It's Almost Time For The Big Game!

Host The Best Party For The Big Game

It is that time of year again for the big game! As Russel Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks take on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots you are taking on your own challenge, hosting the best party that has even been hosted before! We all know that this game of epic proportions is expected to bring on big plays, great food and a constant flow of beverages of the alcohol variety! So suit up, check out Winefolder for supplies and read below for some game day drinks that is sure to leave your party guests doing a victory dance.

Beer Margaritas

Ask anyone on the street what adult beverage they expect on that Sunday and they will surely mention beer. Although we fully recognize beer is great on it's own and we wouldn't blame you for supplying a cooler full of it, we thought we could provide a little beer face lift if you will. Presenting...the beer margarita:

Ingredients (serving 6):

• 1 can frozen limeade
• 12 fluid ounces tequila
• 12 fluid ounces water
• 12 fluid ounces beer
• ice
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions: Pour limeade, tequila, water, and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until well-blended, and limeade has melted. Add plenty of ice, and garnish with lime wedges. Adjust with additional water, if needed.
*Suggested Snack: Chips and Guac!

Make Your Mark With This Delicious Treat

We at Winefolder know that not every man or woman likes margaritas, especially during one of the manliest games their is, so we thought we would provide a recipe to make a man outta you. 

Ingredients:

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• .25 oz fresh lemon juice
• .75 oz maple syrup
• 2 oz Makers Mark Bourbon
• Old Speckled Hen Beer
• Garnish-Orange half-wheel 

Directions: Add all the ingredients, except the beer, to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with beer and garnish with an orange half-wheel.
*Suggest Snack: Sweet potato fries drizzled in honey

Bring On The Beer!

Beer and football, it is almost as iconic as spaghetti and meatballs (okay, that might be a stretch). None the less, this is a blog about great drinks, and great drinks we will give you! If you don't want to enjoy this drink for the game, save it for the next morning to ease your inevitable hangover:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of beer
• 1 can tomato-vegetable juice cocktail
• 1 dash Lousiana-style hot sauce
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pinch seasoning salt

Directions: In a frozen beer mug combine tomato-vegetable juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and seasoning salt. Pour in cold beer and enjoy!
*Suggest Snack: Olives, celery, bacon, pepperoncini 

Winefolder: Big Game, Low Prices!

We hope you now feel the confidence to be the best host/hostess you can be. With these drink recipes on hand, you're bound to go the distance and really score! Just remember our blog is always here providing you with the best drink recipes and our online store is always there to supply the alcohol. Whether you are hosting a football watching party, birthday party or just throwing a bash you can always count on Winefolder for discounts on cases of your favorite spirits. Have a safe and fun big game Sunday!

Points To Perfection

Understanding The Wine Rating System

Wines can be a fickle mystery. With white wines, red wines, tannins, clarity, and other subjective terms, how is a person supposed to know a good wine from a great wine? Thankfully there are experts and organizations dedicated to rating these wines for people like you. But even still, what do those ratings mean? It is for this reason that we at Wine Folder will unlock the mystery of the rating systems for you, so you can determine what level of wine you would like to purchase.

Now the 3 main types of rating systems used are 100-point scales, 20-point scales, and star systems. While the most common type of rating system is the Robert Parker 100-point scale, the other two systems are still used in various circles and parts of the globe. But for the purpose of American audiences, we will be focusing on the system most commonly found here.

The 100-Point Scale

Robert Parker created the 100-Point Scale and is most common rating system used today. There are actually several organizations that use the 100-point rating system, like Wine Advocate, Wine Speculator, and Wine Enthusiast. Each has slight variations in regards to scores and what they mean, but they all generally follow the same principles. 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, and so on. Because we as Americans have had the 100-Point system engrained into our minds through schooling, this may be what attributed to this system catching on more so than the others.

Now to break this down even further, points are allocated in the following amounts:
•    50 points – Base Points. This is the base that every wine gets, regardless of how poor it tastes, looks, and finishes.
•    Up to 5 points – Color & Appearance. With advances in techniques to create proper wine color, most wines receive a 4 or 5 in this area.
•    Up to 15 points – Aroma & Bouquet. This describes the intensity, scents used, and overall cleanliness of the wine.
•    Up to 20 points – Flavor & Finish. While there are many small details that can determine good from bad flavor and finish, the most heavily weighed criteria are: intensity of flavor, cleanliness, balance, and depth of the palate.
•    Up to 10 points – Overall Quality. Also known as potential for improvement, this score is given to determine whether or not the wine was aged well.

Other Rating Systems

While the 100-Point system is certainly the most often used, it does not mean it is the only one. Some other ways to grade wines include your 20-Point Scale and 5-Star Ratings. Much like the 100-Point Scale, the 20 Point Scale uses number to describe the quality of the wine, and also starts out at a base that is half the total possible points. The terminology used, and criteria administered may be a little bit different, but the general concept is the same. Beyond those, there is a 5 star rating system that is usually given out increments of 1 or a half star. Unlike the previous systems mentioned, the star rating system has much more positive review power. No wine is bad, but at its worst, can only be considered “Very Ordinary.” It is used far more often abroad than in the United States. For a further look at what each level in the 5-Star System looks like, look at the chart below.

You're Practically An Expert Now!

Actually, not quite. It takes years to be a seasoned sommelier, but by learning the ranking system, and what criteria are used probably does put you a cut above any normal consumer of wine. Even with all that said, at the end of the day, the important thing is that you enjoy what you are drinking. So regardless of the numbers, take pleasure in the way the wine makes you feel, instead of the way you feel about a wine’s number. For all your wine, beer and spirit needs visit Winefolder.com!

Three Cocktails You Are Sure To Be Thankful For!

Cocktails - Enjoy Them Year Around!

Who doesn't love a great cocktail? Whether you had a long week at work, celebrating a birthday or are just happy to see the weekend, we have just the drink for you. At Winefolder.com we know the importance of a great cocktail! The Holiday season may be over but that doesn't mean the celebrations need to end. Our online store is happy to meet your needs from wine and beer to liquor, we have it all! However we don't stop there, we also love to supply our purchasers with some tasty drinks they can throw together for any occasion. Are you thirsty? Good. Because we have the perfect recipes for you.

Spiced Blood Orange Champagne Punch

Refreshing and exotic! This drink is great for a celebration so bring on the graduations, birthdays, anniversaries because this one packs quite the punch! Get it? Anyways, here is the recipe for this delicious different beverage:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups freshly squeezed blood orange juice (or store bought will work!)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 bottle brut champagne

Directions:

1. Place the blood orange juice, sugar, cinnamon and star anise in a small pot and bring to a boil, over medium-high heat.
2. Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium/medium-low and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, 30 to 40 minutes.
3. While the mixture is still hot, stir in the white wine until completely combined. Allow to cool before placing in the refrigerator to chill, at least 2 hours.
4. When ready to serve, place 3 tablespoons of the blood orange mixture into the bottom of each glass and top with chilled champagne (about ½ way to 2/3 of the way full). Serve!

Mississippi Bourbon Punch:

Punch is delicious! Not everyone likes champagne so we thought we would provide another refreshing beverage for those that like the harder stuff:

Ingredients:

•    2 bottles dry muscadine wine, chilled
•    1 bottle grenadine, chilled
•    1 1/3 cup chilled bourbon
•    1 cup chilled cranberry juice
•    1/3 cup fresh lime juice
•    8 cups ice cubes
•    1 can lemon-lime soft drink
•    1 cup chilled club soda

Directions:

Pour muscadine wine, grenadine, bourbon, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice into a punch bowl. Stir in ice cubes, lemon-lime soft drink, and club soda. Garnish, if desired.
*Chardonnay may be substituted.

Amaretto Bourbon Punch:

If it seems like we really like our punch, then you are catching on! If you love punch as well, and bourbon, and delicious drinks that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside then we have the drink for you:

Ingredients:

•    5 cups seltzer
•    4 cups bourbon
•    2 cups sprakling apple juice
•    1 cup simple syrup
•    ¾ cups amaretto or other almond-flavored liquer
•    Ice cubes

Directions:

Combine seltzer, bourbon, juices, simple syrup, and amaretto in a punch bowl. We suggest you spice up this little number with either lemon slices or cherries. If you are feeling extra festive you can always include both!

Order At Winefolder!

Don’t let time pass by without purchasing all the libations you need to throw the best parties, dinners and gatherings. Winefolder has many options whether it be wine, beer or spirits. If you are through a larger gathering don’t forget to check out our deals and discounts on liquor. Order from Winefolder today!

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