So one of our readers “Troy”, wrote a comment on my Torrontes article, asking if there was a chance I could write a little pairing article about Thanksgiving dinner. Since that time has arrived (for Canada), I’ve done just that.

Turkey’s a funny little meat to pair with. Even those of us (*ahem* me), that cook perfect juicy turkey’s still end up with the slightly dry consistency that IS Turkey. So the key here is to pair something with low acidity. Tannins are the sensation that your mouth has when drinking what we consider a very “dry” wine; the higher the tannins, the more your mouth feels like it’s been sucking on a teabag. Considering the level of dryness in a turkey as is, you want to pair something with relatively LOW acidity, something that wets your mouth.

White

Depending on your level of sweetness you can do a couple of different things. If you don’t mind something with a little honey to it, a Gewurztraminer is delicious with Turkey. As you most likely have some sweet cranberry sauce, pairing with a wine with a touch of sweetness will be no detriment to your dining experience. The Sage winery of BC actually puts out a kick ass Gewurztraminer that is infused with Sage, as in the spice. It’s totally different and not for everyone, and at a price point of the upper 20′s only available at specialty wine stores it might be taking a risk but those that love it, LOVE IT.. For something a little more classic, the German Valckenberg, Alsacian Pfaffenheim, and a variety of BC (Cedar Creek, Gray Monk, See Ya Later) can all be used. For a dryer white experience go with a Chardonnay, and don’t tell me your not a Chardonnay drinker. Most people who don’t like Chardonnay don’t like OAKED Chardonnay. For those that do like big buttery oaked Chard’s, BC’s Thornhaven and Noble Ridge (specialty stores), will do the trick. The more expensive and unoaked Joie from BC is drool worthy melony grapefruit deliciousness. And for those on a budget, Jacob’s Creek from Australia or Cono Sur products from Chile will do the trick. If you don’t know if it’s oaked or unoaked, read the back.

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Just because National Vodka Day (October 4) is over until next year, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a tasty cocktail. To close out our EFFEN Vodka week here on Homorazzi.com, we thought we’d share more recipes from each of their flavors- Black Cherry, Cucumber and their signature regular flavor. Hope you’ve enjoyed our daily chatter featuring EFFEN Vodka. We truly do love the Dutch vodka and hope you do as well. If you’re looking for more recipes, be sure to click on our “Related Links” at the end of this post. It’ll take you to all the daily recipes from the past week. Hope everyone has a great relaxing weekend and remember to drink responsibly.

EFFEN® Sparkling Black Cherry Cooler

2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
2 parts Fresh Lemon Sour
1 part Cranberry Juice
3 parts maraschino cherries
3 parts seltzer

Method: In a tall glass combine ingredients except for seltzer and stir very well. Fill with ice, top with seltzer and stir again. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.

view more recipes after the jump

It’s finally here. National Vodka Day has arrived. In anticipation of this tasty “holiday”, we’ve been sharing recipes from EFFEN Vodka since Monday. From their EFFEN Cucumber Vodka and EFFEN Black Cherry Vodka to their regular flavor, designer cocktail recipes featuring the Dutch vodka have been posted daily. Since today is the BIG day, we thought we’d get a bit fancier and get all infused. Make sure to take a load off today and celebrate this very special day. Remember to drink responsibly.

EFFEN® Lavender Breeze

1 1/2 parts Lavender infused EFFEN® Vodka
1 part Lime Juice
1 part Simple Syrup
3 Fresh Blueberries

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle fresh blueberries. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lavender.

EFFEN® Vodka Lavender Infusion: Infuse 4 ounces dried lavender with 16 ounces EFFEN Vodka for 4-7 days.

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It’s hump day and what better way to celebrate the middle of the week than with a nice refreshing cocktail. For the past two days, I’ve shared drink recipes featuring EFFEN Vodka’s flavored choices. Today, I thought a couple recipes using the Dutch brand’s regular vodka would be a great option for those who aren’t fans of flavored vodkas. If you’ve enjoyed our EFFEN Vodka week leading up to National Vodka Day tomorrow, wait til you see tomorrow’s tasty treats. Delicious!!! Without further ado, check out these drink recipes to enjoy tonight. Remember to drink responsibly.

EFFEN® Bold Ginger

1 ½ parts EFFEN® Vodka
¾ parts Lime Juice
¾ parts Ginger Syrup
1 dash Bitters
Ginger Beer
5 Mint leaves

Method: Muddle mint, lime juice and ginger syrup, add to a cocktail shaker with the vodka over ice and shake. Strain and pour into a tall glass with ice and ginger beer. Garnish with mint sprig.

It’s day two of our EFFEN Vodka week here at Homorazzi.com, leading up to National Vodka Day on this Thursday, October 4. Yesterday, I shared my favorite (EFFEN Cucumber) from the Dutch brand’s arsenal of flavored vodkas. Today, it’s EFFEN Black Cherry’s turn to be in the spotlight. This deliciously fruity vodka when paired with Coke, tastes exactly like Cherry Coke but 70 proof. It goes down sooooo easily. No lie. If you’re a bit more high brow and like your cocktails a little fancier, check out these drink recipes provided by EFFEN. They’re absolutely tasty as well.

EFFEN® Black Cherry Enchantress

2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
3/4 part DeKuyper® Peachtree Schnapps Liqueur
3/4 part Lemon Juice
2 slices Fresh Peach
2 Fresh Cherries
1 part Club Soda

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle peach slices and cherries in juice and syrup. Add EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka, peach liqueur and lemon juice over ice. Shake, and strain into a tall glass over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with peach and cherry.

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In honor of National Vodka Day on October 4, I thought I’d highlight one of my favorite brands- EFFEN imported from Holland. Each day this week, I’ll feature drink recipes from their arsenal of flavored vodkas. What better way to kick things off than with my favorite out of the bunch- EFFEN Cucumber Vodka. Ever since I tasted it, I was sold. It’s like springtime in a bottle. Check out a couple of recipes featuring this crisp and fresh flavor.

EFFEN® Cucumber Sensation

• 1 1/2 parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka
• 1 part Dimmi® Liquore

Method: In a mixing glass, combine ingredients over ice. Stir, and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon and cucumber peel.

Crisp Twilight recipe after the jump

With National Vodka Day (it’s a thing) just around the corner on Thursday, October 4th, I thought it was a perfect time to post these drink recipes. Plus, I’m sure some of our readers out there are having Emmy parties tonight and might want to serve their guests these tasty cocktails all under 125 calories. Voli brand ambassador Fergie shares her Top 5 favorite cocktails to choose from for National Vodka Day and the upcoming Fall season.

“Voli’s specialty cocktails all taste like a dose of heaven… Not only do I love the way they taste, but my fit and active lifestyle can still happily co-exist with a fun, sexy night out! Cheers to National Vodka Day, the upcoming Fall season, and sipping skinny with Voli Light Vodka!”- Fergie

Voli Light Vodka is named after the meshing of Vodka and Light and is available in six flavors - Raspberry Cocoa, Espresso Vanilla, Orange Vanilla, Lemon, Mango Coconut and Light (original) electrolyte. All their flavors are on average between 25% and 40% lower in calories than the leading brands and are available in all major markets throughout the United States. Check out a few Fergie recommended recipes below. Cheers.

Fergatini (pictured top right)

1 ½ oz Voli Lyte
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Glass: Martini
Garnish: Orange Peel

Approx Calories: 110

more drink recipes after the jump

Why did it take so long for me to hear about this? This is amazing! While shopping under the influence of anything is almost certainly bad for your bank account, if you ever thought boxed wine lacked a bit of class, you’re in luck. Vernissage, a Swedish company, produces three bags/boxes of wine in packaging designed to look like a fancy handbag… made of cardboard. I’ll take one of each. A girl needs options.
 
The wines come in a lovely assortment. The white, a chardonnay viogner from France, has a “young, fresh and aromatic bouquet with hints of fruits such as apple, citrus, pineapple and vanilla.” The red, a French syrah cabernet sauvignon, has an “inviting fruity scent with notes of spices, tones of ripe berries, black currant, blackberries and hers as well as chocolate and barrels.” Last but not least, we have a Syrah rosé also from France. It’s a “lively and fresh wine with a hint of raspberries and blackberries with an herblike finish.”

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