The Holiday Cocktail Guide - Unique Yet Simple Drinks!
Spiked egg nog, hot toddy, mulled (or spiced) wine make for some fine winter treats, but honestly speaking, those can get boring pretty quickly. Why not try something unique and impressive for your guests this holiday season? Today, we look at some exceptional drink ideas for you to mix! We won't make them too complex though. The ingredients used can all be easily purchased at any market and of course, the booze can be delivered straight to your door using our fine selection!
Boiled Apple Cider Syrup
To make apple cider syrup, start by simmering fresh apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to reduce slowly, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. This process concentrates the natural sweetness and tartness of the cider, creating a rich, flavorful syrup. For added depth, you can infuse spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves during the simmering process. Once reduced to your desired thickness, remove the spices (if used), and let the syrup cool before transferring it to a jar for storage.
Use in These Cocktails:
Apple cider syrup is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of many cocktails. Here are a few ideas:
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
* Combine bourbon or rye whiskey, a dash of bitters, and a spoonful of apple cider syrup. Stir with ice and garnish with an orange twist and a cinnamon stick.
Spiced Apple Mule
* Mix vodka, apple cider syrup, lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Serve in a copper mug for the classic mule experience.
Fall Margarita
* Shake tequila, apple cider syrup, lime juice, and a splash of triple sec with ice. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an autumn twist.
Apple Whiskey Sour
* Blend whiskey, apple cider syrup, lemon juice, and an egg white (optional for frothiness). Shake well and serve over ice.
Hot Spiced Toddy
* Add apple cider syrup to hot water or tea, along with bourbon or brandy, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
The syrup's natural sweetness and spiced notes make it a great addition to any drink needing a touch of autumn warmth!
Gin-tastic Holiday Drinks!
Gin’s botanical flavors make it a fantastic base for holiday cocktails. Here are some tips for crafting festive gin-based drinks:
Incorporate Seasonal Flavors
* Use ingredients like cranberry, rosemary, pomegranate, orange, or spiced syrups (e.g., cinnamon or ginger). These pair beautifully with gin’s herbal and citrus notes.
Try Warm Gin Cocktails
* Create a cozy punch by warming gin with spices, apple cider, and honey. Add a dash of lemon for brightness.
Add Sparkle
* Champagne or prosecco complements gin well. Combine gin with a splash of sparkling wine, elderflower liqueur, and a rosemary sprig for an elegant touch.
Go Creamy
* Experiment with creamy gin cocktails like a Gin Flip. Mix gin, cream, simple syrup, and a whole egg, then shake well for a velvety holiday treat.
Garnish for Festive Flair
* Enhance presentation with seasonal garnishes such as sugared cranberries, a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a sprig of pine.
Infuse Your Own Flavors
* Infuse gin with holiday ingredients like fresh cranberries, cardamom, or vanilla a week ahead of your party for a custom holiday twist.
Recipe Idea: Holiday Negroni
* Mix gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari with a splash of cranberry juice. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and orange slice.
Knob Creek Smoked Maple Goodness
Knob Creek has a smoked maple release that goes perfectly with cool weather and the holiday season. Do it!
Smoked Maple Old Fashioned
* Ingredients:
* 2 oz Knob Creek Smoked Maple
* 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp simple syrup)
* 2 dashes Angostura bitters
* Orange peel
* Directions: Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass, add ice, and pour in the bourbon. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.
Maple Manhattan
* Ingredients:
* 2 oz Knob Creek Smoked Maple
* 1 oz sweet vermouth
* 2 dashes orange bitters
* Luxardo cherry for garnish
* Directions: Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with the cherry.
Smoked Maple Sour
* Ingredients:
* 2 oz Knob Creek Smoked Maple
* 1 oz fresh lemon juice
* 1/2 oz maple syrup
* Egg white (optional)
* Directions: Dry shake all ingredients (shake without ice) to froth the egg white, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon wheel or dash of bitters.
Maple Bourbon Mule
* Ingredients:
* 2 oz Knob Creek Smoked Maple
* 1/2 oz lime juice
* Ginger beer to top
* Lime wedge and cinnamon stick for garnish
* Directions: Pour bourbon and lime juice over ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish.
Maple Hot Toddy
* Ingredients:
* 2 oz Knob Creek Smoked Maple
* 1 tbsp honey
* 1/2 oz lemon juice
* Hot water to fill
* Directions: Combine bourbon, honey, and lemon juice in a mug. Top with hot water and garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon slice.
Boom! There you have it, some unique and impressive drink ideas for your family, friends, and frenemies. Be sure to keep an eye on the Sip Whiskey site from some holiday sales coming up soon!