Holiday Mixology Hacks
Simple Ways to Turn Classic Cocktails Into Tasty Holiday Libations
Learn how to turn classic cocktails into seasonal libations by following a few, simple ingredient updates. A great way to utilize existing "standard bar stock" for impromptu holiday gatherings.
Holiday Upgrades
1 1/2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey,
2 dashes Cardamom Bitters,
1 tsp Dark Brown Sugar,
Few Dashes of Water,
Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cubes*
Garnish: Blood Orange Peel, Luxardo Cherry
Traditional
1 1/2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey,
2 dashes Angostura bitters,
1 Sugar Cube,
Few Dashes of Water,
Ice Cubes
Garnish: Orange Peel, Cocktail Cherry
Preparation:
*Make Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cubes several hours prior. Mix 8 oz water with 1 Tbsp Madagascar Vanilla Extract; pour into ice cube tray and place in freezer until set. Click here to become a vanilla expert.
Place sugar in old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters, add a dash of plain water and blood orange peel. Muddle until dissolved. Click here to learn how to muddle. Fill the glass with a few Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cubes; add in whiskey; then toss in the Luxardo cherry.
Holiday Upgrades
1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
Splash Room Temp Espresso (or Strong Coffee)
1 2/3 oz Vodka
1 oz Half & Half
Dark Chocolate Ice Cubes*
Garnish: Peppermint Stick
Traditional
2/3 oz Coffee Liqueur
1 2/3 oz Vodka
1 oz Half & Half
Ice Cubes
Garnish: None
Preparation
*Prepare Dark Chocolate Ice Cubes several hours prior. How to make 'em: Fill ice cube tray with regular water. Melt 2 oz bittersweet chocolate, drizzle into ice cube tray nooks; place in freezer and leave until set.
Pour coffee liqueur and vodka into a rocks glass with a few Dark Chocolate Ice Cubes. Pour cream on top; stir slowly.
HOLIDAY UPGRADE
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Pomegranate Juice
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz Orange Peel Infused Vodka
Garnish: Sprig of Rosemary
Traditional
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz Cranberry juice
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz Vodka Citron
Garnish: Lime Wedge, Lemon Slice
Preparation
*To Make Orange Peel Infused Vodka: Place fresh orange peels into a mason jar with vodka, seal. Leave in a dark place for 3 weeks.
Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and double strain into large cocktail glass, then garnish.
Holiday Upgrade
1 oz Gin
1/2 oz Campari
Splash Cherry Juice
1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
Splash Ginger Ale
Garnish: Spearmint
Traditional
1 oz Gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
Garnish: Orange Peel
Preparation
Stir all ingredients in a glass with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish.
