The holidays are truly a magical time of year – even if the weather is frightful, there’s no denying that a fresh coat of powdery snow is delightful. Best of all, friends and family come together to laugh, share stories and dig into that special holiday meal that culinary enthusiasts plan for weeks in advance. While a flawless holiday menu is important, it’s also essential that the drinks you serve are as exceptional as the meal.  Below are a few ideas on how to take your holiday beverage menu up a notch.

Champagne is a celebratory drink, so we’ll start with that. Whether it’s served in a treasured crystal glass from a special event or a simple champagne flute, champagne cocktails add an elegant touch. One way to spruce up your champagne cocktails is to add a spoonful of pomegranate seeds into each glass. The bubbly will be refreshing, while the pomegranate adds a tangy, flavorful pop to every sip!

A perfectly paired glass of wine can elevate a meal from good to extraordinary. While you can always keep your fine vintage bottles chilled to perfection in a Thermador wine column, there are ways to ensure each glass stays cool as the night progresses. Fill an ice cube tray with wine and let it sit in your Thermador freezer column until it’s solid. Once you pour a generous glass of wine, you can add a few wine ice cubes to keep it chilled without watering it down.

We love the exotic, spicy taste of chai lattes. The blending of flavorful black tea with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and anise kissed with a touch of honey makes it the perfect fall treat. Adding a splash of Rum Chata to a chai latte can make this morning beverage perfect for an afternoon cocktail hour. And if you want to add an extra twist to this beverage, you can freeze it for a refreshing treat with a kick.

Holiday parties will soon be in full swing, and we invite you to add an exceptional touch of flair to your tablescape, menu and cocktails as you create new memories with loved ones!