Campfire Cocktail Hour

Some of our best friends from New York came to visit last week and we had a great time showing them our neck of the woods. After a trip down the road to Fogarty Winery, we came back to the house and enjoyed some wine on the deck at sunset. We started with a bottle of Rose Brut, then moved on to Fogarty Pinot Noir. It was a bit chilly, so we got the outdoor fire going. Cocktail hour snacks included: Délice de Bourgogne and manchego cheese with apples, dried figs, artichoke spinach dip, turkey kielbasa, spicy paprika pepitas, pesto caper bites, and a bit of left over marguerita pizza from flour + water in San Francisco from the night before. 

photos and illustration © erin gleeson

Bloody Mimosa

Citrus is in season, so why not add a bit of it to cocktail hour?! This drink lies somewhere between a blood orange champagne cocktail and a mimosa and using rose brut gives it the most dreamy color. Perfect at brunch or anytime!

photos and illustration © Erin Gleeson

Hot Chai Cider

It’s a chilly rainy day here in the woods! What better time to curl up by the fire with a book and some Hot Chai Cider. Just pop a chai tea bag in a pot and simmer with cinnamon sticks, a bit of water and some apple juice or cider. The tea adds a nice spice to the traditional cup of cider. Serve hot with cookies!

Photos and Illustration © Erin Gleeson

The Skylonda

This is my new favorite winter cocktail to drink in our neck of the woods, so I named it after our “neighborhood”, Skylonda. I just soak some cinnamon sticks in a jar of bourbon for a few days which gives it a nice spice. Then to the bourbon, I add a few drops of bitters and a splash of dry vermouth. It’s kind of like a Manhattan but not sweet, and it’s garnished with an orange slice instead of a cherry.  I like it on the rocks, but you cocktail connoisseurs might prefer it straight up. Cheers!

Photos and illustration © Erin Gleeson