Making your Bonfire Bash go off with a Bang!

Remember, remember the 5th of November. As Guy Fawkes night approaches, we are preparing to celebrate with fireworks, bonfires, food and a cheeky glass of wine. Whether you are hosting friends or family, or attending a professional display, i heart Wines has your bonfire bash covered.

Pull off a Bonfire Night party with a bang with our top hosting tips:

1. Sizzling snacks
   Crank up the BBQ and serve sizzling sausages. Not only are they easy to eat while watching a firework display, hot dogs double up as a great hand warmer! Serve with i heart Shiraz, to bring out the tang in the mustard. i heart Shiraz is an easy drinking red that’s bursting with juicy black fruit flavours and a hint of spice. The perfect accompaniment to an outdoor firework frenzy.
2. S’more-ish
   Make use of the bonfire (or the fire pit if at home) and get the marshmallows out to make s’mores. Add a twist to your mini marshmallow delight by adding 2 tablespoons of i heart Pinot Noir to the chocolate. This will add sweet plummy flavours and a kick of spice to the popular chocolate dessert.
3. Cracking Cocktails
   Mulled wine is not just for Christmas. A wine for bonfire night should be warming; something to match the crisp autumnal atmosphere, so why not go one step further with our delicious i heart Merlot Spiced Autumn Punch recipe. It will be sure to keep your guests cosy while the fireworks fizz and crackle in the chilly November air. Find the recipe below!
4. Game on
   Once you’ve finished the fireworks fun, move the festivities inside and heat things up with some games. Download ‘Heads Up’, a fun and hilarious gaming app from comedy genius, Ellen DeGeneres. From naming celebrities to singing, to silly accents – simply guess the word that’s on your head from your friends’ clues before the timer runs out! The most enjoyable part being to watch the videos back of all your friends shouting suggestions.
5. Playlists that pop
   Take inspiration from your Guy Fawkes themed party, and devise a playlist that will have something for everyone. Include Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’ to ‘Bang Bang’ by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and of course, ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry.

i heart Merlot Spiced Autumn Punch

Combining a smooth Merlot, with aromas of black fruit, notes of plum and raspberry and a hint of spice, with the warming autumnal flavours of cinnamon, orange and apple, this cocktail is a sure fire winner.

Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup

• 60g granulated sugar
• 60ml water

For the Punch

• 750ml i heart Merlot
• 250ml apple juice
• 250ml orange juice
• 125ml brandy
• 60ml orange liqueur
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 oranges
• 2 apples
• 6-star anise
• Simple syrup

Method

• First, make the simple syrup for the punch by mixing together 60g granulated sugar and 60ml of water in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil over a medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is clear, then remove from the heat and let it cool.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice, orange juice, brandy and orange liqueur. Add the simple syrup and bring to a boil over moderate heat, while stirring.
• Add the i heart Merlot along with the cinnamon sticks, star anise and slices of orange and apple and allow to simmer gently for 20 minutes before serving.
• Carefully pour into heatproof glasses. Garnish with fresh orange slices, a cinnamon stick and star anise. Serve the punch warm.

So, grab your mittens, coat and a glass of warming wine to enjoy while watching the fireworks this Autumn. If you’re looking to keep the chill at bay i heart Wines can certainly help, with a heart-warming range of reds to ensure your Bonfire Night bash goes off with a bang.