Check it out, the party's over here.
Today's Food & Wine section is dedicated to holiday gatherings, so "Liquid Assets" has some drinks to help wash everything down or libations to just sip on their own.
We've got a couple of wines plus a "party in a pouch" drink for you to consider.
Happy holidays, everyone, and please party safely.
ShotPak Kamikaze (17 percent alcohol, $1.39)
Think of ShotPak products as Capri Sun for adults. Each ShotPak comes in a little plastic pouch, and these dinky 50ml drinks are on a mission to get you buzzed ASAP. The Kamikaze version tastes a little sweet, but there's no mistaking the vodka that's also in the mix. Other flavors include Lemon Drop, Sour Apple and Purple Hooter. Leave these out at a party and watch 'em disappear. Just make sure kids don't get confused as to what's in these pouches, right? Available at Mr. B's Liquor (5121 Folsom Blvd., 457-2313), Tallac Bottle Shop (5994 14th Ave., 916-457-3670) and ACE Liquor (2222 Northgate Blvd., 916-927-5509).
Sofia Blanc de Blancs Effervescent White Wine (11.5 percent alcohol, $12.99 for four 187 ml cans)
Close your eyes and it feels like a can of Tree Top apple juice in your palm. But no, this is sparkling wine in a pink can from Francis Ford Coppola Presents, and it's named after his daughter, Sofia (Ms. "Lost in Translation" herself). A straw is attached to each can, and once you open the pull tab, there's a taste of sweet pear with a whole lotta fizzy bubbles. If Coca-Cola made prosecco, it would taste like this. Ladies, consider this canned wine for your next Bunco gathering. Available at BevMo stores.
Scribner Bend 2005 Black Hat Tempranillo (14.3 percent alcohol, $14.95)
OK, so maybe a sparkling wine in a can and the kamikaze equivalent of Capri Suns sounds a little gauche for your fine tastes. If you're looking to bring a proper bottle of wine to a party, try this tempranillo from the Sacramento Delta. It's a charmer of a wine with strawberry and smoky flavors, and your fellow party guests will be pleased. Available at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op (1900 Alhambra Blvd., 916-736-6800), Total Wine & More (5791 Five Star Blvd., Roseville; 916-791-2488) and select Nugget Market locations.
– Chris Macias, Bee food and wine writer
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