Classic Holiday Cocktails

As the festive season nears, it’s time to gather around with friends and family, savoring the warmth and joy that comes with the holidays. One timeless tradition that has stood the test of time is the art of crafting classic holiday cocktails. These cocktails not only add a touch of sophistication to your celebrations but also bring a sense of nostalgia and tradition. In today’s blog, we’ll journey through the history and recipes of some classic holiday cocktails that have become synonymous with the season.

The Old Fashioned: A Timeless Classic

We kick off our journey with the Old Fashioned. Dating back to the early 19th century, this classic cocktail has maintained its popularity over the years due to its simple, no-frills recipe, consisting of whiskey or bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel. Due to its simplicity, selecting the best bourbon for old fashioneds will help elevate the cocktail and enhance the overall experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Start by placing a sugar cube in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass (rocks glass).
2. Add Bitters: Dash the sugar cube with 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. The bitters will add complexity and depth to the cocktail.
3. Muddle: Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, muddle the sugar cube with the bitters. Press and twist to dissolve the sugar as much as possible.
4. Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey over the muddled sugar and bitters.
5. Stir: Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
6. Add ice: Add a couple of large ice cubes to the glass. The large ice cubes will chill the drink without melting too quickly and diluting the flavors.
7. Express the Orange Peel: Hold the orange peel over the glass and express the oils by giving it a twist. You can also run the peel around the rim of the glass to enhance the aroma.
8. Drop the Peel: Drop the twisted orange peel into the glass as a garnish.
9. Enjoy with or without an additional cherry garnish.

Eggnog: A Creamy Tradition

No holiday celebration is complete without a glass of creamy, spiced eggnog. Originating in medieval England, this rich concoction of milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg is considered a mark of the festive season.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¾ cup bourbon or dark rum
• Additional nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. Separate Eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another. Make sure there is no trace of yolk in the whites, as it can affect their ability to whip.
2. Beat Egg Yolks with Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until they become lighter in color. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
3. Combine Milk and Cream: In a separate saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
4. Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking. This process, known as tempering, prevents the eggs from curdling. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
5. Cook the Eggnog: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a temperature of about 160°F. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
6. Add Vanilla and Spices: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Adjust the spices to taste.
7. Cool the Eggnog: Allow the eggnog to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Add Alcohol: Just before serving, stir in bourbon or dark rum.
9. Whip Egg Whites (Optional): If you want a frothier texture, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the eggnog just before serving.
10. Serve: Pour the eggnog into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg. Enjoy!

Hot Toddy: Cozy Comfort in a Cup

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a Hot Toddy to warm your spirits. This comforting cocktail, traditionally made with whiskey, hot water, honey, and a lemon wedge, has long been an accompaniment to chilly winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon twist
• Optional: Cinnamon stick or star anise

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or heat the water in a saucepan.
2. Warm the Mug: While the water is heating, warm your mug or glass by filling it with hot water for a minute. Then, discard the hot water.
3. Add Honey: Pour 1 to 2 tbsp of honey into the warm mug. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
4. Pour in Whiskey: Add 2 oz of bourbon or whiskey to the mug. Choose a good quality bourbon for the best flavor.
5. Squeeze Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon, removing any seeds, and add 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice to the mug.
6. Pour Hot Water: Once the water has boiled, pour it into the mug over the honey, whiskey, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure the honey is fully dissolved.
7. Optional Spices: If desired, add a cinnamon stick or a star anise for extra flavor. These spices can add a delightful touch to your Hot Toddy.
8. Garnish: Garnish your Hot Toddy with a twist of lemon. To create a lemon twist, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to cut a thin strip of lemon peel, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
9. Let it Steep: Allow the drink to steep for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and the drink to reach the desired temperature.
10. Serve Warm: Enjoy your Hot Toddy while it’s warm, sipping it slowly to savor the comforting combination of whiskey, honey, and lemon.

Cranberry Mule: A Modern Twist on Tradition

For those seeking a contemporary twist on classic holiday cocktails, the Cranberry Mule offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. This vibrant and festive drink combines vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime, creating a cocktail that is both visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries, rosemary and lime slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a Copper Mug: Fill a copper mug (or a highball glass) with ice cubes. The use of a copper mug is traditional for a Moscow Mule but feel free to use any glass you have on hand.
2. Add Vodka: Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
3. Pour Cranberry Juice: Add 1 oz of cranberry juice to the mug.
4. Squeeze Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the mug.
5. Stir Gently: Give the ingredients a gentle stir to mix the flavors.
6. Top with Ginger Beer: Top off the mug with ginger beer, leaving some space at the top. The amount of ginger beer can be adjusted based on your preference for a stronger or lighter ginger flavor.
7. Garnish (Optional): Optionally, garnish the drink with a few fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lime for a festive touch.