I want to admit something. While on vacation, I finally tried two standards at the bar that I make ALL THE TIME, but I had never tasted myself.

First off, the White Russian.

While at my in-laws house, I was faced with a selection of liquors, none of which really made me go, “Let’s be creative and make something.” So the first night, I sipped a Screwdriver (vodka/OJ for anyone who doesn’t know). The second night, it hit me. I had the stuff for a White Russian. Equal parts Kahlua and Vodka, topped with milk. Easy stuff. So I made that. And now I understand why I make so many a night.

SO YUM. It was like my favorite coffee drink with a kick. On top of that, its easy to adjust the amount of vodka to decide the amount of kick in your drink. (Less vodka for me… more Kahlua.)

My second standard I tried for the first time was a gin & tonic.

Yes, yes I tried it for the first time last week. What’s funny if I’ve convinced countless people to try a gin & tonic based on, “It’s a really popular drink if you want to try something different…” and yet I hadn’t ever tried one myself.

Now I understand why people get hooked on them. It was so refreshing! Light and smooth. A squeeze of lime in it gave it that citrus kick that will make me want it as one of my summer drinks. I usually more of a coconut rum girl, but I could become a gin lover as well.

Sometimes drinks are old standards for a reason… its because they are really good! So next time you want to try something new… maybe its actually time to try something old.

I’ve been raving over a new find in the liquor store lately. Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack.

Now, Winter Jack is not as new as it may seem. It launched last year in New Hampshire, and let me tell you those New Hampshirians (New Hampshirites?) are some lucky people. They got the jump on all the rest of us.

This stuff is DANGEROUS because it is SO GOOD.

A step away from their usual black label, Jack Daniels goes into winter snowy white with this Tennessee Cider… perfectly made for a night by the fire while the wind howls outside.

At 30 Proof, this Tennessee Cider goes down easy with no need for any sort of mixer or chaser. It’s meant to be enjoyed hot, straight up, in your favorite coffee mug. I have had it in a hot toddy, though, while I had a cold recently. I mixed it in my cinnamon tea with some honey… oh my word. It took that hot toddy to a whole new amazing level.

But seriously, no need to mix it. Just sip it hot out of a coffee mug to warm up on a cold night. It’s more apple cider and cinnamon flavor than Jack Daniels, though you do get that classic woody, smokey taste on the back end of every sip.

This will make a great gift at Christmas or bring it to Thanksgiving dinner. Or better yet, just go grab a bottle to enjoy any night of the week!  But do it quickly, because this goody will only be available until February and only in the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

* Opinions here are all mine. I’ve not been paid in any way, shape, or form for said opinion. Just love sharing good new booze with the world. LOL! ;)