Winning Ice Wine Cocktails at Casa Larga

Fairport, NY - Two cocktails made with ice wine will be sampled at Casa Larga Vineyards on March 9 from 1:00 -5:00 p.m. The cocktails, named "Pear Weather Friend" and "Ice Berries," were entries in the Ice Wine Cocktail Contest that led up to the New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival. With over 100 votes apiece, cocktail creators Lara Rhyner and Louis Novak both won tickets to the festival that took place on February 16. Both will be at the winery on March 9 to talk about their recipes with winery visitors.

Pear Weather Friend - Lara Rhyner

1 part Casa Larga Fiori Vidal Ice Wine

1 part fresh pear puree infused with freshly grated ginger root

1 part ginger ale

Splash of Disaronno

Garnish with a ripe, thin slice of pear sprinkled with ground cinnamon.

Ice Berries - Louis Novak

3 parts Knapp Vidal Ice Wine

1 part chilled Chambord

Macerated blueberries and raspberries, chilled

The New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival was held at the winery for its fifth year on Saturday, with 10 wineries and over 600 guests. The Festival expanded this year with ice wine-infused foods created and prepared by RIT's Brick City Catering. The Ice Wine Cocktail Contest ran from the end of January through February 14 and winners were selected by popular vote.