Boozy Father’s Day Gift Ideas!

Whether Pop prefers liquor, wine or beer here are some fabulous boozy Father’s Day gift ideas sure to put a smile on his face:

1.) The Classic MANhattan: Dazzle Dad this Father’s Day with this manly, classic cocktail. Invented in Manhattan in the late 1800’s, this eponymous and utterly delicious drink only calls for three ingredients: American whiskey, Italian sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. While a variety of whiskeys can be used including rye, bourbon and Canadian whiskey, we prefer Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. Serve the Manhattan in a cocktail glass, garnished with a Maraschino cherry. While you can definitely use the bright, neon pink version, we really love the Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries. These sweet, tart marasca cherries from Italy’s Veneto region are truly decadent and delicious! A Manhattan can also be served on the rocks in a lowball glass so whichever way Dad prefers is just fine.

2.) California Cabernets: Does your Dad adore wine but you’re not exactly sure where to begin selecting a bottle? Thankfully, California is well known for producing world class examples of this age-worthy, delicious grape. Here are four California Cabs we love from some of Napa’s most well-respected Dads:

– Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California, 2014 ($25): A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this Cab was aged for 10 Months in 100% French oak, 40% new oak and 60% neutral. It has a deep ruby and violet hue and enticing, fruit-forward aromas of blackberry, currant and black cherry. On the palate, the lush fruit is balanced by smooth, rich tannins and lovely layers of spice, cocoa and hints of toasty French oak.

– Honig Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, California, 2013 ($38): This wine is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and .5% Merlot aged for 18 months in American oak barrels, 35% new. The result is a big, bold Cabernet with balance, finesse and notes of black fruit, baking spices, black cherry, spices and anise, layered with toasty oak. The finish is long and lingering, with just the right amount of tannin.

– Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California, 2013 ($50): A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, this wine spent 20 months in 33% new and 67% once and twice filled French oak barrels. The result is a wine with an inky, deep purple color and aromas of blackberries, bay leaf and graphite. On the palate, this wine has full-bodied flavors of cocoa-dusted dark chocolate, truffles, cloves and blackberries.

– Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District, Napa, California, 2013 ($70): This fabulous Cab is a blend of all 5 classic Bordeaux grape varieties: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot. All grapes used to produce this wine hail from Napa’s acclaimed Stags Leap district, whose unique soils are known for producing stellar examples of Cabernet Sauvignon. This full-bodied wine was aged in French oak barrels, 50% new, for 21 months resulting in an inky purple wine with enticing, fragrant aromas of violets, lavender and blackberry. On the palate, layered flavors of smoked cardamom, cinnamon, plum and black licorice are accompanied by polished tannins and the AVA’s hallmark minerality.

3.) Saltwater Brewery Beers in Delray Beach, Florida: This family owned and run business has been producing a variety of delicious, hand crafted beers since opening their doors in 2013. Styles range from the delightful and citrusy Screamin’ Reels IPA to the rich and decadent Sea Cow Milk Stout ($10.99/6 packs). In addition to their popular 6-packs, you can also treat Dad to a refillable “Growler to Go” ($28) which Dad can continue to refill, or a 750mL bottle of beer like their “Don’t Get Confused” Belgian style Tripel ($15). If you can’t decide which to get Dad why not take him to the brewery and he can decide for himself? Located in downtown Delray, you can both belly up to the bar for a tasting of their current selections.

I also had the pleasure of sharing these boozy Father’s Day gift ideas on WPTV Channel 5 yesterday! It’s always fun hanging out with Roxanne Stein, John Favole, Hollani Davis and Glenn Glazer – please click below to view the video!

Cheers,

Categories: Blog, Recipes, Uncategorized, Wine

Tags: beer, boozy, cocktails, Father's Day, gift ideas, wine

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