10 California Wines to Try

Steals [ $15 or less ]
White: Edna Valley Vineyard Paragon Chardonnay 2007
Red: Cycles Gladiator Syrah 2007

Good Values [ $16-$30 ]
White: Geyser Peak "Block Collection" River Ranches Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Red: Hahn Meritage 2007

Special Occasion [ $31-$50 ]
White: Shramsberg Blanc de Blanc 2005
Red: Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Deep Pocket Wines [ More than $50 ]
White: Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2006
Red: Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon blend 2006

Critics' Choice Award
[ hard to find but impressed the judges ]
White: J. Rochioli Rachael's Vineyard Chardonnay 2007
Red: Evening Land " Celebration" Gamay Noir 2007

source: Sunset Magazine, November 2009 issue [ sunset wine awards 2009 ]

Halloween Cocktails

Just for grown-up goblins: Serve up a little black magic -- in the form of cocktails made with vodka that's as dark as night.

Ghost in the Graveyard
Serves 1
2 ounces black vodka
2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver
Serves 1
1/4 cup ice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
1 1/2 ounces black vodka
1 black licorice twist, for serving

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.

Berry Scary Martini
Serves 1
1 cup ice
1 ounce black vodka
2 ounces cherry juice
Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Bubbling Cocktails

Test friends' courage with this green experiment turned fizzy drink. The beverages (actually kiwi-based refreshers) look pleasingly poisonous in any glass, but chemistry flasks -- available online from lab suppliers for a few dollars apiece -- suit them best.

1. In a glass measuring cup, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 cup sugar. Stir until sugar has dissolved; refrigerate until cool.

2. Puree 2 cups packed mint leaves (1 small bunch) with 1/4 cup cooled syrup in a blender. Add 6 peeled, quartered kiwis, and blend until just smooth. Add remaining syrup.

3. Pour through a cheesecloth-lined fine sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Stir in ice and 1 liter sparkling water or club soda. (For a cocktail version, add 1 cup vodka.) Pour into flasks, and serve with straws. Makes 8 drinks.

Great Cocktail Recipes and Photographs via Martha Stewart