The Tasting Panel magazine

January/February 2015

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january/february 2015  /  the tasting panel  /  35 WHAT WE'RE DRINKING V alentine's Day is upon us, and while it may seem like the celebration is exclu- sively reserved for all the star-gazing, poetry-reciting love birds out there— seriously, stop rubbing it in—who says being single can't be commemorated as well? Chances are you'll find that special someone to sweep you off your feet one day, so for now, join in on the festivities with some fun, flirtatious freedom and a delicious Ménage à Trois! While the name speaks for itself, Ménage à Trois's top quality and accessible price point make the line ideal for celebrating on Valentine's Day. For those on the tradi- tional side, we suggest enjoying the original threesome: the Red blend that started the trend, an innocent White and a blushing Rosé. If you are committed to one single grape, Ménage à Trois offers everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to our favorite classic, Chardonnay—a sensual blend of grapes from three California wine regions. Thrill and adventure seekers, look no further than one of the Ménage à Trois vodkas: Straight, Triple Citrus and Triple Berry. All three are crafted with the finest American grains and pristine California mountain spring water. Whether you're relishing in a romantic, candle-lit dinner or hosting a night of jazz music and swing dancing, there's a Ménage à Trois vodka cocktail for everyone this Valentine's Day and beyond. "One of the great benefits of this line of vodkas is the versatility. They all work extremely well with a terrific number of cocktail recipes for an instantly memorable taste sensation," says Brand Director Mark Dunlea. Testing Dunlea's claims, we tasted two holiday-themed cocktails: The Sweet Embrace shows versatility and old- school flair with aromas of plum and cherry, while the Midnight Ménage balances citrus and berry with hints of cobbler pie that isn't too sweet on the palate. Both cocktails are well rounded in flavor and a joy for our taste buds. So regardless of your dating status, Ménage à Trois is giving everyone a reason to celebrate this Valentine's Day! With 14 different expressions to enjoy—a fitting tribute to the most romantic holiday on February 14th—you'll be falling in love, one Ménage à Trois at a time. CELEBRATE AND PAIR THE FEAST OF SAINT VALENTINE WITH A SCRUMPTIOUS MÉNAGE À TROIS by Brian Kustera Heart to Heart to Heart PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES Midnight Ménage by Niccole Trzaska, The Liberty, NYC ◗ 1½ parts Ménage à Trois Triple Berry Vodka ◗ ¼ part cinnamon simple syrup ◗ ½ part lemon juice ◗ ¼ part wild berry syrup ◗ 4 parts Ménage à Trois Red ◗ Splash of Ménage à Trois Prosecco ◗ Add all ingredients over ice. Shake and strain into a Champagne flute, top with chilled red wine and a splash of Prosecco; garnish with a silver foil poof. Sweet Embrace by Niccole Trzaska, The Liberty, NYC ◗ 1½ parts Ménage à Trois Vodka ◗ ¼ part chilled Ménage à Trois Red ◗ ¼ part fresh lemon juice ◗ ¼ part Cherry Heering ◗ ¼ part cinnamon simple syrup ◗ Egg white ◗ Pour chilled red wine in glass first. Then in a cocktail shaker, add vodka and Cherry Heering, shake and strain over ice. In a separate shaker, prepare egg white sour mixture. Pour over top and dash with plum bitters; garnish with three Luxardo cherries.

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