As you plan your holiday celebrations, check out what Wild Hibiscus Flowers have to offer! These versatile dessert toppers, hors d’oeuvres, and drink decorations look sophisticated and taste like a mix of raspberries & rhubarb. Each 8.8 oz jar comes with approximately 11 flowers and 100% natural syrup. Think outside the jar with these party themed ideas:


WILD HIBISCUS ROYALE

This drink was first served at the legendary Dorchestor Hotel London in 2006, where it remains the most popular Champagne cocktail on the menu. Decadent, divine & oh so classy… a new classic is born!

Wild Hibiscus Flower Garnish
¼ oz natural rose water
2/3 oz Wild Hibiscus Syrup
Mint
Champagne

• Muddle mint in the champagne flute & discard (squash some leaves around inside the glass)
• Place Wild Hibiscus Flower in bottom of glass & stand upright
• Add rose water & some bruised torn mint pieces
• Top with Champagne
• Pour in the Hibiscus syrup which will graduate from crimson at the bottom to light pink at the top
  **Tip: pour syrup in first for a layered effect

The flower will sit in the bottom of the champagne flute and slowly open up over 3-4 minutes.

WILD HIBISCUS CHAMPAGNE JELLIES

A perfect, simple, very adult and absolutely gorgeous dessert for your next dinner party! Your guests will never know how simple this is, and you will seem like an Iron Chef!

1 jar Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup
2/3 cups sparkling wine (the half empty bottle of bubbly left in the fridge is great for this recipe)
½ cup water
5 gelatin leaves or 3 teaspoons gelatin powder
Whipped cream, dark chocolate curls & maraschino cherries for garnishing

• Add sparkling wine to a mixing bowl
• Pour ½ cup of the Hibiscus syrup (no flowers) into the wine.
• In a small saucepan over low heat, warm water & dissolve gelatin. Do not boil
• Pour into the wine through a sieve & mix through
• Place a Wild Hibiscus Flower into 6-7 champagne flutes or fancy glasses & fill 2/3 of the glass with the jelly mix.
• Refrigerate overnight to set (the flowers will set in all sorts of crazy positions)
• Top with whipped cream, maraschino cherry (preferably with stems) & dark chocolate pieces.
  **Tips: Curl dark chocolate by warming slightly & using a potato peeler. Canned whipped cream works great for decorating.

WILD HIBISCUS WITH GOAT CHEESE

These Wild Hibiscus Flowers filled with fresh chevre are an instant hit! Better yet, they’re so easy to make. Just roll soft goat cheese into a small ball, stuff it into the flower, and finish with a garnish of chive!

Cheers! It’s time for our monthly wine picks. Each of our four locations has its very own wine pick(s) of the month. Here are the picks for this month:

Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer 2011
“Fragrant aromas and luscious flavors of clementine, allspice, Asian pear, and passion fruit. The round, plush palate is accentuated with crisp acidity & delicate minerality, leading to a long, vibrant finish.”
750 mL. bottles, $19.49 each

Petalos Spanish Red Wine 2010
“This polished red shows density and harmony, delivering complex, well-integrated flavors of mineral, wild berry, fresh herbs, and smoke.  Having plenty of character, this wine received a 93 rating from Wine Spectator.”
750 mL. bottles, $23.99 each

– Peter Glarner, C.S.W. (Webster Groves)

Borsao Garnacha 2011
” Robert Parker says it all: ‘Possibly the single greatest dry red wine value in the world, this is an unbelievable wine.’ -In his Nov/Dec 2012 issue of Wine Advocate.”
– Mark Lauenstein (Central West End)

750 mL. bottles, $7.99 each

Charles Smith Vino Pinot Grigio 2011
“A happy marriage of mineral, pear, apple, and citrus make this Italian-inspired Pinot Grigio from Washington State my pick for holiday celebrations.”
– Chris Young (Clayton)

750 mL. bottles, $13.49 each

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
“The standard for pinot grigio. This pinot was selected as Straubs 100 year anniversary wine and is our selection for your parties this holiday season.”
– Ken Etzkorn (Town & Country)

750 mL. bottles, $25.49 each

More high quality, affordable wines from our favorite wine wizards! Each of our four locations has its very own wine pick of the month. Here are the picks for this month:

Ventana Pinot Noir 2010, 750 mL. bottles, on sale this month for $16.99 each

“This wine exudes black cherry, cranberry and smokiness.  It’s easy to recognize this wine has seen some oak because of the beautiful accent of the vanilla and smokiness in harmony with the bright red fruits.  This is brand new and I know you will love it.”

– Peter Glarner, C.S.W. (Webster Groves)

Juan Gil Monastrell 2009, 750 mL. bottles, $16.49 each

“Spain at its richest and most interesting! Hearty wine with ripe tannins. Good with meat and cheeses.”

– Mark Lauenstein (Central West End)

Volver Tempranillo 2010,  750 mL. bottles, $15.99 each

“One of the best Tempranillos I’ve found under $20. Alluring bouquet of ripe fruits, herbs and spices. Substantial flavors of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. Very versatile, pairing well with grilled meats and veggies. My pick for a Thanksgiving Wine.”
– Chris Young (Clayton)

Lincourt Pinot Noir 2009, 750 mL. bottles, $17.99 each*

“I find this wine special for 2 reasons: it has a spicy cinnamon finish that is perfect with your Thanksgiving feast, and the owner named this wine after his daughters Lindsay and Court. A family man, the owner names all of his vineyards after special women. Perfect reasons to try this wine in November.”
– Ken Etzkorn (Town & Country)

*As featured in Feast® Magazine! Rated 92 Points by James Suckling.

Animal lovers Pam and Cal Nicholson of Nicholson Jones winery will be donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Humane Society of Missouri through the end of 2012. The St. Louis owned winery is located in California, and their Mountain Cuvée can currently be found at our Clayton, Webster Groves and Central West End locations.

See the original story here.