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Taste of Home, via Merchant
Taste of Home, via Merchant
Liqueurs, wines and ales—oh, my! The Taste of Home team takes our springtime sips very seriously. Here’s what we’re pouring out this season.
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Nothing pulls together a springtime soiree like a refreshing sipper. Whether you’re hosting a wine tasting party or simply want to pair your favorite charcuterie board with a bubbly beverage, there are tons of options.
To help you sort through all the potential spring spirits, I connected with the Taste of Home editorial team to see what they’re sipping on this season. Grab a corkscrew and get ready to sip on some warm weather wines, beers and spirits. Cheers!
VIA MERCHANT
When it’s time to celebrate, it pays to pack a bottle of Borrasca Rosé Cava in the picnic basket. This light-bodied Spanish sparkling wine pairs well with both sweet and savory treats, making it a staple for springtime celebrations.
“I always have a bottle of bubbly in the fridge, just in case something to celebrate pops up. This Spanish rosé cava is on the dry side (which I love)—perfect for drinking by itself, or with charcuterie or even chocolate cake.”
Ellie Martin Cliffe
Content Director
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Pull out a bottle of semi-sweet Lillet Blanc to impress friends. Honey, citrus peel and floral notes fill out the slightly dry finish. Chill it for a refreshing spring-ready sip, or use it in your favorite spritz cocktail for a fun and inspired party drink.
“Lillet Blanc is my starting marker for spring, and I take it well into summer. Honey and citrus are the prized notes in this French aperitif wine wrapped in the most beautiful bottle imaginable. Lillet Blanc is best served on the rocks (the ‘rocks’ being frozen orange segments, so the wine doesn’t water down), or in a fizzy spritz. I love to splash a bit into my spring baking projects, too!”
Valerie Goodrich
Food Writer
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Looking for something adventurous? Damiana Herb Liqueur comes from herbs grown in Baja, California, and brings a light, herby touch to margaritas and other mixed cocktails. Use in place of triple sec when the occasion calls for something authentic.
“When the weather turns warm, I’m ready to shake up margaritas for backyard barbecues. My secret ingredient? Damiana herbal liqueur. I first had it in Cabo, where bartenders often use it instead of triple sec. Native to the area, it’s made from the dried leaves and stems of the damiana herb and tastes a little sweet, a little bitter and slightly floral. It makes a dynamite margarita, but you can also drink it straight on the rocks.”
Lesley Balla
Associate Editor
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Whether it’s a Negroni, Americano cocktail or boulevardier, Campari is the star spirit. The secret Italian recipe dates back to 1860, making this aperitif blend a bona fide tradition. It’s infused with 68 different bitter herbs and aromatic plants, giving it a complex and citrus-forward flavor that fits a variety of cocktail recipes.
“I fell in love with Campari after watching ‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.’ I’m not quite as bold as Bill Murray’s character, who drinks the distinctly bittersweet liqueur on the rocks, but I love using it to create complex cocktails. It’s a key component of a Negroni and all its variations, like the whiskey-centric boulevardier. When the weather warms up, I use it instead of Aperol to make a bubbly Campari spritz.”
Lindsay Mattison
Senior Editor
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Reds may be associated with colder weather, but a chillable red like Debeaune Special Selection Beaujolais is a great option for any season. Raspberry and plum flavors make this light-bodied French wine a great addition to any wine rack.
“When the weather gets warmer, I gravitate towards chillable reds. I had my first Beaujolais while taking the Wine and Spirit Education Trust level 1 course, and I’ve been a fan ever since. It gives me the complexity of a red with the refreshing quality of a chilled wine.”
Emily Parulski
Senior Editor
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Spring is the perfect season to try something new. Enter: The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin. Featuring a bold—yet balanced—flavor, this Scottish gin goes well with earthy flavors thanks to its botanical back notes.
“A bramble (made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and crème de mûre) is my all-time favorite spring cocktail. And ‘Outlander’ is my all-time favorite TV show. The best of both worlds collide when I whip up a drink with The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin. This spirit is crafted by none other than Sam Heughan—who plays Jamie Fraser on the hit TV show. I love the sleek look of this bottle on my bar cart, and it’s the perfect tonic to sip while I wait for the next season.”
Katie Bandurski
Senior Shopping Editor
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Soft Parade is a beer that masquerades as a light and bubbly cocktail, making it the perfect precursor to summer. It’s light, carbonated and refreshing—truly the trifecta of any warm weather drink.
“I go to a lot of Michigan festivals and outdoor shows when the weather warms up. Anytime there’s beer on tap, you’re sure to find Soft Parade. It’s the perfect springtime sip. Not only does Short’s flagship fruit shandy blend give off a gorgeous raspberry hue, but it’s also flavored with lemonade, brewed ale and berries. Talk about warm weather in a can!”
Emily Way
Shopping editor
VIA MERCHANT
VIA MERCHANT
Presenting as a pretty and delicate rose petal hue, La Vieille Ferme Rosé rings up at a super affordable price point. Plus, this picturesque rosé pairs red fruit and citrus for a rich, fresh flavor.
“My partner introduced me to this pretty pink La Vieille Ferme rosé. The price point is compelling, usually under $10 a bottle, and I love a cold glass of this simple, balanced wine with brunch or after work. (Yes, we rosé all day.)”
Lara Eucalano
Senior Editor
