Everyone’s always looking for something new to add to their cheese boards and holiday entertaining spreads. You’ve got your favorites, but it’s always nice to mix it up a bit. Don’t miss these three new entertaining options on shelves now at Trader Joe’s.
Unexpected Cheddar has long been a popular one with Trader Joe’s shoppers, from the block to the grated version to the spread. TJ’s branched out with a Hatch Chile version of the spread in late summer. And they’re bringing full on holiday vibes with Unexpected Cheddar Holiday Cheer spread, with cranberries, riesling wine, and cinnamon. I was iffy about the cinnamon, but it really works! I think I like Holiday Cheer the best of the three. The only question is, why didn’t Trader Joe’s do a “holiday pack” with all three flavors? Coulda been a throwback to the Swiss Colony gift sets from the 70s and 80s. Missed opportunity!
In years past, Trader Joe’s brought us Sparkling Cranberry Ginger, Sugar Plum Sparkling Beverage and my favorite, the Sparkling Honeycrisp Juice in a can. This year, we’re getting an even more exciting non-alcoholic holiday beverage option: Something Spritzy. A mix of Grapefruit, Cranberry and Orange Juices kicked with aromatic bitters. For me, this one is best ice cold, because something about the scent of the orange reminds me of powered drinks. It doesn’t taste artificial, it’s the scent that’s throwing me off. With cranberry in the mix, this one pours a magenta-y, cranberry color. Great as a mixer, or on its own.
Also on the zero-proof front, Trader Joe’s has two new Sparkling Teas in champagne-esque celebration bottles. It comes in two varieties — a “Rose” with Oolong, Hibiscus and Herbal Teas, and a “Blanc” with Green Tea, Lemongrass and Jasmine. They’re Product of Germany (made for another company in Denmark?) , so not the same producer as the sparkling teas w/ juice in a can.
I brought home the “Rose” because lemongrass can be hit or miss for me. You get the sparkling wine experience — unwinding the cage, the champagne cork pop, and nice carbonation. You can definitely smell and taste the tea and the hibiscus. It’s not sweet. I liked it.
If you’re interested in other non-alcoholic celebration bottles, Dry Sparkling has a Reserve line (affiliate link) with Lavender, Spiced Pear and Rose Soleil soda flavors.
