Margarita first, then the real star: duck breast with a glossy Cointreau glaze, balanced by bright citrus and caramelized winter vegetables. Rich, cosy, and just the right excuse to linger over a drink.

A glass of Sicilian Nero d'Avola, a rich and full-bodied red wine sourced from the picturesque Baroque town of Noto. This exquisite wine pairs beautifully with a savoury dish of Eggplant Parmigiana, featuring layers of tender, sautéed eggplant, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all baked to perfection in a comforting tomato sauce.

Unicum is Hungary’s most iconic herbal liqueur. For this recipe, I’ll be using Unicum Szilva, the plum-infused version that, brings a deep, velvety note to this winter dish. Roasted duck legs with red wine, plum compote, and parsnip purée create a rich, earthy pairing where Hungarian tradition meets a little kitchen drama.

Tokaji is Hungary’s magical wine region where grapes get politely zapped by “noble rot” and somehow turn into liquid dessert with subtle acidity. From the renowned Aszú to the quietly brilliant Fordítás, these wines balance sweetness and brightness with effortless poise. When paired with rich duck rillettes or pâtés, their layered flavours seem to greet one another with a refined, joyful flourish.