Get into the holiday spirit with Five Trail. This award-winning, internationally-blended American whiskey is now available for the first time in Canada at the LCBO!
Forged on the expertise, knowledge, and influences of five generations, Coors Whiskey Co. has introduced its new Five Trail whiskey just in time for the holiday season.
In its first year on the United States market, Five Trail won multiple prestigious awards, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022. It’s safe to say it’s made quite the splash already.
The whiskey in question is brought to life with five components: three aged straight bourbons, an aged Colorado single malt, and cut to 95-proof with Rocky Mountain water to deliver a complex, enjoyable flavour.
Just in time for the holiday season, Five Trail has even crafted three signature cocktails for you to stir up at your next holiday outing:
Five Trail Perfect Manhattan:
In a stirring glass, combine Five Trail, dry and sweet vermouth, bitters, and 4-5 cubes of ice. Stir well for 30 seconds to chill, then strain into a coupe glass. Express a lemon twist, garnish with a cherry, and enjoy how the aromatic spice and warm flavours of Five Trail act as the backbone of a brighter, more citrus-forward take on a Perfect Manhattan.
Five Trail Dark Old Fashioned:
Using a rich brown sugar syrup (two parts sugar dissolved in one part water) develops the depth and warmth of Five Trail. In a stirring glass combine Five Trail, brown sugar, syrup, and bitters with ice. Stir well for 30 seconds and strain into a rocks glass over a large rock or sphere. Express both a lemon & orange peel, adding brightness and balance, and place them in the cocktail to garnish. Enjoy.
Five Trail Vieux Carré:
In a stirring glass combine Five Trail, sweet vermouth, B&B liqueur, and both bitters with ice. Stir and strain into a rocks glass or over a large sphere. Express a lemon peel, place it in the cocktail, and laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) with this New Orleans classic, where Five Trail brings the spice and fruit components instead of the traditional rye and cognac.
Whether you enjoy it neat, over a large ice rock or sphere, or in a whiskey-forward cocktail – Visit a participating LCBO location in Ontario and indulge in Five Trail however you prefer. After all, it’s not a drink, it’s an experience.
Articles You May ALso Be Interested In:
The Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Check Off Everyone On Your List
The Perfect Gift For Every Zodiac Sign
All Of The Holiday Food Events To Check Out In Toronto This Year
Our Fave Movies On Netflix To Watch To Get Into The Holiday Spirit
10 Local Coffee Shops To Support During The Holidays
Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Under $15
If you’re looking to add to the celebration of Mother’s Day this year, you have to start by checking out these cocktails (and mocktail)! Whether the mom in your life or even your friend loves a classic beverage or a sweet one, we got you covered. Pick your fave, grab the ingredients, and get mixing!
Here are delicious cocktails to treat your mom for Mother’s Day this year.
MiNOsa
INGREDIENTS
2 oz Seedlip Gove 42
1 oz Clementine Juice
Top with Cold Soda
Seedlip is the leading non-alcoholic spirit distilled with quality botanicals to give you the cocktail experience without compromising on taste. It contains no alcohol, sugar, or artificial flavours.
Espresso Martini
INGREDIENTS
2 oz Baileys Espresso Creme Liqueur
0.25 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
0.25 oz Espresso
Bailey’s Irish Cream is the ultimate decadent liqueur, perfect to create something sweet and delicious for those moms with a sweet tooth. Its rich, creamy taste, paired with espresso will surely satisfy mom this year!
Crown Royal’s Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade
INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz Crown Royal Deluxe
Lemonade
Fresh blackberries
Check out this totally refreshing lemonade cocktail. It’s the ultimate treat paired with fresh blackberries and the smooth taste of Crown Royal.
Smirnoff Caesar
INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
5 oz Caesar mix
5 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
3 dashes of hot sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
Celery salt (rim)
Celery & lime wedge (garnish)
Who doesn’t love a class, Caesar? Create the perfect at-home brunch experience for mom this year and whip up a tangy, spicy Smirnoff Caesar.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
The Best Local Sites To Order Flowers & Gift Baskets For Mother’s Day
Our Fave Canadian Brands To Shop For Mother’s Day Gifts
The Best Products To Shop For At Local Businesses In Toronto & The GTA
The 10 Best Jewellery Stores To Shop In Toronto
20 Canadian Brands To Add To Your Wardrobe
The holiday season is officially here and what better way to welcome it than testing out some delicious and festive cocktails? Whether you’re entertaining guests or hanging out at home, these beverages are sure to impress. If you’re looking for a mocktail, just follow the recipes and skip the alcohol portions!
Here are holiday cocktails that you need to try this season.
Brandy Spiced Mule
2oz Stock 84 Brandy
100ml Fentimans Ginger Beer
1/2oz Lime Juice (Optional)
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters (Optional)
- Shake first three ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled mugs/rocks glass.
- Top up with the ginger beer, stir, and garnish with mint and a fresh lime wedge.
Andes Mint HotChata
Charlie Gillette
(Serves 4)
2 cups Choice of milk
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup RumChata
2 oz. Peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream
Chopped Andes
Whole Andes
Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to a simmer. Whisk in sugar and cocoa powder and stir until no lumps remain. Stir in chocolate chips and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted. Turn heat to low and stir in the RumChata and schnapps. Warm to desired temperature, then remove from heat and pour into mugs.
- Top each mug with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, chopped Andes, and a whole Andes, and serve.
*Recipe found on Delish
The Classic Hot Toddy
2oz Stock 84 Brandy
8oz Hot Water
2oz Honey
1 Whole Cinnamon Stick
1 Lemon
- Boil water and pour into mug to temper it.
- Cut slice of lemon.
- Pour out water once mug is heated and pour in brandy.
- Add honey, lemon juice, lemon slice, and cinnamon stick then cover with hot water.
- Stir vigorously, sip, and enjoy!
Santa Clausmopolitans
Brandon Bales
(Serves 4)
1 cup vodka
1 1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
Lime wedge, for rim
White sanding sugar
- Run a lime wedge around each glass then dip in sanding sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake until the cocktail shaker is cold.
- Divide drinks between rimmed glasses and add cranberries for garnish.
*Recipe found on Delish
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
11 Places To Get Meat Delivery In Toronto & The GTA
The Best Alcohol Subscriptions For Canadians To Enjoy
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Gifts For Everyone On Your List
Our Fave Canadian Brands To Shop For Gifts This Holiday Season
Let us introduce to you the best new drink of the summer—the Georgian Bay Half Smash!™ This craft cocktail in a can has been flying off store shelves and once you try it, you’ll understand why!
Crafted by Georgian Bay Spirit Co™, the same Canadians who created the record-breaking Gin Smash,™ The Half Smash has all the same great flavour but with half the alcohol, sugar and calories!
One could say, it’s smashing expectations!
And the timing for this new bevvy couldn’t be better considering the rise in low alcohol preferences today. Not only is this gin-based craft cocktail in a can fewer than 100 calories it’s also 2.5% alcohol, so you can sip away without going overboard.
Denzil Wadds, co-founder of Georgian Bay Spirit Co raves about their latest innovation as it fits the bill for weekday lunches, post-yoga sips and for any mindful drinkers who want to indulge in a full-flavour cocktail without overindulging in alcohol or calories.
We love seeing small Canadian brands really making a splash in the market, which the Georgian Bay Spirit Co has done over the past few years. They’re now one of the top ten canned cocktails in Canada, going head-to-head with the big global brands! Go Canada! That definitely speaks volumes about their taste and quality.
There are two flavours that you can try out. The Georgian Bay Half Smash Peach™, which is made with Georgian Bay™ Gin and enhanced with juicy peach, lime, and fresh mint, and the Georgian Bay Half Smash Citrus™, which contains Georgian Bay Gin and accented with flavours of Japanese yuzu, fresh lime, and a herbaceous hint of rosemary.
These refreshing craft cocktails are available at liquor stores across the country, so grab a can (or two) today and try them out for yourself! You can thank us later.
Our fave way to enjoy the Half Smash is on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can totally spice it up with the recipe below.
Cheers!
Peach Smash Mimosa
3oz Georgian Bay Peach Half Smash™
1.5oz Orange Juice
3oz Prosecco
Add ingredients to a sparkling wine glass, garnish with a peach slice and enjoy.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
15 Beautiful Waterfalls To Explore Near Toronto
20 Of The Best Beaches To Visit This Summer In & Near Toronto
15 Of The Best Campgrounds That Are Less Than 4 Hours From Toronto
36 Socially-Distanced Things To Do In Toronto This Summer
Nothing beats an ice-cold drink on a warm summer day. If you’re looking to serve up your own delicious Caesar beverage, since it’s an all-time fan favourite, Mott’s® Clamato® has you totally covered.
Mott’s® Clamato® is the essential ingredient that you need to create a Caesar that will satisfy those taste buds. Once you have selected your favourite Mott’s® Clamato® flavour, you can choose between different rimmers, garnishes, alcohol, and more. We appreciate a customizable drink that’s ideal for brunch, happy hour, or even a backyard BBQ—our mouths are already watering!
Not only do we love the classic Mott’s® Clamato® Original Cocktail, but the new Mott’s® Clamato® Reserve product line is a total game changer. It’s a more premium offering and made with natural ingredients.
For all of the recipes and ways to customize your Caesar, check out the Mott’s® Clamato® website. Plus, you can head to “Find Your Flavour” to take a short survey and find your perfect Caesar match.
Check out the recipes below for the ways that we’ll be drinking our Mott’s® Caesars® this summer!
*Please enjoy responsibly
The Classic Caesar
If you’re interested in creating the Classic Caesar at home, then follow the steps below.
Ingredients
4 oz Mott’s® Clamato® Original Cocktail
1 oz vodka
2 dashes of hot sauce
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
3 grinds fresh cracked salt and pepper
Garnish
Celery Stalk
Lime Wedge
Rim
Celery salt or Mott’s® Clamato® Rimmer
Instructions
1. Rim a tall glass with the Mott’s® Clamato® Rimmer.
2. Add the vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh pepper.
3. Add ice then pour in the Mott’s® Clamato® The Original.
4. Give the cocktail a good stir to incorporate all the flavours. Garnish with celery stalk and a lime wedge.
The French Quarter Caesar
If you want to get creative with your Mott’s® Clamato® Caesar beverage this summer, then check out the French Quarter recipe below.
Ingredients
5oz Mott’s® Clamato® Reserve
1oz Bourbon
0.5oz Lemon Juice
4 Dashes Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon Creole Spice Mix
0.5oz Pickled Jalapeno Juice
Smoked Paprika, Sea Salt
Ice
Garnish
Popcorn Shrimp
Rim
1 Tablespoon Creole Spice Mix
1⁄2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1⁄2 Tablespoon Sea Salt
Mix all ingredients together and use as a rimmer!
Instructions
1. Rim a tall glass with creole spice mix, smoked paprika and sea salt.
2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, cayenne pepper hot sauce, and pickled jalapeno juice.
3. Add ice then pour in the Mott’s® Clamato® Reserve.
4. Give the cocktail a stir to incorporate all the flavours together. Garnish with popcorn shrimp.
Ginger Snap Caesar
If you’re looking for a twist of freshness, check out the recipe below for the Ginger Snap Caesar.
Ingredients
5oz Mott’s® Clamato® Reserve
1oz Whiskey
1oz Ginger Kombucha
0.5oz Orange & Ginger Sauce
1/2 Tablespoon hot sauce
Ground Ginger, Sea Salt, Seasoning Blend
Ice
Garnish
Gingersnaps
Crystallized Candied Ginger
Rim
1⁄2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
2 Tablespoons of Original Seasoning Blend
Instructions
1. Rim a tall glass with the ground ginger, sea salt and Seasoning Blend.
2. Add the whiskey, ginger kombucha, orange and ginger sauce and hot sauce.
3. Add ice then pour in the Mott’s® Clamato® Reserve.
4. Give the cocktail a stir to incorporate all the flavours together. Garnish with a stack of gingersnap cookies and skewered crystallized candied ginger.
*Sponsored by Mott’s® Clamato®
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
How To Celebrate Your Summer Holidays
36 Socially-Distanced Things To Do In Toronto This Summer
20 Of The Best Beaches To Visit This Summer In & Near Toronto
10 Places To Buy A Breezy Dress For Summer
10 Cheap And Fun Summer Date Ideas In Toronto
If you’re missing your nights out at the pub or local wine bar, then it might be time to do some online shopping to recreate your fave spots at home. Of course, many of us are minding our spending habits these days, but it’s important to spend on little things that’ll make you feel better and help you cope in the long run. Spending a little here and there will not only help support some of the local businesses listed but packages arriving give us something to look forward to! One way to maintain a sense of normalcy is to enjoy a cocktail. Regardless of when you choose to indulge (we aren’t judging!), having a well-stocked pantry of the essential items is necessary to build the perfect at-home bar.
Here are 10 items to buy to create the perfect at-home bar.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In:
How A Toronto Retailer Turned A Love For Libations Into A Retail Success
You Can Now Make IKEA’s Famous Meatballs At Home
26 Alcohol Delivery Services In Toronto & The GTA
13 Work From Home Essentials To Help With Productivity
13 Products To Shop On Amazon For The Perfect At-Home Spa Day
Whether you’re sipping your beverage on a dock or a patio, everyone is looking for their go-to warm weather drink. Popular drinks change every season, exactly like the weather. With so many refreshing drinks to choose from, we narrowed down our top picks for summer 2018. Soak up the sun, keep hydrated and have some fun!
Cocktails:
1. Aperol Spritz
This photogenic orange fizzy beverage is all the rage these days with its bright colour and perfect infusion of bitter-sweet oranges. These are perfect easy-drinking in the afternoon in the sunshine. The classic Aperol spritz, inspired by the Venetian-style mix of white wine and soda, is made with the red-orange aperitif and prosecco or champagne, with a splash of club soda.
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Combine equal parts Aperol and Prosecco
- Add a dash of soda
- Garnish with orange slice
2. The Champagne Papi
The Champagne Papi – Consider this Toronto’s take on the classic Hugo. Combine St. Germain Liqueur with FIOL, add Sugarfina Champagne Bears to add the wow-factor in this cocktail that is simple but oh-so-sweet.
- Grab a coupe glass
- Fill the glass with 1 oz. Germain Elderflower liquor
- Pour in 4 oz FIOL Prosecco
- Garnish with Sugarfina Champagne Bears
Available at Her Majesty’s Pleasure
3. Strawberry G&T
Perfect for the gin lover. This cocktail is a refreshing treat and perfect for a sunny day on the patio.
- Pour in St George Gin and club soda
- Hull and slice locals strawberries and muddle the slices lightly with lime juice
- Add mint sprigs to garnish
- Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a strawberry at the edge of the glass
4. Smokey Agave Spritz
Spice it up a bit with this tequila inspired drink. The grapefruit and lime create the perfect hit of citrus.
- Pour José Cuervo Tradicional Reposado, Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, & Peychauds Aperitivo
- Add grapefruit, a splash of soda and lime.
5. Pinot Freezio
Pinot Freez-io is this summer’s yummiest frozen treat. This delicious white wine slushie features frozen pineapple, Pinot Grigio (obviously) with lemonade ice cubes. It’s the perfect summer drink.
- Pour lemonade into ice cube tray and freeze
- Blend all ingredients together in a blender
- Garnish with lemon slice
Beer, Cider & Canned Cocktails:
1. Mad Jack Iced Tea
Mad Jack Hard Flavoured Iced Tea is full of natural sweetness and refreshing flavour that makes it the perfect bevvy for a hot day. Experience a unique balance of natural tea flavour with a subtle lemon taste. It is THE ultimate refreshing beverage you need this summer!
2. Brickworks Rosé
This summer, Brickworks is launching a wine alternative for Canadian rosé lovers – Brickworks Rosé Cider. Like wine, the new Rosé Cider is best served in a wine glass, ensuring the delicate aromas and beautiful blush rose colour shines through – perfect for sipping in the hot, hot Toronto heat.
Available at the LCBO’s across Ontario and at the Brickworks Ciderhouse in Toronto’s east end
3. Strongbow Mini’s
Cider is all the craze this Summer! With so many different flavours available, Strongbow came out with Strongbow Minis, to help you discover which flavour is your favourite! These conveniently 150 ML trial sizes to enjoy four unique cider tastes including the classic Strongbow Original Dry, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Strongbow Ginger and the NEW Strongbow Dry Pear.
4. Lemon Shandy
The perfect balance between crisp weiss beer and natural lemonade flavour.
5. Blood Brothers Brewing
White Lies Muscat: is a sour ale, re-fermented with Muscat grapes and dry hopped with Citra, Wai-ti & Wakatu. It’s a must-try if you like sour beers.
Available at Blood Brothers Brewery
6. Cottage Springs
Cottage Springs Vodka Soda only launched in Spring 2018 but has quickly become one of the hottest craft cocktails in a can across Canada that has been flying off shelves. When you see it you are best to stock up before its gone! Offered in two flavours: Ontario peach and Lemon Lime; these deliciously refreshing craft vodka sodas are naturally flavoured, sugar-free, sweetener free, carb free and gluten free.
Available at the LCBO (Ontario Peach)
Available at the LCBO (Lemon Lime)
7. Cabana Coast
Inspired by the lifestyle and tastes of coastal living these drinks are as good as it gets when you want to kick back and relax. They have two exquisite cocktails that you must try! The first is their Moscow Mule which is a classic cocktail crafted with small-batch vodka, authentic spicy ginger beer and a dash of refreshing lime. The second is their Cucumber Gin & Tonic which is a signature sipper crafted with small-batch gin and refreshing infusions of cucumber, lime and mint then topped off with fizzy tonic water.
8. Cool Citrus Tea Punch
Summer is not officially over until Sept. 22 and what better way to toast and celebrate the end than with a delicious punch cocktail for National Punch Day on Sept. 20!
What’s your go-to drink for summer 2018? Let us know in the comments!
Posts you might be interested in:
The Most Gorgeous New Patios In Toronto Worth Checking Out
These Are Our Go-To Summer Rooftop Patios in Toronto
Drink Margarita Towers At This Bar In Toronto All Summer Long
10 Of The Most Picturesque Cocktails In Toronto Right Now
16 Places to Get Deals on Happy Hour Cocktails in Toronto
Toronto has become quite a scene for food and cocktails alike. If you have the budget and want to indulge in the most stunning drinks in the city, here are our top ten picks. You can definitely expect an experience involving all the senses.
1. Bar Chef
Location: 472 Queen St West
Price: $$$
2. Infuse Cafe Bar
Location: 354 Yonge Street
Price: $$
3. The Cloak Bar
Location: 488 Wellington St West
Price: $$$
4. Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Location: 104 Portland Street
Price: $$
5. Miss Thing’s
Location: 1279 Queen St West
Price: $$
6. DW Alexander
Location: 19 Church Street
Price: $$$$
7. Cold Tea
Location: 60 Kensington Avenue
Price: $$
8. Oasis Rooftop Lounge
Location: 99 Blue Jays Way
Price: $$
9. Planta
Location: 1221 Bay Street
Price: $$
10. Pretty Ugly Bar
Location: 1237 Queen St West
Price: $$
Featured Image: Instagram/@cocktailemporium
Where have you had the prettiest cocktails in Toronto? Let us know!
Posts you might be interested in:
Don’t Miss Out On These Unique Tea Infused Cocktails At This Brand New Spot
These Are The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Toronto
These Are Our Go-To Summer Rooftop Patios in Toronto
Drink Margarita Towers At This Bar In Toronto All Summer Long
There’s a Brewery Coming To The Toronto Islands
The holidays are all about feasting on delicious food and drinking decadent cocktails. It’s almost winter and most of us don’t have to be on a beach anytime soon, so why not indulge? Lots of hosting and cooking is involved this time of year, from potlucks with friends to lavish family gatherings. We asked the renowned home chef, Thea VanHerwaarden, to give us some insider knowledge on hosting a stress-free holiday gathering.
1. How can people start preparing now for cooking over the holiday season?
I always start my prep looking through my favorite cookbooks and websites for recipes to inspire some creativity. So when I heard about all of the amazing recipes from the Insiders Collection on www.pc.ca, I knew that would be one of my first stops.
Stocking up on favorites that you can keep in your freezer, like the PC? Dry-Rubbed Hardwood Smoked Chicken Wings, is also a great way to make sure you’re prepared for those last minute get-togethers without having to rush out to the grocery store!
Otherwise, I like to make sure that I’m incorporating some of the traditions from my friends and family that will be sharing my celebration into the menu. Every family has their own unique holiday traditions, and they usually revolve around food. Every year, as my family finds new faces at our table, I love to see how our food traditions evolve and are received by newcomers.
When hosting a holiday gathering, I like to connect with family and friends by putting a new twist on one of our traditional family dishes that’s personal to me. This year, I’m honoring my partner’s love of blue cheese, and my own love of fresh pasta, with the PC® Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce – my go-to rich and delicious pasta to entertain a crowd.
2. What is your advice for feeding a large group of people?
Forget the fuss – the most delicious meals are often the simplest! When cooking for a big crowd, I like to use my PC® Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. It’s so versatile—you can use it to bake bread, braise meat and almost everything else in between. The flavors that come from using a Dutch oven are incredible, and—as an added bonus—you can transfer it from the oven or stove-top to the table for serving, so there’s less to clean when the party’s over!
I also like to have items on hand that are versatile, so things like PC® Frozen Pomegranate Arils are so easy to use in a variety of ways, from salad toppings to dessert parfaits or cocktail garnishes!
3. Do you have any advice for holiday cooking on a budget?
Entertaining for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive! With new Must Try and Must Have products, let President’s Choice® be your trusted source to help you build new memories and traditions this holiday season. The Must Haves in the collection will really help elevate your Holiday meals, like the set of 12 stemless wine glasses – they’re brilliant and clear glasses, made in Europe, that retail for only $39.99! The value that you’re getting from those is incredible! I also love items that look really expensive, but that you can find on a budget, like the PC® Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipops.
4. Do you have any advice for stress-free holiday parties?
The best cooking advice I’ve ever received was to cook from my heart, and the same applies to entertaining—especially during the holidays. When the holiday stress starts to creep in, I like to remind myself that I’m hosting my nearest and dearest and, above all, they’re looking forward to catching up and reconnecting.
Also, it’s great to have a selection of cheeses and antipasto on hand, so you can easily throw together a charcuterie board at a moment’s notice—after all, the holidays are notorious for unexpected visitors stopping by! The PC® Mini Chicken Empanadas another delicious option, just in case you have to whip up an extra appetizer at the last minute.
6. Why did you choose the recipes you suggested.
I love this punch – it’s delicious, but also versatile enough to serve as a really elevated alcohol-free option or to make the kid’s table feel like they’re drinking something special.
I love anything with big, bold flavors, and am a firm believer every good party needs at least one oozy cheese dip. This year, my favorite dip recipe is the Smoked Cheddar and Ghost Pepper Bacon Dip—it ticks all the right boxes! I’ll serve it with toasted sliced baguette, sliced apples, and my favorite PC® crackers.
My partner is from Texas, and so the Applewood Smoked Ham with Red-Eye Gravy is an homage to him! Red-Eye Gravy is traditional in the Southern US, but it’s made super easy with this recipe. I also love to mix it up during the holidays with ham, which feels really special and indulgent.
The Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipops are so fun and a totally unexpected treat. They’re so simple and fuss-free, and I love presenting them with the sticks put on a wooden board, or into a jar so that people can grab them quickly!
Finally, if you’re looking to truly wow your guests with a stunning dessert, the brioche pudding is a winner. The brioche is so buttery and sweet and, once it soaks up all of the custard, it makes for a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch!
Below we’ve included the recipes Thea VanHerwaarden suggested and encourage you to try them over the holiday season:
Sparkling Pomegranate Citrus Brunch Punch
We’ve kept this bubbly punch alcohol-free, but you can easily add sparkling wine for a boozy version (follow our Chef’s Tip below). To garnish your punch like a pro, slide the orange slices halfway down along the inside of the pitcher – the ice should keep the slices suspended for an impressive presentation.
Makes: 10 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ready in 5 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Per serving (about 3/4 cup): 110 calories, fat 0 g, sodium 30 mg, carbohydrate 29 g, fiber 0 g, sugars 26 g, protein 0g
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups (1 L) ice cubes
- 1 bottle (750 mL) PC® Sicilian Lemon Italian Soda
- 1 bottle (750 mL) PC® Blood Orange Italian Soda
- 2 cans (250 mL each) PC® Pomegranate Cranberry 100% Sparkling Fruit Juice
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen PC® Pomegranate Arils
- Half orange, thinly sliced into rounds
- Fresh mint, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Place ice in 3-L (12 cup) pitcher. Add lemon soda, orange soda, juice and frozen pomegranate arils; stir to combine.
2. Add orange slices and mint.
Chef’s Tip: Swap out one of the bottles of Italian soda for a 750-mL bottle of sparkling wine.
Smoked Cheddar and Ghost Pepper Bacon Dip
Every good holiday party needs at least one stretchy, cheesy dip – you know, the one all your guests crowd around. Smoked Cheddar and fiery ghost pepper-flavored bacon take this dip a step above the rest.
Makes: about 2-1?2 cups
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cool time: 10 minutes
Ready in: 50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Per serving (2 tbsp): 80 calories, fat 7 g (5 g of which is saturated), sodium 95 mg, carbohydrate 1 g, fibre 0 g, sugars 1 g, protein 4 g
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 slices PC® Sweet Ghost Pepper Naturally Smoked Bacon
- 1-1?2 cups (375 mL) shredded PC® Smoke Flavoured Cheddar Cheese
- 3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped fresh chives
- 1 pkg (250 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) sour cream
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) PC® Old-Fashioned Dijon Prepared Mustard
- 2 tsp (10 mL) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place bacon in cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning often, until golden and crispy, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined cutting board to drain. Discard paper towel; finely chop bacon.
3. Transfer 1 tbsp bacon to small bowl; stir in 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp chives. Set aside.
4. Stir together cream cheese, sour cream, mustard, Worcestershire, cayenne pepper and remaining bacon, 1-1?4 cups Cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp chives in large bowl until well combined. Transfer to 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate, smoothing top. Sprinkle with reserved bacon mixture.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with toasted sliced baguette, sliced apples, and your favorite PC crackers.
Applewood-Smoked Ham with Red-Eye Gravy
Traditional to the southern United States, red-eye gravy is made using pan drippings from ham and black – preferably dark – coffee. Unusual? Sure, but once the coffee reduces and mixes with the sweet apple cider glaze, it takes on an addictively smoky, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with ham.
Makes: 20 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Ready in: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Per serving: 270 calories, fat 17 g (7 g of which is saturated), sodium 1,350 mg, carbohydrate 10 g, fiber 0 g, sugars 8 g, protein 20 g
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 PC® Applewood-Smoked Spiral-Sliced Bone-In Half Ham with Apple Cider Glaze Pouch (about 9-1?2 lb/4.3 kg)
- 2 PC® Organics Dark Roast Single Serve Coffee Pods NEW
- 2 cups (500 mL) PC® Blue Menu Chicken Broth
- 1?2 cup (125 mL) PC® Unsalted Country Churned Butter, cut into cubes
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (140°C). Remove ham from packaging; set glaze pouch aside. Double-wrap ham in foil. Arrange, bone side down, in roasting pan. Bake 40 minutes per kg, about 2 hours, 50 minutes total.
2. Remove ham from oven. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Carefully remove foil from ham. Drizzle ham with half of glaze from pouch. Return to oven; bake, uncovered, 12 minutes.
3. Transfer ham to cutting board or serving platter; cover loosely with foil. Strain pan juices through fine-mesh strainer into large saucepan; discard solids.
4. Brew each coffee pod as an 8-oz cup of coffee to make 2 cups total; pour into saucepan with pan juices. Whisk in broth and remaining glaze from pouch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, whisking occasionally, until liquid is reduced by about one-third, 15 to 18 minutes. Gradually whisk in butter, a few cubes at a time, until melted and smooth. Serve with ham.
Chef’s Tip: Refrigerate the leftover ham and gravy for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
Chocolate Orange Brioche Bread Pudding
Toasting the brioche in the oven helps to dry it out, which makes the sweet, buttery bread even better at soaking up the custard for a moist, cake-like texture. You can easily omit the orange-flavored liqueur if you don’t have it on-hand.
Makes: 12 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cool time: 20 minutes
Ready in: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Per serving: 270 calories, fat 15 g (8 g of which is saturated), sodium 190 mg, carbohydrate 27 g, fibre 1 g, sugars 21 g, protein 7 g
INGREDIENTS
- 1 PC® Brioche Loaf, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1-1?4 cups (300 mL) homogenized milk
- 1 cup (250 mL) 35% whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 mL) packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) orange-flavored liqueur
- 1 tsp (5 mL) PC® Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each cinnamon and salt
- 1 pkg (100 g) PC® Dark Chocolate with Candied Orange Peel, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp (25 mL) PC® Pure Orange Marmalade
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread brioche in single layer on parchment paper-lined large baking sheet. Bake, stirring once, until golden, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, liqueur, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl until well combined.
3. Spread one-third of the brioche in bottom of 9-cup (2.25 L) casserole dish; sprinkle with one-third of the chocolate. Repeat layers twice with remaining brioche and chocolate. Pour egg mixture over top, gently pressing down on brioche mixture to moisten.
4. Cover with foil; bake 35 minutes. Uncover; bake until puffed, golden brown and set in center, 30 to 35 minutes, covering with foil if top begins to over-brown.
5. Stir together marmalade and 1-1?2 tsp water in small bowl; brush over top of bread pudding. Let cool 20 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream and a sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings.
PC® Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipops
A dazzling sweet treat favorite is back for the holidays! Individual-sized bites of creamy cheesecake on sticks are enrobed in rich chocolate and topped with crunchy crushed candy cane pieces. They’re perfect for fuss-free entertaining or when seeking a small dessert indulgence. Simply thaw and serve.
