Story and images by Lisa L. Bynum
What better way to add a little merriment to your holiday season than with a delicious craft cocktail? Whether you're planning a cozy night by the fireplace or a lively holiday party, these cocktail recipes promise to infuse your festivities with the perfect blend of flavors that will be remembered long after the last sip. Raise a toast to the magic of the holidays.
Bourbon Milk Punch Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
3/4 cup whole milk
¼ cup heavy cream
2 ounces bourbon (such as Cathead's Old Soul High Rye Bourbon)
1 ½ ounces simple syrup
½ ounce vanilla extract
Method:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and pour the cocktail into a rocks glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail Makes 1 cocktail Ingredients for the rosemary simple syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 large sprigs of fresh rosemary
Ingredients for the Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail:
2 ounces gin (such as Wonderbird Spirits Gin No. 61)
3 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
1 ounce rosemary simple syrup (more if you want it a little sweeter)
Method to make the rosemary simple syrup:
Combine the simple syrup ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a boil, then allow the mixture to simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Remove and discard the rosemary stems before serving.
How to make the Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail:
Combine the cocktail ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for a few seconds until everything is combined. Strain into an ice filled glasses and garnish the cocktail with grapefruit wedges and rosemary springs if desired.
Tuaca Pineapple Martini Makes 1 martini Tuaca (pronouced too · aa · kuh) is a type of Italian brandy flavored with citrus and vanilla spice.
Ingredients:
1 oz. Tuaca
1 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. vodka (such as Cathead Vodka)
1 ½ oz. pineapple juice
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Method:
Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Pour in liqueurs, vodka, and pineapple juice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and shake until combined. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with cherries if desired.