The holiday season is upon us, which means time to gather with family and friends, give memorable gifts and celebrate special occasions. Luckily, Virginia Spirits can be of use in all three ways.
From elevating gatherings with creative craft cocktails to sharing the gift of local with others, here’s your guide to sharing the spirit of Virginia through the end of the year.
Stock Up
The first step to enjoying and sharing #VaSpirits is to have them on hand. Visit your local Virginia ABC store for a wide selection, head to your favorite distillery tasting room or explore online options. Many Virginia distilleries have an online store with shipping or you can order from the entire catalog at www.abc.virginia.gov/ and have them shipped to your neighborhood store in seven to 14 days.
Once your bar is stocked, you can pull out local bottles for special occasions, last minute gifts or unique pairings.
Pair Cuisine
Speaking of pairings, Virginia spirits – like any good beverage – are best enjoyed with the right food. People often think of whiskey, bourbon and other dark spirits when the weather cools down, but for any spirits drinker, there are ways to incorporate local spirits with your meal.
Here are some ideas to elevate your table:
- Charcuterie + spritz or gin and tonic
- Fish + vodka, gin or tequila cocktails
- Pasta + old fashioneds with tart cherry and spices or brandy-based cocktails like a classic sidecar (lighter option for creamy dishes: cranberry or pomegranate gin or vodka and tonic)
- Hearty Meat + neat whiskey or vermouth, a sipping rum or an old fashioned
- Dessert + classic martini
Give Local
The holidays are a wonderful time to support local businesses. When shopping for the perfect gifts, consider a bottle or holiday bundle from a Virginia distillery.
Spirits-making in Virginia is a diverse and storied practice. Here, more than 70 distilleries are crafting 175+ spirits. There’s no shortage of options, and you’re sure to find a bottle that everyone will enjoy.
Make Memories
Not all gifts need to come in gift bags. The holidays are all about being with the ones you love and care about. In-person experiences offer the chance to create lasting memories and relationships with the local spirits community.
Start here: Distilleries are hosting events all across the state and the Virginia Spirits Passport is one big adventure.
Get Creative
There’s so much to try and experiment with when it comes to local spirits. Whether you’re trying to impress at a holiday party or looking for a cozy drink for a cold night in, find crafty cocktail recipes here.
Happy holidays from the Virginia Spirits community! As always, please drink responsibly.
