"Remember gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!"

— Winston Churchill

Features

Morning, Noon & Night

Sure, Champagne is most often associated with special occasions. But bubbly is increasingly becoming a go-to
drink any time.
By Roger Morris

Tawny Time

Warm your body and soul against the chill of winter with a taste of the Mediterranean. Whether a 10- or 40-year-old, Tawny Port is the perfect beverage to sip by the fire.
BY Anthony Dias Blue

Warm It Up

Impress your guests with these fun and fabulous hot holiday drinks. From a Chocolate Caramel Buttered Rum to a Holiday Pomegranate Sparkle, these six recipes will dazzle and delight.
Recipes by Kathy Casey

The Road Less Traveled

It may not be as famous as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, but the Alba area of Italy's Piedmont region is a wine-lover's hidden paradise.
BY tom Hyland

Que Syrah, Syrah

You love Pinot. You love Cab. But don't forget about Syrah. This versatile, often underappreciated red is perfect for the holidays.
By Laurie Daniel

Departments & Columns

First Round

The latest in vodka technology, a perfect gift to satisfy your inner wine geek, what you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau, and more.

Mixology

Break out the wormwood, Absinthe is back.
By anthony dias blue

Liquid Assets

Lay claim to your wine glass with these fabulous charms.

The pages between the covers of this magazine (except for any inserted material) are printed on paper made from wood fiber that was procured from forests that are sustainably managed to remain healthy, productive and biologically diverse.

Red-Hot Hot Chocolate

For a large holiday party, make a big pot of cocoa and keep it warm in a slow cooker. Guests can add their own rum to mugs and have fun garnishing. Make the spiced rum a day in advance.

Makes 1 cocktail

3 tablespoons dark or bittersweet high-quality chocolate sauce
4 ounces milk
1 1/2 ounces Red Hot Spice Rum (recipe follows)
Garnish: whipped cream, red hot candies & shaved chocolate (optional)

Mix together chocolate sauce and milk in small saucepan. Place over medium heat until very hot, but not scalding. (Or microwave for about 1-1 1/2 minutes.) Then measure and stir in the rum. Top with whipped cream and garnish with red hot candies and shaved chocolate, if desired.

Red Hot Spice Rum
Makes 2 cups
Enough for about 10 drinks

2 cups Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1/3 cup cinnamon candies

Place rum and candies into glass jar. Cover tightly and shake well. Let set for one day or overnight, shaking jar periodically. Once candies are dissolved, place liquor into a pretty bottle and seal. Store at room temperature.