The warm days of summer are slowly slipping away, allowing for fall to gently come rustling in. Lemonade and iced tea are giving way to hot chocolate and apple cider.
My most happy thought about this, though? It’s the new season of some of our favorite shows!! Here’s what I’m drinking while watching my shows:
Disclaimer: I am providing the networks, but it is up to you to check your local listings for times.
- Monday
The Voice, NBC (Also on Tuesdays on the same network) – Fun and surprising are the words I use to describe “The Voice”.
What do I recommend you drink? Schoenheitz Crémant d’Alsace Brut. Yes. Bubbly. This specific one is rich, creamy, delicious and unique. It also will surprise you price-wise. If you can’t find it, reach out to Pam at Evergreen Wine Cellar in Vancouver, WA to see if she can ship it to you.
Gotham, FOX – If you’re not familiar with Gotham, this is the “fill-in” story for the Batman movies. It shows the development of our beloved Batman characters, such as Commissioner Gordon, Penguin, The Joker, The Riddler, etc.
Gotham is dark, mysterious, and intriguing, just like the 2014 Kaiken Wines Ultra Malbec.
Lucifer, FOX – A story about Lucifer, the fallen angel. In this show, Lucifer got bored and gave up his throne as the Lord of Hell. He retired to Los Angeles and opened a piano bar. Oh, and he helps the LAPD take down criminals.
This pairing is obvious. Gorman Winery‘s “The Devil You Don’t Know”. Yes. I went there. However, whenever I’m asked to list my favorite wineries in Woodinville, this one always makes my list, and “The Devil You Don’t Know” is one of my favorites from there.
- Tuesday
FYI: Tuesday night is all CBS for me. I don’t care what else is on. I’m watching my CBS shows! This is why DVR and next-day streaming was invented, right??
NCIS – NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Basically, they’re Navy cops. Yes, it is a real branch of the government.
What would I drink with NCIS? Bourbon, like the one from Woodinville Whiskey Company. The higher proof, the better. For a true “NCIS” experience, drink it out of a coffee cup while working on a boat in a basement. If you watch the show, you get it.
Bull – Bull is a new drama. Inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw (yes, that Dr. Phil), Bull is about strategy and how our psychological reactions can influence others.
I’ve struggled with this pairing. It’s complex, yet satisfying. A little kitschy, yet you don’t get hit over the head with kitschy. My choice? An Old Fashioned.
NCIS: New Orleans – very similar to NCIS, except in New Orleans.
When you think of New Orleans, everyone automatically thinks of Pat O’Briens and Hurricanes. However, I’m going to go a different direction. I’m going to say do the other classic New Orleans cocktail, the Sazerac.
…yep…Tuesday night is a whiskey night, y’all. Be responsible.
- Wednesday
Lethal Weapon, FOX – If you’re like me, you’ve seen the original movies with Danny Glover & Mel Gibson. I am still on the fence about this show because I know and love the movies so much, but I’ll give it a chance.
What do I recommend drinking? Moonshine. I don’t care where it’s from. Just remember that moonshine is the heart and soul of whiskey. It is a little rough around the edges, yet when done right, it’s smooth, sweet, and adaptable. A lot like Riggs & Murtaugh. Also, for some people, moonshine makes them say Murtaugh’s signature line from the movies, “I’m too old for this shit.”
Criminal Minds, CBS – A show that will play with your psyche. You need a beverage that is complex, mysterious, and downright mystifying.
There’s only one wine I could recommend. Cesari Amarone.
Law & Order: SVU, NBC – The remaining show in the legendary franchise, SVU stands the test of time (even without Stabler, IMHO). Set within the Special Victims Unit of the NYPD, these detectives see the worst of humanity.
What stands the test of time for me? Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. Any vintage you drink, as long as it’s been stored properly, is going to be beautiful.
Designated Survivor, ABC – Pardon my language, but HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY MOTHERF**KING SHIT!!!! I was hooked on this show within the first four minutes. Seriously.
For this show, I want to tell you to drink whatever it is *YOU* want to drink while being protected by a blankie fort in your living room with a coloring book and a fresh box of crayons (my bottle of choice is Jack Daniels). HOWEVER, I’m going to veer differently and tell you splurge and drink something from Fidelitas, because you never know when it will be your last day. But, if you want your comfort bottle of adult refreshment, then do it. You’re gonna need it.
- Thursday
Rosewood, FOX – Oh Rosie. You beautiful, beautiful species of mankind. I will just sit and watch you boil water for an entire show if that’s what it takes.
What do I recommend? Sexy, sexy Syrah. I recommend something from the 2012 or 2013 vintages coming from Washington.
- Friday
MacGyver, CBS – Yet another remake of a childhood TV show. The premise? A resourceful special agent who often has to get out of situations using just what he has handy.
In true “MacGyver” style, I say that you should figure out your own cocktail! The more creative you are, the better. It’s what MacGyver would do.
Hawaii Five-0, CBS – A “reboot” of the original series that’s just starting it’s 7th season. The beloved characters of Chin Ho Kelly, Steve McGarrett, and Danny “Danno” Williams are still there and still loved, but there’s a twist on each character from the original series.
What do drink? Well, the Five-0 Task Force drinks Kona Longboards, so I’m gonna go with that.
- Saturday
I use Saturdays to catch up on programming.
- Sunday
The Librarians, TNT (premieres Nov. 20th) – this is a series done right. They took the movies and expanded upon them instead of rewriting them to fit an hour long TV show. If you’re not familiar with the premise, there is a mystical library which holds all the magic in the world. When demons steal the magic to do evil things with, it is up to The Librarian (there’s only one, yet there are 4 that are “in training” in the show) to either protect it or retrieve it.
What would I drink? Something interesting, with a little magic behind it. For this reason, I’m going to go with the most magical wine I know, Sleight of Hand Cellars The Conjurer.
NCIS: Los Angeles – A “special” unit of NCIS, the Office of Special Projects, these guys are just a mish mash of crazy, fun, and quirky.
What would I drink? IPA. Hoppy, yet can be refined.
Madam Secretary, CBS – After retiring from the CIA, and finding a happy life in academia, Elizabeth McCord is pulled back into public service. There’s something about having a presidential motorcade show up at your home that makes you say, “Ummmm…”
For me, the only wine that I could possibly pair with this complex, yet easy to catch up on series, is a wine that just as complex, yet easy to drink. Troon Vineyards Blue Label Sangiovese. This is a complex wine, but it’s very diplomatic. Much like Secretary McCord.
