By Jon Theiss

This fall, as the mercury falls and you begin pulling your coats from storage, you might feel the annual onset of cabin fever. If you’re aching to get out of the house and into something international, classic European spirits are available right here in Columbus.

Germany is held in high regard by most every European for its talent in beer making – and for good reason. Bavaria, as a region, is world famous for producing some of the best brew in the history of the craft. Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus in German Village is a great place to belly up to an array of German beers, including the bottled Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, a “smoke beer” that’s perfect for sitting by the fire. The traditional Paulaner Oktoberfest on draft is also a staff favorite, paired with Schmidt’s signature Bahama Mama.

Bartender Shelagh Adam says “the spiciness of that Bahama Mama with the sweetness of the beer is amazing.” Try each with the creampuffs. You’ll be glad you did. www.schmidthaus.com


Italy is the cradle of Western culture – and Limoncello! Traditionally made from the Sorrento lemon, Limoncello is usually served as an after-dinner drink, or “digestif,” to aid in digestion. It’s flavor is delicately lemony, because it’s made by soaking lemon rinds in vodka for ten days. After the rinds have soaked, they are removed and simple syrup is added. Jim Meadows of Bel-Lago in Westerville shares his recipe:

• 750 ml vodka (one bottle)
• 750 ml simple syrup
• 10 lemon rinds

Combine the vodka and the lemons in an airtight container and soak for ten days, stirring once per day. On the tenth day, strain the mixture, add simple syrup, chill and enjoy! www.bellagobistro.com







Ireland is known for rolling emerald hills, shepherd’s pie – and whiskey, of course. Brazenhead (located in Dublin and Grandview) offers a great selection of Irish whiskeys, right alongside high-end pub grub that’ll knock your socks off. Brazenhead’s regulars recommend Tullamore Dew, one of the oldest and most authentic Irish whiskeys.

Try it in a Hot Apple Toddy.
• 2 ounces Whiskey
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup Hot Apple Cider
• Lemon wedge, cinnamon stick and 2-3 whole cloves.

Coat the bottom of a mug with honey, add whiskey, fill with apple cider and finish with lemon, cinnamon and cloves for garnish. www.hdrestaurants.com/brazenhead

Spain is known for a number of different spirited drinks, but when most people think of the Iberian Peninsula, Sangria immediately comes to mind. Here in Columbus, Barcelona Restaurant and Bar is host to a number of traditional Spanish and Basque drinks, and their Sangria is a hit with almost everyone. Bar Manager Tim Hawkins shares the basic recipe to yield one pitcher:

• One bottle red burgundy wine
• ½ cup blackberry brandy
• ½ cup sugar
• Lemons, limes and oranges, sliced
• Lemon-lime soda

In a pitcher, muddle the fruit with sugar before adding the wine and brandy. Refrigerate for 24 hours, serve over ice with a splash of Lemon-lime soda. For white sangria, visit Barcelona in the summer months.

www.barcelonacolumbus.com

Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower, nights on the Seine – and wine, of course. France is known for its romance just as much as its rolling hills of breathtaking vineyards and perfect winegrowing microclimates. Luxury Living went to the experts at The Refectory on Bethel Road to find some of the best wines for autumn. Les Tours Cotes de Gascogne 2009 is the recommended autumnal white, says Jeffrey Elasky, general manager and wine buyer. This white wine blend offers the “aroma of apricot ... with a hint of citrus.” It’s also affordable, retailing for $11.99. For fans of red wine, he suggests an Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone 2007, that he says tastes like “wonderful black cherry, with a hint of bright raspberry.” This bottle is also still within everyone’s reach at only $14.99. www.therefectoryrestaurant.com England’s rich pub scene has taken hold all over our city, but finding an authentic
British cocktail might be harder than you think – most American cocktails are just as English as they are American. Pimm’s, a liqueur made of gin infused with different herbs and flavorings, is still distinctly English.

The Pub at Polaris is just the place to seek out one of these hard-to-find classics. Pimm’s Cup is perfect with the savory Pub Crisps, basically the equivalent of “British nachos.”

• 2 ounces Pimm’s #1 Cup
• 4-6 fresh mint leaves
• Cucumber spear
• Soda water
Muddle the mint in a tall glass, fill with
ice, add Pimm’s and a splash of soda water.
Garnish with the cucumber spear.