Top 10 After-Dinner Drinks
Try these top drops - they work like a dream with desserts…
5. COPELAND Smuggler’s Reserve Overproof Rum Northern Ireland €53.95 for 70cl, visit irishmalts.com
When it comes to a sweet ending, it’s always worth saving a little room for last.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a three-course meal or inviting friends over for a January treat, what you serve for dessert is just as important as those well-crafted aperitif cocktails to kick-start the main event. So that nothing’s left to chance, here’s how to leave a lasting impression with the best after-dinner drinks …
1. TAYLOR’S Late Bottled Vintage Port 2014 Portugal €24.95 for 75cl, visit mitchellandson.com
Pass the port please… Taylor’s late bottled vintage is ready to drink with no need to decant.
Your one-stop-shop for a port to serve with blue cheeses, goat’s cheese, rich chocolate mousse or profiteroles, with its dark cherry and plums on the nose, palate of so, jammy forest fruits, sweet spice and suave finish.
2. LUSTAU Puerto Fino Half Bottle Spain €12.45 for 37.5cl, visit obrienswine.ie
To finish off a heavy meal, this dry elegant Sherry will taste light and smooth on the palate. It’s got plenty to offer after that – a hint of brine, attractive fruit and a slight taste of tangy yeast. Its freshness will have you looking for an extra slice of cake - if you dare.
3. CURATOLO ARINI Fine Marsla Italy €18.95 for 75cl, visit thecorkscrew.ie
Marsala wines belong to the same family as Port and Sherry - fortified wines. Made from local
Sicilian grapes Grillo, Inzolia and Cataratoo, this crop is of the dry variety and tastes like dried citrus, caramel and toasted almond. All fortified wines are a great addition to the larder - they will deepen the flavour of any gravy - but Marsala is best known as an ingredient in Zabaglione, an Italian custard dessert. Delizioso!
4. BAILEYS The Original Irish Cream Liqueur Ireland €15 for 70 cl (was €24), visit shop.supervalu.ie
You just can’t beat the classics. After all, there’s nothing that quite matches the smooth taste of Irish cream liqueurs. In desserts, the unctuous cream and whisky combination pairs perfectly with cheesecake, or in anything coffee based - including tiramisu. If baking isn’t on the agenda, simply enjoy your Bailey’s on the rocks and let yourself be enveloped by its velvety texture. Or serve it at room temperature. A versatile all-rounder.
5. COPELAND Smuggler’s Reserve Overproof Rum Northern Ireland €53.95 for 70cl, visit irishmalts.com
This one is definitely a splurge, but is worth trying out if you are in the market for a rum you can drink neat.
It’s double pot distilled, matured in both Bourbon and Pinot Noir casks, and has notes of chocolate and honeyed spices with undertones of orange zest and oaky vanilla. It’s the perfect digestive aid to break down all those meat fats. The distillery delivers to Ireland and has other spirits on offer, visit copelanddistillery.com
6. LONGUEVILLE House Apple Brandy Ireland €42 for 50cl, visit longuevillebeverages.ie
Celebrated many times over at the Irish Food Awards, this Brandy delivers heady aromas of apple.
It’s best served straight up as an after-dinner drink but also pairs up beautifully with coffee. And if you have a dessert to set on fire, you could also use it for a quick flambé – on an apple dessert or even a humble pancake. Just remember to heat the alcohol before you pour it over the cooked dessert. Then strike a match… at a distance!
7. DISARONNO Velvet Liqueur Italy €21 for 50cl, visit nutsaboutwine.ie
Equally decadent, Disaronno’s smooth, creamy Velvet expression is a magical combination of almond flavours topped with apricot, vanilla and touch of toffee. Enjoy a joyous glass with almond desserts and old- fashioned rice pudding, or trickle over vanilla ice cream. Lush.
8. CASTELNAU DE SUDUIRAUT Sauternes France €18.50 for 37.5cl, visit celticwhiskeyshop.com
How sweet she is… An affordable example of France’s famous dessert wine, this scrumptious Sauternes is rich and toothsome with exotic tropical fruits balanced by citrusy notes on the silky, long finish. Despite the richness, it’s bright, beautifully balanced, and a marriage made in heaven with tarte-tatin and dollop of crème fraiche.
9. CHÂTEAU LIOT Sauternes 2015 France €27 for 75cl, visit millesima.ie
Another elixir to tantalise the taste buds, this one impresses with its blossomy hints of creamy apricot and thread of fresh acidity keeping everything in check. Utterly delicious, the sweet taste of Sauternes works like a dream with rich pâté recipes alongside fruit desserts.
10. DELORD Fine Armagnac France €35 for 70cl, visit irishdrinkshop.com
If Cognac isn’t quite doing it for you, try a sip of France’s best-kept secret: Armagnac. It’s a full-bodied brandy that manages to stay fresh on the tongue. This entry level bottle will delight you with its taste of fresh apple and grape. An unusual choice that will leave your guests asking for more.