With The wrap up of The basketball Season comes finals and lots of friends
gathered around the television to watch their favorite team shoot and score
their way to victory. While planning what festive drinks to provide, leave the
mayhem to the athletes and follow these rules to keep your buying simple. John
Farrell, vice-president of merchandising and sales at Haskell’s helps guide the
way:
- When it comes to wine, “Think about your crowd, and think
big,” Farrell says. He recommends boxed or jugs of wine that pair well with
party foods like chili, stew and lasagna. A 1.5L Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
for around $45 is equivalent to buying two bottles of wine. - Stay local and seasonal for beer. Grab a
few six-packs of various seasonal beers, such as Indeed, Pour Decisions or Bad
Weather to add some interesting flavor. If the team is losing, having a new beer
as a conversation piece might take the edge off. - For cocktails, try bloody marys. The games
start in the morning, so set up a fixins bar and include pickles, celery, beef
sticks and cheese that can double as snacks too. “Have one jug of bloody mary
mix such as Miss Mary’s, vodka, either a cucumber or Spud Heirloom Tomato vodka
(around $20 for a 750 mL), ice in a bucket and glasses at the ready,” Farrell
advises.
Haskell’s in Maple Grove is the largest retail liquor store in the Midwest.
It features interactive kiosks and a classroom used to teach consumers about
their favorite wines, providing a one-of-a-kind experience. —Emily Den Boer
Haskell’s boasts a 12,000-bottle wine wall and a 23-door walk-in beer cave.
Check out the store at:
15304 Grove Circle N.
(next to Target)
haskells.com
