One of our favourite holiday gifts was this Bacardi gift set, complete with everything we need to ramp up our mojito mojo. Here’s a recipe for a sweet and spicy Ginger and Lemongrass Mojito that we’re pretty sure was responsible for curing our winter cold.

Ingredients
1 ½ oz Bacardi Superior Rum
½ lime
1 tsp Sugar
1 oz Bottlegreen Ginger and Lemongrass Soda
8-10 fresh mint leaves
Mandarin orange segments

Directions
Muddle mint, sugar and lime in a highball glass. Fill with ice, add 1½ oz. Bacardi Superior Rum and top with Bottlegreen Ginger and Lemongrass Soda. Stir well and garnish with a mandarin orange segments and sprig of mint.

Our Rx? Take two every Friday and don’t call the doctor in the a.m.

$35.45 at the SAQ until mid-January, www.bacardi.com

The reggae vibe of UB40’s ode to our favourite winter-quaff elicits thoughts of warm beaches, but we all know that when the white stuff starts to fall, we’re better off red. (Click on the links for availability at SAQ stores.)

The perfect wine to pair with pizza? You heard it here: Lambrusco Concerto Reggiano 2009 ($16.15) is a floral and fruity sparkling red wine that takes take-out out of the ordinary.

Yellowtail’s 2009 Reserve Shiraz ($16.80) has just hit shelves with flavours of ripe berries and black cherries as well as hints of chocolate and mocha. We detected a little hint of spiciness, just right for a winter warm-up.

Amethystos 2008 vin de pays de Drama ($24.80) from Greek wine producer Domaine Costa Lazaridi is a no-brainer to bring to a BYO Greek restaurant, but also pairs perfectly with steak.

Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2004 suggests subtly spicy tones of coffee and tobacco adding depth to classic plum and dark cherry fruits, pairing deliciously with Italian foods and roasted game meats.

Napa Valley’s Stag’s Leap 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($55) is the perfect red to take you through the winter months. With flavours of blackberry, espresso and black truffle, this wine is rich enough to be drunk with food, but easily enjoyed on its own. Although, you don’t have to be on your own.

Just in time for all those SATC 2 parties, a locally produced cocktail just for us gals.

Created by Montrealer Annick Major, Urb’nlili is a yummy new vodka beverage ($15.95/4 bottles) blended with plant extracts like ginkgo biloba, ginseng and guarana. The bottles are foxy and we love how each one is sweetened with all-natural fruit like lychee, lime or cranberry.

Cheers m’dears!

At SAQ Dépôt, Marché Central, 1001 rue du Marché Central, Montreal, 514- 383-9954, www.saq.com

With warm days ahead, we’re saying g’day to a bottle of Yalumba Viognier 2008 ($16.95). 

Made using an organic Rhone grape, this fruity number from Australia’s oldest winery has just hit Quebec. With exotic notes of jasmine and honeysuckle, it pairs perfectly with spicy barbequed chicken and a softly swaying hammock.

At SAQ stores, www.saq.com

In our dreams we’ll take Clive Owen and Ryan Reynolds in a fantasy romp, but in reality a medium-bodied shiraz will do just fine.

Jacob’s Creek Three Vines Shiraz Cabernet Tempranillo ($16.90) has notes of Satsuma plum, dark cherry, anise and black olive that match beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, savoury meats, and earthy mushrooms.

It’s being launched exclusively this month on the Quebec market. After all, the French did coin the term ménage.

Available at SAQ outlets, www.saq.com