Boozin’ Blog

I’m a beer man. I’ll argue all day that beer is just as elegant and refined as any wine you can pull out of your cellar. But I have to admit that when an occasion like St. Valentines Day or an anniversary rolls around, I find myself eyeing the Champagnes in the wine section of my favorite beer store. And I don’t even really like Champagne; don’t get me wrong, I’ll drink a glass or four if offered but I have other drinks that I like a lot better.

But there’s something about these significant days that seems to make it so we pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly, or at least wine, right? At the same time, a bottle of Champagne and a box of chocolates is so expected that it’s almost cliché. While I feel compelled to by a bottle of Champagne, I also feel a little silly taking it to the cashier.

Clearly, I have some unresolved issues surrounding sparkling wine.

And, by the way, that is usually what I really buy. As you probably know, it isn’t really Champagne unless it comes from the Champagne region of France. Otherwise, it’s sparkling wine. So why do I tend to buy sparkling wine over Champagne? Well, it has nothing to do with it being from France. I’ll buy wine, cheese and anything else tempting from France. It goes back to the idea that Champagne is cliché. I’m looking for something different and usually that will come from the non-French speaking vintners who aren’t quite so steeped in tradition.

One option is local wine. Living in Missouri, I have lots of options for local wine. There are dozens of small, family run wineries within just a few hours drive from my house and the booze store is always stocked with a wide selection of them. One popular local sparkling wine is called Ten Bucks. The label features a pen and ink cartoon drawing of ten male deer. It really takes the wind out of the hoity image of Champagne. Oh, and it sells for $10.

Another option that my wife particularly favors is Italian Muscato d’Asti. This full flavored sparkling wine is a very nice alternative to Champagne. Where the traditional bubbly seems only to offer the choice of excessively sweet or excessive dry and always watery, Muscato d’Asti is always flavorful and satisfying. And it’s definitely priced more reasonably than the French stuff with all of its commercial cache.

Or maybe this year I will finally resist the urge and just go with good beer. So long as I don’t forget the chocolate, I think my wife will be fine with that.

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There’s nothing like a well mixed cocktail to create a memorable evening. If you’re planning an elegant meal or just a quiet evening at home with your lover this Valentine’s Day, cocktails are your key for making an impression.

The great thing about mixed drinks is that you can create any flavor or experience that you want. From fruity drinks to dark, decadent libations, cocktails have it all. And talk about elegance! A well made cocktail makes for an impressive presentation.

One thing, especially for the newbie, if you decide that you’re going to take the evening in this direction makes sure that you know beforehand what drinks you plan to make. Read the recipes carefully and be certain that you understand them; maybe even take a couple of dry (well, wet) runs before. You don’t want your drinks to fall flat.

Okay, so what cocktails to make? Whenever I think cocktails, I turn to my buddy and mixology guru Colleen Graham. For Valentine’s Day she recommends a bunch of tempting drinks. Some of my favorites are the fruity and fragrant Blushing Geisha, the Champagne simplicity of Axis Kiss, or the always sure to please Death by Chocolate. Check out the rest of Colleen’s Valentine’s Day recommendations.

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Valentines Day is just a week away. So let’s talk a bit romantic booze.

Today we’ll begin with the most unlikely of adult beverages, beer. For those of you for whom beer means the cheapest case of cans filled with piss water - you know who you are - beer might not be the most romantic of drinks.

What is romantic? Is it elegance? Beer’s got elegance. Some of the top shelf craft and import beers are pure elegance. They range in intensity from delicate to bold with a whole palate of flavors from light and fruity to big roasty stouts to funky sour beers.

And the packaging; special release beers these days rival the finest champagnes with magnum bottles, wired down corks and striking labels. For a lot less money, one can pick up a fine bottle of beer that rivals the best wines in flavor, presentation and appearance.

Finally, does a romantic encounter always involve a box of chocolates for you? Chocolate and beer go great together. From the rich, coffee-like flavors of good stout to the tart, fruity flavors of lambic, there is plenty of fine beer that will go very nicely with the box of chocolates.

Or, just get chocolate beer! There is some great chocolate beer out there. Buy a bunch of individual bottles and see which one is you and your lover’s favorite.

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