There are so many events to enjoy at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

We can’t wait to learn more about the Special Events that will be offered this year. We hope food and wine pairings like the French Family Meal Traditions will be back. And we’re excited to see Party for the Senses and the Rockin’ Burger Block Party return as well.

But some of our favorite events of the festival are Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations, which take place at the Festival Center throughout the day.

In years past, guest could choose from Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminars at three different times each day, while Mixology Seminars take place once each evening.

This year, we welcome a new experience — the Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops. While we’re anxious for more details about this offering, we do know that the experience will give guests the opportunity to learn lots of different skills from pros across the culinary field!

I always think that the best way to look forward to what’s coming is to check out some of our favorite events from last year’s festival. So today, we’re sharing a Mixology Demonstration featuring one of my favorites — Ice Wine!

Low Cost Mixology Demonstration — Apple Ice Wine

We arrived a little late for the Mixology Demonstration. Here’s a TIP: don’t do that. Our lunch at Le Cellier had run longer than we expected, and so we high-tailed it to the Festival Center.

Information Desk at Festival Center

When we got there, we found that they had basically sold our spots! Fortunately, the cast members found a few extra seats and place settings, so we were set up and ready to go in short order.

Seating and Presentation Area at Festival Center

I had chosen this particular seminar because I really enjoy traditional Ice Wine, so I thought it would be interesting to try a different version. Besides, I was intrigued by the notion of using a dessert wine as the basis of cocktail.

Our presenters were Margot and Wade Holtzman, winemakers and owners of Still River Winery. The pair were very knowledgeable and shared a lot about the process of making their wine. It was really fun to learn how they sort of “fell into” making apple ice wine! It was basically a hobby based on one of their travel adventures, and it’s blossomed into a business for the couple.

Presenters Margot and Wade Holtzman

After hearing a bit about their operation and how it’s grown in recent years, we had the opportunity to taste a sample of the wine. It was pleasantly sweet, but with a bright, crisp flavor — a clear indication that this special wine was made from apple juice, rather than the customary grape juice.

Place Setting and Sample of Still River Apple Ice Wine

But our place setting also included recipes for two different cocktails using the Apple Ice Wine as their basis. I thought this was kind of a cool concept, offering a lighter cocktail in terms of flavor and alcohol content.

The first cocktail that we tried was the Sparkling Frozen Apple. To make it, just add two ounces of Apple Ice Wine to a champagne flute, and then top with Prosecco. For a festive touch, garnish with Pomegranate Seeds. This would make a great aperitif to serve to guests as they arrive for a holiday party.

Sparkling Frozen Apple Cocktail

The second cocktail was a little more potent. The Caramel Apple Martini combined the wine with Lovoka Caramel Vodka Liqueur. While this was a bit sweet for my friend and me, she did think it tasted quite a bit like a caramel apple. So if you love your Mickey Caramel Apples and would like to try them in a grown-up form, then this is the recipe for you!

Caramel Apple Martini

Overall, I really liked the concept of making wine-based cocktails. I still love ice wine of all kinds, and I appreciated the craftsmanship that went into making this special drink.

But now, let’s hear from you guys! Do you love attending Mixology Seminars during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Leave a comment and let me know what you think of the Apple Ice Wine Cocktails!