The holidays call for special festive cocktails, using the best ingredients and taking the time to add special garnishes to give that extra twinkle.
I’m a firm believer in drinking better, not more. The holidays call for special, festive cocktails, using the best ingredients and taking the time to add special garnishes to give that extra twinkle. Here are a few special cocktails to share with your near and dear.
A) Old Saint Nick
Combine the following in a shaker:
-3 parts Bourbon
-1 part Allspice Liqueur
-1 tsp of Luxardo Cherry Syrup
Shake with ice vigorously until fully incorporated; Serve in a chilled coupe or over ice in a rocks glass; garnish with a Luxardo cherry and an anise star.
B) Holly Jolly Rum
Combine the following in a shaker:
-3 parts Aged Rum
-1 part Allspice Liqueur
-1-2 tsp of Cranberry Simple Syrup
Shake with ice vigorously until fully incorporated; Serve in a chilled coupe or over ice in a rocks glass; garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick.
C) Viral Rosemary Christmas Tree Cocktail
This is really a method of serving cocktails, which can be a vessel for any number of cocktails.
To Make: Using tape and string, suspend a sprig of rosemary in a glass with a few inches of water on the bottom. Carefully freeze the glass to create a festive scene for your favorite cocktails. My favorites are a clear Gin and Tonic or a festive red hue with a Negroni or Aperol spritz.
Negroni: Equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. *I like mine a bit more gin-forward, so I add a third more gin.
Aperol Spritz: 1.5 oz Aperol, 2 oz prosecco, and a splash of soda water.
Gin and Tonic: 1 part gin to 3 parts tonic water. *Fever Tree has great variations of tonic water, like yuzu or grapefruit.
D) Cranberry Simple Syrup
This is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make several holiday cocktails.
-2 cups 100% cranberry juice
-1 cup sugar
Combine and bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45-60 mins. Once cool, it will be a thick, rich syrup.
Add it to sparkling wine for a simple and gorgeous cocktail. Or add it to aged spirits (bourbon, rum, Scotch, etc.) for a festive take on an Old Fashioned.
Disclaimer: For my day job I’m a lawyer representing distilled spirits producers. The opinions I express are my own and not that of my employer. Drink Responsibly
