Drinks: Xanté, a fine Swedish liqueur

Getting into the well-chilled spirit of the new year comes Xanté.

The Swedish beverage is marketed as an "unimaginable pleasure," which suggests more than it intends. But the flavored liqueur comes across as a tasty beverage, blending Cognac with an infusion of pear. French oak adds a hint of vanilla.

If you like your liqueur on the sweet side, know that Xanté's sugar content hits 17 percent. It's from the company known for Cherry Heering. You'll have to be a real fan to take it neat or on ice. But the liqueur is an easygoing partner in a cocktail. Consider pairing the amber-hued number with Champagne or another sparkling wine. The "golden retriever" is no dog: Add 1.5 ounces of very chilled Xanté to a nonvintage brut Champagne for a refresher.

Xanté has been served in Europe for about a decade. A 750-ml bottle is about $40.

If you're more inclined toward a good Scotch, make the acquaintance of Dalwhinnie The Distillers Edition, a bright single-malt whisky matured in oloroso-sherry casks. It has a little spice and a dry finish. About $75.

Port lovers have enjoyed Graham's "Six Grapes" Reserve, with its plum and cherry notes. You could get a head start on Valentine's Day with a $13 half-bottle. This Port is ideal with dark chocolate and nutty sweets. As if to show that romance has many aspects, it goes with full-flavored cheeses, too.