In the Spirit of recent developments, I do not want to miss the chance to incorporate some humor in trying to bring a little bit of joy during a very serious time with this question:

What are we going to drink during Easter dinner?

I don’t believe we all have large ballrooms in our homes to accommodate the entire family 6 feet apart.  Even if we do, can you imagine uncle Philip sitting 10 yards away from you and going… “what?” , every time you said something! Grandma Ester would also feel left out since she is wearing a facemask and not only, no one can hear her, we can’t read her lips! “Pass the salt” is a thing of the past, unless you are wearing gloves and don’t even get me started with “throw me a hard roll…”

Are we going to have to cancel it? Or maybe do it over Skype?

Well…I do not work for the CDC or even a person that should be giving anyone advice on social distance. I am, merely giving suggestions on a safe way to still enjoy your beverage of choice while in the company (or not) of your family and friends.

Introducing…

P.U.B.

No, not the one where everybody knows your name…

“Personal Usage Booze” is the newest thing on the market (well, not really… but at least for the sake of this article). No one else is touching it and you are allowed to bring it in any small size that fits in your pocket, purse or marse! (You know, a man’s purse).

Think of the possibilities: Nowadays, many spirits are being bottled in small sizes so if you are feeling creative enough, an airplane bottle of Absolut Vodka, Cruzan Rum, Jose Cuervo Tequila, New Amsterdam Gin, a little bit of coke and some honey from your aunt Margaret’s hot tea and, boom… Instant Long Island Iced Tea!

But, if you are feeling a bit more sophisticated and want to impress, there are 200ml bottles of a wide variety of flavors…

Crown Royal Apple (if Whiskey is your choice) needs no mixers and comes in a pretty posh bottle.

Ciroc French Pineapple Vodka, Captain Morgan Rum, Patron Silver Tequila and even Jagermeister are all grown up choices and may even qualify as hand sanitizers… Disclaimer (Not approved by the FDA).

For the beer drinkers, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light and even Budweiser/Light are offering 8oz cans, which are small enough to fit in your jacket pocket. Unless, you would like to bring a keg and just have it connected to your own personal (insert your idea here…).

For the wine drinkers, the possibilities are endless…

A half bottle of wine is always the right choice, especially if you are drinking more than one. After all, pairing your own wine is the most important aspect here, so take charge! Bring the wine you really enjoy…  Most of them even come in a screw cap, so no need to waste time with the cork!

Kim Crawford and Matua Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand are both crowd-pleasers (just in case you feel like sharing them).

Cakebread Chardonnay, Truchard and even Rombauer from Napa Valley are great choices!

Maybe you even feel like trying something new like a Portuguese white wine from Vinho Verde. Aveleda is the producer and it is similar to a German Riesling but without the price tag.

For the red wine drinkers, the options go on and on…

Hartford Court Pinot Noir From Russian River and J Vineyards in Sonoma County are some of my favorites. Patricia Green from the Willamette Valley also has half bottles.

Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon, Arrowood and Faust from Napa Valley could make your Easter dinner a hit!

But if you are looking for something different even Pio Cesare, Barolo from Italy is available on line!

No matter what your taste is, there is always a small bottle version of your favorite adult beverage. Whether you are sampling it for the first time or just want to enjoy it in small quantities.

I wish you all are able to enjoy Easter dinner with your family and friends and please remember to be safe!

– Robert Aquilino, Prime 44 Restaurant Manager & Assistant Wine Director at the Greenbrier Resort. HashtagWV #124. April 2020.