This post was created in partnership with Dagoba. All opinions are our own.
This year we spent Thanksgiving in Portland, Oregon. It was a treat being in a place that actually experiences rain, and where fall actually feels like fall. Ryan’s parents like to poke fun at us wimpy Californians who overpack our suitcases with thermal underwear, wool socks, and snow hats—ready to brave those bone-chilling 50-degree temperatures. Yes, we may have been the only ones wearing thick arctic coats and heavy ski gloves strolling around downtown Portland in November, but we’re from Southern California where it’s summer year-round, and not used to this strange phenomenon known as “seasons.” Regardless, we had a great trip, enjoyed the crisp Oregon air, and welcomed two new dishes to the holiday table: a simple and sweet carrot soufflé, and a brussels sprout and caramelized leek gratin. Both dishes were an instant hit, and both will be making repeat appearances next year. Much of our time was spent in the kitchen preparing for Thanksgiving, and with the holidays continuing throughout the month, we know how much work goes into throwing a party, so today we are sharing something incredibly easy for all your entertaining needs: a light, bubbly, and refreshing winter cocktail that—like so many things in life—pairs beautifully with a bar of high-quality dark chocolate.