Mother’s Day Drinks
Mom’s big day is just around the corner so I thought the time was perfect to share some Mother’s Day drinks to add that extra touch your celebration of mom, especially if it involves a brunch.
Ehlers Estate Sylviane Rose
Rose is a no brainer for Mother’s Day and this one from Ehler’s Estate is a slam dunk. One of the things I love about this brand is that it gives back. The winery is actually owned by a charitable trust. The founders established the Leducq Foundation in 1996 to support cardiovascular and stroke research.
If you look at the label on the wine bottles, it’s harder to discern from the photo on this one, you’ll see that the “E” in Ehlers is designed to form a heart. I love this idea for mom. But there is more to the wine than the cool label and feel good mission. This rose is smells peachy and floral. It’s bright and has some body, with red fruits that linger on your tongue. $38
Many moms prefer red wine, regardless of the temperature outside or the food being served. If you can relate, I’ve got an idea for you too.
Ettore 2018 Merlot Zero
Just the name Merlot Zero caused me to pause at first. Zero does not mean that it is non-alcoholic. Rather it applies to the junk that sometimes gets dumped into wines to enhance their color, tweak flavors, etc. This one has zero sulfites, is organic and made to be a pure representation of the vineyard.
Ettore is a new brand from Mendocino County, California. I know merlot is still fighting a lingering stigma from the movie Sideways but these grapes make some beautiful wines when done right. This one is easy drinking, silky, with flavors of blueberries. $35
If cocktails are more in order for Mother’s Day brunch, check out this Glendalough Rose Gin. This small batch spirit is distilled with rose petals from rare flowers for both flavor and color. If you like a gin where the juniper is more understated, this is one of them. It has berries, citrus and just the right amount of spice. $34.99
Glendalough Rose Gin
Try it in a dry martini or make a Rose Gin & Tonic. For the later, begin with an ice-filled bar glass and add 2 ounces of Glendalough. Buy a quality tonic water such as Fever Tree, and top the glass. Garnish with a slice of lime and sprig of mint. It can’t get any easier than this. It’s pretty looking and pretty delicious tasting.
Nooku Bourbon Cream
For mom’s who like to drink their dessert, and who doesn’t, I found this Nooku Bourbon Cream ($29.99) liqueur that when served in a glass over ice is like having an adult glass of milk, and it is fantastic with chocolate chip cookies.
The best chocolate cookies I’ve had in years were at the girl & the fig in Sonoma last month. They package and sell but only ship the perishables in California. So now I’m on the hunt for the best chocolate chip cookies in Southwest Florida.
In the meantime, I found this recipe using Nooku that sounds delightfully delicious for a Mother’s Day brunch, or dessert in general.
Nooku Bourbon Cream Coffee and Donuts Bread Pudding
Nooku Coffee and Donuts Bread Pudding
INGREDIENTS
- 6 cups (about 8 donuts) day old glazed donuts
- 1 whole egg
- 4 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 cups half and half
- 3/4 cup Nookue
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso
METHOD
- Cut donuts into 1/2 inch cubes, place into a lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish
- In a bowl combine eggs, yolks, sugar, half & half, Nooku, salt and espresso. Whisk thoroughly to make custard
- Once the custard is combined, slowly pour over the donuts. Lightly press the donuts into the custard to make sure everything is covered. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
- When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Remove plastic wrap from the dish and bake for 1 hour until set.
- Let rest for 1 hour before serving, maybe with a scoop of coffee gelato
Click here for a link to my story in the Fort Myers NewsPress which includes more Mother’s Day drinks only with a Cinco de Mayo twist.
In the meantime, here are a few more spirit and wine ideas, that can also stimulate creativity when it comes to Mother’s Day drinks, and they’re also earth friendly.
