My Must-Try Holiday Cocktails
As 2020 comes to a close, we all could use a cocktail. Here’s a list of some of my favorite festive drinks. Let’s raise a glass to making spirits bright.
Aztec Chocolate Old Fashion
The Aztec Chocolate Old Fashion is crafted with a sweet tooth in mind. Its rich and smooth flavor makes it the ideal dessert cocktail. Enjoy it by a crackling fire with a s’more and good conversation.
2 oz – Maker’s Mark
1/4 oz – Maple Syrup
2 Dashes – Aztec Chocolate Bitters
1 Dash – Black Walnut Bitters
Directions: Add all of the ingredients into a stirring glass. Fill it with lots of ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail over a large ice rock. Express a fresh orange peel on the glass and use that same peel as a garnish. For added flare, serve with a piece of Remy Martin Chocolate.
Oaxacan Winter
Sugar, spice and everything nice. The Oaxacan Winter is a naturally sweet, fruit forward cocktail with a hint of spice. It makes you feel like you are dining by an agave plantation in the rolling hills of Mexico.
2 oz –Mezcal Illegal Reposado
1 Tablespoon – Piloncillo Syrup
2 Dashes – Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
1 drop – Tres Amigos Infuse Bitters
Directions: Add all of the ingredients into a stirring glass. Fill it with lots of ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail over a large ice rock. Express a fresh blood orange peel on the glass and use that same peel as your garnish. Add Luxardo cherries for an extra touch of holiday spirit!
Spiked Cider
This warm cider is perfect for a cold, cozy evening at home watching your favorite holiday movie. While the cider simmers on the stove, I’d suggest cutting a slice of Apple Crumble Pie. The two make an irresistible pair.
6 oz – House made Warm Apple Cider
1.5 oz – your choice of Bourbon, Dark Rum or Extra Anejo Tequila
Directions: To make apple cider, add a half gallon of unfiltered apple juice, the peel of half an orange, 4 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 2 whole cloves, 4 ounces of allspice Dram, small ginger root and a pinch of saffron to a pan. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Add your warm apple cider to a coffee mug and pour your spirit of choice into it. Garnish with a torched cinnamon stick and fresh orange peel.
Fall Old Fashion
The Fall Old Fashion is a new spin on a classic holiday cocktail with bourbon, cinnamon and a touch of citrus. It’s lightly sweetened and full of decadent Fall flavors that will have you dreaming of a white Christmas.
2 oz – Eagle Rare Ten Year Bourbon
½ oz – Signature Fall Syrup
2 Dashes – Angostura Bitters
Directions: To make Signature Fall Syrup, boil 1 cup of water with 1 cinnamon stick and 1 star anise. Add the peels of ¼ orange right after it begins to boil. Put it on low heat for 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir until the sugar completely melts. Then, sift and cool to room temperature before use. Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with lots of ice. Stir for 30 seconds and strain the cocktail over a large ice rock. Express a fresh orange peel on your glass and use that same peel as a garnish.
Honeynut Squash Sour
This drink is simple sophistication in a glass. It is rich, foamy and naturally sweet, with a dash of citrus. After you shake and pour, try your hand at a delicate foam design.
2 oz – Reposado Tequila
¾ oz – Lemon Juice
¾ oz – Roasted butternut squash reduction/puree
¼ oz – Amber Agave Nectar
1 – Egg White
Directions: First, make the roasted butternut squash puree. Slice the squash into wheels and remove the seeds. Roast the squash in the oven. Then, boil the squash in water (2 parts water, 1 part squash) until the squash is fully dissolved into a puree texture. Add all of the ingredients to a shaker tin and shake without ice for approximately 30 seconds. Add ice to the shaker tin and shake again. Double strain your cocktail into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with Angostura Drops on the egg white foam, making your best attempt at a beautiful design! Finally, lay a roasted squash chip in the glass.