So, you don’t have a cocktail garden of fresh, organic muddled herbs, a waxed mustache or a $50 vintage cocktail shaker. No worries. You can still shake, stir and pour like a pro. Follow these 5 Paso Robles Wine Country cocktail shortcuts, guaranteed to get your mixology cred moving in the right direction (that direction would be—of course—straight up).
1. Keep it Simple
You don’t need a ton of mixers or accoutrements to make a killer cocktail that crackles over ice. Pick up a bottle of KROBAR Rye Whiskey, which has taken on the delicious, smokey flavor of charred American Oak Barrels (it also won Best of Class at the Distilled Spirits Competition and a Silver Medal at the California Craft Spirits Competition). Yes. It’s that easy. Just open the bottle, add ice and pour. No, we aren’t kidding!
Mapping and Directions to Krobar Distillery
2. Have a Wine Cocktail
When I say “white wine spritzer” you may think grandma by the pool. We dare you to look outside the box (boxed wine, that is), and toward a truly refreshing and elegant cocktail. A dash of herb-infused vermouth mixed with a bright, Paso Robles white and a dash of seltzer will make you feel like summer is right around the corner. Try Pelletiere Estate’s 2017 Viognier, bursting with blossoms, beach, and mango. Where’s my shades?
Mapping and Directions to Pelletiere Estate
3. Just Say “Punch”
Yes, “punch” can be a tad of a bad word in fancy wine drinking circles, but who are we, if not fearless pioneers in the field of enjoying Paso Robles’ amazing offerings? Embark on an adventure fit to please your whole (grown up) party. A fantastically fruity blush, like Lusso Della Terra’s 2017 Rose of Merlot, would be perfect for this sophisticated party drink. Don’t believe punch can be an “adult” refreshment? Combine 1 bottle of red wine, 6 ounces of brandy, 6 ounces of raspberry or orange liqueur, and the juice of 2 lemons in a large pitcher and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve over ice and garnish with raspberries and orange slices. Call me in the morning!
Mapping and Directions to Lusso Della Terra
4. Go with Grappa
Looking for a festive, unique drink that will wow your dinner party guests? Go for grappa, a brandy distilled from the fermented residue of grapes after they have been pressed in winemaking. Formerly known as “The Distillery at Opolo”, Willow Creek Distillery carries a range of fantastic spirits, each as sumptuous as the last. We like their take on a classic margarita. Take three ounces of Willow Creek grappa, two ounces of mango nectar, sparkling water, lime, and add jalapeño (for a kick). We like a little fire with our ice.
Mapping and Directions to The Inn at Opolo
5. Go Where Everyone Knows your Name
Speaking of margaritas, sometimes the best advice is to put down your DIY flag. Spend less time fussing over limes and salted rims (meanwhile, your friends are having all the fun without you). Head to Fish Gaucho in downtown Paso Robles for a no-fuss tequila flight (choose from more than 140 tequilas and mezcals) or order up something truly luxurious, like a Tangerine-Thyme marg, featuring fresh-pressed tangerine juice, thyme, lime, agave, sotol, and volcanic lava salt. Sometimes easy is the best answer.
Mapping and Directions to Fish Gaucho
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for PasoRoblesWineries.net and former food and wine writer for SLO New Times. Follow her on Instagram @flavorslo.
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