Booze Clues: 5 Easy Tips- How to Host a Fab Fall Brunch

Entertaining and Lifestyle expert, Limor Suss. 

Summer is the season for al fresco brunching, but as we approach Autumn, what's a girl to do with her Saturday and Sunday afternoons (especially if she's not into football)? We say get a little more personal and host a brunch for a few friends at home. Entertaining expert, Limor Suss, has provided us with 5 quick tips to get you started.

Of course, for us, the focal point of brunch (once you've selected your shoes) is liberal libations. Suss suggests keeping it simple by making a punch so that you can spend your time chatting with friends instead of constantly shaking or blending drinks. Since we're entering the fall season, something with a hint of cinnamon, like this Pinnacle Vodka cocktail, is a great idea. 

The Pinnacle Cinnabon Brunchy Punch

1 part Pinnacle® Cinnabon® Vodka

1 part Orange juice 

1⁄2 part Cranberry Juice 

1⁄2 part club soda 

Mix ingredients in a large punch bowl. Garnish with lemon wheels and cherries.

Stumped on which shoes to wear? We suggest wearing a casual wedge, like this Leighann sandal by Nine West. Since it's suede, it's the perfect transitional shoe. Plus, it'll add simple sophistication to jeans or a maxi dress. 

Suss' other tips: 

• Give Your Brunch a Theme: With summer coming to an end and autumn almost upon us, a fall themed brunch is the perfect way to welcome the new season. Incorporate fall flavors (think: apples, pomegranates, pumpkins) and festive decor in rich colors (lots of red, gold and orange!)

• Make a Menu that’s Easy to Serve: The last thing you want to do is ‘made-to-order’ omelets, or a dish that will have you running to and from the kitchen all day. Give yourself a break and serve a few dishes either on a buffet table or family style. Prep as much in advance as possible so you can spend time with your guests and enjoy the brunch.

• Add Cute Touches Where You Can: I love to serve food in themed dishware. It adds another level of whimsy into whatever you’re serving. If it’s a smaller brunch, splurge on a nice set of themed dishware that can be used all season long.

• Use Food That Doubles as Decor: Buy squash and pumpkins and hallow them out. Fill them up with olives, nuts ... whatever you like! They make the place look festive and lovely, without spending too much money on decorations.

*Image of Limor Suss via LimorSuss.com. Cocktail courtesy of Pinnacle Vodka. Shoe Image via Amazon.com, where Shoes N Booze is an affiliate site. 

Booze Clues: Why Whiskey is a Winter Winner

Have A Whiskey Print via BentonParkPrints on Etsy

My friends often say I drink like an old man during fall and winter because I prefer to sip whiskey neat when the temps drop. However, Master of Whiskey, Gina Unverferth sees it differently. As one of the top women in whiskey, she'll quickly tell you that a predilection for the robust flavor or the grain-based spirit is not mutually exclusive of a penchant for wearing heels and lip gloss. There is a reason behind the thought that whiskey sipping is a man's sport, though. "Because of the temperance movement and whiskey being served in brothels, women started getting a bad wrap when associated with whiskey," says Unverferth.


I recently had the opportunity to talk whiskey with Gina while she whipped up a Manitoba, one of her favorite cocktails featuring Crown Royal Maple Finish. (Recipe is at the bottom of this post.) Since Polar Vortex has descended upon us, I figured this is the perfect time to share what I learned. 

Gina building a Manitoba

S&B: What originally drew you to whiskey, and what keeps you coming back for more?

GU: I first fell in love with whiskey as a tap dancer, with post show toasts with fellow dancers, musicians, and crew.  From there, I started developing my palate and continue to love finding new liquids that I'm in love with.

S&B: Why is whiskey so great for chilly weather sipping?

GU: Whiskey has many warm notes on the nose and palate.  From a toasted nuttiness to rich toffee and vanilla to a smokiness – all great flavors on a cold day!

S&B: What type of whiskey is the best to try for a novice- especially a female novice?

GU: I would start with a smooth bourbon as it tends to be sweeter because it is corn based. From there, one can explore whether they want something spicier, smokier, or what flavor profile they are searching for.

S&B: I’m sure Shoes N Booze readers would love a few tips. Based on flavor preference, what would you suggest as a whiskey entry point?

GU: A.      Sweet drinks: Old Fashioned    

B.      Bitter and smooth: Manhattan

C.      Something warm: Hot Irish Punch (Hot Toddy)

D.      Bright and Fresh: Whiskey Smash

S&B: What are 3 types of whiskey a home bar needs, and what brand do you suggest?

GU: A.      Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon

B.      Rye: George Dickel Rye Whiskey

C.      Scotch: Oban or Johnnie Walker Platinum

MANITOBA

·         1 1/2 oz Crown Royal Maple Finish Whisky

·         3/4 oz Lemon Juice

·         1/2 oz Simple Syrup

·         top with Ginger Beer

Shake & strain into a highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Booze Clues: 5 Affordable Wines to Sip When You Want to Impress

 

Winning While Wining

 

Cocktails are great, but there are occasions when a glass of malbec is more appropriate than a martini. That said, it’s important to know what to sip and when. Bill Traverso, a professional wine judge and Director of Wine Competitions for Vineyard and Winery Management Group, volunteered to provide expert advice for sipping in certain instances. He also promised he’d suggest wines that won’t break the bank (because you’ll surely also want new shoes for said instances).

 

A date

For a date, I would recommend Italian Prosecco, such as the NV Ruggeri Gold Label (approx $20 per bottle). It can be enjoyed before, during, and after a meal and is an elegant change from Champagne. **Photo & price via Buywineusa.com

Your future mother-in-law

This is an important one, so I’m going with a very specific recommendation: the Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling 2010 Keuka Spring; it is a classic, light Riesling that suits almost everyone’s palate. In fact, it just won Best of Class in the 2011 International Eastern Wine Competition (More info on the competition here)

At lunch/ dinner with the boss

Russian River Valley/Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for a lunch or dinner with the boss. It varies in price, but always delivers rich flavors of red and black grapes.

As a hostess gift for someone you don’t know that well

Chardonnay is the perfect wine gift because of its light crisp taste and versatility. California Chardonnay is almost always a good bet; for a specific, try the 2010 Round Hill Oak Free Chardonnay (approx $8 per bottle) which won Best of Class in the 2011 West Coast Wine Competition (More info on the competition here) *Image and price info via Snooth.com.

Hanging out with a high-brow crowd

French Rhône blends are perfect for high-brow crowds; they are full of dark, deep flavors that are sure to satisfy anyone who tries them.

Now that you know what to drink, please don’t hesitate if you’d like advice on which shoes you should wear to complement the contents of your glass. Also, don’t forget to read up on international affairs and maybe glance at the Cliff’s Notes for a piece of classic literature or two. Your wine knowledge won’t wow your audience ALL night.

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