A friend recently asked me what my favourite part of hosting is. While I usually consider myself front-of-house (and occasional sous-chef ), it’s when the plates and forks have been pushed aside, and the once-crisp napkins are now crumpled and wine-stained, that I really start to enjoy myself.
Everyone is fed, relaxed and — if I’ve done my job as the resident mixologist and shaken up some fabulous festive cocktails — feeling loose and ready for meaningful conversations that go well into the wee hours.
The after-dinner party is when I like to pull a special bottle reserved for the holidays from my stash, like a port from my travels, a Canadian whisky or an award-winning icewine from Niagara. There’s a reason why we’ve split our favourite bottles to serve into before dinner, with dinner and dessert: Each act of the dinner party is a delicate ecosystem, and we’re here to make sure you crush all of it.
Bottles to serve before dinner
Foodism's top pick:
In association with Chopin Potato Vodka
1. Chopin Potato Vodka
$50.05
Billed as the world's most awarded potato vodka, this Polish serve is clear and colourless with a full-bodied mouthfeel. On the nose, breathe in a bouquet of light citrus and subtle green apple. Chopin Potato Vodka's creamy, earthy taste with herbal, slightly floral notes makes it perfect for shaking up in everything from martinis to cosmopolitans this holiday season. Or sip it solo to savour those herbaceous notes and the long, warm, clean finish with no burn.
2. Muskoka Spirits Nitro Espresso Martini
$3.95
Skip the hassle of making coffee when you crack open a can of Muskoka Spirits’ vodka espresso martini. Shake gently, pour and watch its frothy head form.
3. Dillon’s Vermouth
$22.95
This sweet vermouth is made using Niagara grapes. Enjoy in a negroni or manhattan before the main event, or sip over ice.
4. Kew Vineyards Blanc de Noirs 2020
$29.95
This fizz will pique appetites before the main feast with croissant on the nose, and plenty of fruit on the palate.
5. Amaro Montenegro Italian Liqueur
$34.45
Amaro is a beautiful pre-dinner aperitif. Amaro Montenegro, made with 40 botanicals, was created to honour the future queen of Italy — and if it’s good enough for her.
6. Atypique Mojito
$29.99 for 12
Whether you’re staying sober or waiting until dessert to dip into the hard stuff, Atypique’s line of fizzy non-alcoholic cocktails are a delicious pre-dinner pick.
Bottles to pair with dinner
Foodism's top pick:
In association with Silk & Spice Spice Road
1. Silk & Spice Spice Road
$15.95
Named to highlight the importance of the spice trade, this Portuguese red wine blend is a deep ruby red that will allure your dinner guests from the moment it pours. Serve it in medium to large glasses so that you can fully take in the intense aromas of ripe black fruit with hints of chocolate and spice. This peppery wine's full body and long finish mean that it can stand up to meaty dishes and strong cheeses — and will make for an exceptional pairing with your main course.
2. Javier Sanz V Malcorta Verdejo 2021
$34
The grapes used in this unique verdejo from Rueda are grown on 15-year-old vines. Malcorta is a notoriously difficult clone to harvest, but we’re glad Javier Sanz persevered with this high acid wine. Pair with bitter greens or fish.
3. Sandbanks French Kiss
$19.95
This romantic ruby red blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon is popping with chocolate and nut flavours and is the ideal way to cap off a night of hosting. Enjoy it with slow-roasted lamb, sweets or just your sweetheart. Oh là là.
4. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
$24.95
This Californian wine is made from 100 per cent barrel-fermented chardonnay, creating a round and creamy mouthfeel. It’s bright, fresh and incredibly pairable with notes of pear and vanilla.
Bottles to serve after dinner or with dessert
Foodism's top pick:
In association with Nikka From The Barrel Whisky
1. Nikka From The Barrel Whisky
$69.95
Break out this beauty when your guests are lingering over the last bites of dinner or serve it with dessert. This light golden brown, blended whisky from Japan is best paired with a thick, moist slice of chocolate cake. Its warm palate with notes of dark chocolate and toffee paired with a long finish that's hot, sweet and smoky is a very merry end to a meal, indeed.
2. Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
$49.95
Pull this bottle out of the fridge just as everyone starts loosening their belts after your holiday feast. Best served chilled, the sweet and fruity notes make for a satisfying digestif.
3. St Remy signature
$49.95
Serve a dram of this medium-bodied brandy neat beside a sticky toffee pudding or gingerbread cookies. The gloriously long finish sticks around until you’re leaning in for the next sip.
4. Forty Creek Butter Tart Cream Liquor
$32.75
This whisky cream is 750 ml of pure Canadiana. Savour a splash of this butter-tart-in-a-bottle in a rich, after-meal coffee or on the rocks.
