Disclosure: I’ve been provided all manner of incredible beverages in exchange for this week’s reviews and giveaways but a) I swear I am not intoxicated and b) all thoughts, opinions, and good cheer are entirely my own.
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It’s Wednesday again and you know what that means: Giveaways and delightfulness! Today’s stuff you need to know about, Holiday Edition 4.0 is all about the yummies.
Things I Want You To Eat and Drink:
‘Tis the season for sweet treats! Fans of the popular Boarding House restaurant (whose proprietor, Alpana Singh, is easily recognizable as the past host of Chicago’s Check, Please) will dig on this gingersnap recipe from Pastry Chef Julia Fitting. (She recommends dipping them in dark chocolate, which I wholly support.)
(And then share some with your favorite Chicagoan/blogger/cookie eater.
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Lemme tell you about my new favorite martini company– and I do not bandy that designation around lightly. Vitani, created by Chicagoland husband and wife duo Jackie and Eric Gichner (and named after a cross-section of their kids David, Dani and Taylor’s names) is a series of absolutely perfect bottled cocktails. They currently sell five vodka martinis– a perfectly blended Cosmo, a refreshing Citrus Ginger with a hint of a bite, the most incredible Dirty martini in the history of ever (and infused with real olive brine), a fruity Elderpear, and a summery Cucumber. I am in love with every single one. Guys, I need you to believe me when I tell you that these do not taste like pre-mixed drinks. In fact, they taste like they were just shaken up by a poshly employed bartender (who’ll charge you $10.50 for the honor, plus tip).
More to love: these delicious drinks are made with top-shelf spirits, the single-serve (200 ml) aluminum bottles chill five times faster than your average glass bottle, and Vitani’s gonna unveil the 750 ml full-sized versions soon. They can be enjoyed on the rocks, straight up, or blended into a variety of sangrias, coolers, and the like. Plus, they’re cute as heck for a hostess gift. (HINT, HINT.) You can buy ’em all over Chicagoland and Indiana. (Check it out here.) When you come over, I’ll pour you one. You don’t even have to tip. (You’ll want to. And I’ll probably accept it. But you don’t have to, and that’s my point.) Want some rad Vitani swag? Leave me a comment and I’ll send one reader something terrific.
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And now for a giveaway! You know Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl cocktails. You know the ease of beverages which fit Keurig dispensers. And I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of tea, coffee and cocoa. What do you get when you put ’em all together? Pretty much the best (non-spiked) hot beverage you’ll have this holiday season. These cocktail-inspired teas have no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners- and are so, so good. We’ve got the Cranberry Cosmo white tea, Mojito Mint green tea, Sangria Hibiscus herbal tea, and the Peach Bellini green tea; all are marvelous, and all create the safe, midday illusion of imbibing in my favorite drinky drinks. They pack an incredible amount of flavor in each tiny pod, making each mug a one-handed little bit o’ luxury to my day. (I’m crazy for the Peach Bellini especially, and am even sipping one right now. The tea, I mean. The tea. Of course.)
Here’s a link to Ms. Bethenny’s lifestyle/awesomeness website– and even more info about these downright divine beverages.
And I’ve got a prize pack of these babies for you! Enter the Rafflecopter below to win your choice of 3 boxes of cocktail-inspired tea, Rainforest Alliance-Certified coffee, and/or hot cocoa, plus 2 Skinnygirl mugs and a $35 gift card!
(Isn’t December delicious?)
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