Ahhh, the best picnic ever is in full swing! The luscious Prosecco has tickled everyone’s inner Italian fancy, the rosé has reminded all of the south of France, and the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir have been swirled and savored. From the first sip to the last bite, the picnic has been seamless thanks to careful planning, creative foods, and crowd-pleasing wines. Now, everyone is waiting for the glorious finale: beverages and dessert!
It’s time to think out of the box (I mean basket) as you choose the ultimate ending to the exceptional picnic. But I’ve got you on this since I’ve tested (research!) four combinations that you’ll serve again and again. Why? The beverages are delicious and utterly unexpected and the desserts are nostalgic and comforting. Trust me, these drinks and desserts are game-changers in the picnic world. Here we go…
Light and airy, with a smooth and snappy zest of lemon, Pallini Limoncello Liqueur (sent as a sample) is a more than reasonable price of $27. Sip this limoncello with a bite of a glazed lemon shortbread cookie for a sweet and satisfying moment… in a way only Nonna has figured out! The natural zest of the Pallini Limoncello is from the aromatic peel of Sfusato lemons handpicked on the Amalfi coast and infused for up to eight months in pure spirits.
Limoncello (or Limoncino) is thought to have originated from the 14th century when it was known in the pharmaceutical world as a form of lemonade used as medicine. Around the 19th century, Limoncello was considered a liqueur and the rest is history. And that Glazed Lemon Shortbread Cookie! Homemade (find the recipe here) or store-bought, this dessert combo promises to please everyone!
Your guests will never expect you to take a bottle of chilled grappa from the cooler! So do it! Nardini Grappa Bianco 50% Classic White Label ($25 for a half bottle) (sent as a sample) has boasted the same label for over 100 years and can be seen on the shelves of almost every bar, restaurant and liquor store in Italy. Crystal clear in the glass, I found white pepper, spice, chocolate powder and hint of cherries on the palate. Lingering flavors of white chocolate, chocolate truffle, and another dash of white pepper were lush and refreshing. Note: the grappa is 100 proof and 50% alcohol, so go easy on the pours!
What to serve with this extra-special dessert drink? Keep it fresh and simple with Fruit with Honey and Grappa. Marinate a selection of fruits in grappa and chill four hours prior to the picnic. Before serving, add already sliced bananas to the bowl. Find the recipe here.
When I received a sample of Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry ($24), I was more than ready to sip. It had been ages (college?) since I had poured myself a glass… or maybe someone poured it for me! This specific Cream Sherry is the number one selling Sherry in the world and the best-selling in the United States. It’s a unique blend of four different sherry styles: Oloroso, PX, Fino and Amontillado from Jerez, Spain. In the event someone asks, Harvey’s Bristol Cream is made from aged wines drawn off from more than 50 solera systems – the exact blend is a company secret. Fresh, fruit forward aromas with subtle hints of raisins and caramel burst from the glass and every creamy sip of the chilled cream sherry offered notes of dried fruits, orange peel and butterscotch.
Pairing the Harvey’s Bristol Cream with s’mores seems a natural choice – and it is. But save the roasted marshmallows over the campfire for later and make S’Mores Bars, a sweet and tasty blend between classic s’mores and Rice Krispie treats. It’s a snap to make the bars a day ahead and wrap individual squares for your guests. Find the recipe here.
What dessert reminds me of childhood picnics? Apple cobbler! There was no alcoholic at those picnics of yesteryear, but now that I’m 21+ years of age, bring it! A slightly chilled Quinta de la Rosa 20 Year Old Tawny Port ($43) (sent as a sample) will prompt guests to have a second helping of dessert, perhaps light a cigar and rave about the pairing. This Port is from traditional varieties, mainly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz from older, dry stone terraced vineyards at Quinta de la Rosa. As you’d expect from the name, it’s a blend of ports with an average age of twenty years. On the palate, the 20 Year Old Tawny, slightly dry and absent of cloying sweetness, offered rich notes of almond, spice, dried fruit, honey, caramel and liqueur flavors. After the picnic, be sure to store the corked bottle in a cool place to retain freshness.
Baked at home the night before and securely wrapped for easy transport, tuck the Apple Cobbler inside the picnic basket and serve at room temperature with a glass of Tawny Port. You’ll be amazed how the port reveals the caramel, butter, biscuit and baked apple flavors of the cobbler. Find the recipe here.
Congratulations to an incredible finale of your magnificent picnic!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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You may also like my previous article: Own That Picnic with Irresistible Wines and Foods
