the cork if it hasn’t been pushed too far down the bottle’s neck. Insert the corkscrew at a 45-degree angle and use the side of the bottle for leverage.

Run the Neck Under Hot Water

This trick is pretty simple—put the neck of the wine bottle under hot water for about 30 seconds. The heat will cause the glass to expand and it might loosen it enough to get the cork out.

Push the Cork Into the Bottle

When all else fails, push the cork into the bottle. Pour the wine out of the bottle into a decanter, using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to strain any cork pieces.

The post How to Remove a Stuck Cork Out of a Wine Bottle appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Want to learn how to make a tinto de verano at home? It’s super easy! Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• Young red wine (non-aged)
• Soda water
• Lemon
• Ice

Instructions

Start off by taking either a pitcher or a glass, depending on how large of a drink that you would like to make. 

After you have done this, add equal parts of soda water, a neutral-tasting drink that contains carbonated water and sugar, and young red wine. You want a wine that hasn’t been aged and that has light to medium flavor and body, such as Spain’s famous tempranillo.

After mixing the two beverages together, take a couple of ice cubes and put it inside of your glass.

Garnish the drink with a slice of lemon, squeezing it into the drink if you would like to add a bit of citrus flavor.

That’s it! Your tinto de verano is ready to be drunk. We hope you enjoy!

The post Learn to Make Tinto de Verano, Spain’s Refreshing Wine Cocktail appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Add these light, refreshing, and flavorful white wines to your list for the next time you head to the store!

Albariño

Albariño is one of the world’s trendiest white wines right now. Originating in northwestern Spain and Portugal, this crisp and dry white wine explodes with citrus flavors and pairs excellently with seafood.

Sauvignon Blanc

This French varietal is now grown throughout the world, as drinkers have fallen in love with the green apple, lime, white peach and passion fruit tones that Sauvignon Blanc offers. Zesty, sharp, and tending towards being a very young wine, this grape is perfect for spring.

Prosecco

Looking for something sparkling? Why not try Prosecco, Italy’s favorite sparkling white wine? The Glera grape is used to create a fizzy, brut-style sparkling white that is perfect for sipping while outside on the porch or at a picnic.

The post Try These Refreshing White Wine Varieties This Spring appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Here’s how to recreate that awesome White Claw taste from the comfort of your own home without any gross additives or artificial flavoring. You can double this recipe if you are sharing the drink with a friend, or make even more if you choose to serve these as a cocktail at a gathering or event. This recipe is also versatile considering you can replace the vodka with your favorite white wine!

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of seltzer water on the rocks
• 1 shot of vodka (or white wine)
• Half a handful of berries or citrus fruits
• 1/2 of a lime

Instructions:

1. Place the berries or other fruit in an empty glass. Mash them with a spoon until smooth and pulpy. 
2. Pour in the glass of seltzer water with the ice.
3. Add the vodka or wine and squeeze in the juice from the 1/2 lime.
4. Enjoy!

The post How to Make Your Own Boozy Seltzer That’s Better Than a White Claw appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Check out these February food holidays and get prepared for celebrating!

National Chopsticks Day: February 6th

Chopsticks might be tough for some of us to learn how to use well, but have no fear! Order your favorite stir-fry dish or your favorite plate of sushi on the sixth of February, and use chopsticks on this day.

National “Drink Wine” Day: February 18th

As if we need another excuse to drink wine. Everyone’s favorite fermented grape beverage is celebrated on the 18th of February. This would be the perfect time to splurge on that fancy bottle you’ve always wanted to buy at the wine store. Treat yourself!

National Pancake Day: February 21st

Isn’t it great to know that you already have breakfast plans for Friday the 21st of February? This day is all about celebrating pancakes, one of our personal favorite breakfast treats. Pro tip: enjoy them with a dab of butter, a little maple syrup, and even a few pieces of fruit.

The post Get Ready For These February Food Holidays appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Pumpkin pie spice, or pumpkin spice, is a blend of spices that was originally used in pumpkin pies, hence its name. It’s made of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice or cloves. It compliments certain wines amazingly, and if you haven’t tried that combination yet, we urge you to do it soon.

“Generally, what varietals that work best with those ingredients are late harvest wines or wines that have a little more residual sugar in them, due to being left on the vine a bit longer. Wines picked later usually have just the right amount of sweetness and will pair nicely with that spicy, sweet flavor that we all love,” wine expert Cassandra Rosen told Food and Wine.

The post The Best Non-Coffee Pairing for Pumpkin Spice appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

What if we told you, however, that there is a foodie outdoor activity that is absolutely magical in autumn?

Vineyard tourism in autumn is one of the best things to do if you’re a travel and food lover. While the grapes of the harvest have already been collected and the vines are being prepared for the next crop of grapes, this doesn’t mean that the magic of the vine has already gone away.

Vineyards are always located in regions that, naturally, get cooler in autumn and winter. This leads the leaves of the grapevines to undergo the natural process of regeneration. While the vines are typically ugly and bare in winter, the spectacle of seeing the vine’s leaves change colors in autumn is unforgettable.

So, don’t think twice. If you are considering a visit to a vineyard, keep autumn in mind as a time of the year to do so. The spectacle of striking oranges, reds, and yellows combined with the slower crowds and the peacefulness of this season make autumn a perfect option for ecotourism.

You still have a few weeks left for the season so hurry up!

The post Visiting Vineyards in Autumn is a Magical Experience appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.