Temperatures are finally decreasing as the holiday season is upon us. Cozy up with one (or more) of these specially crafted cocktails that are ideal for savoring by a crackling fire, snuggled under a warm blanket with a good book, or shared with friends during a fun game night. Each drink is sure to bring holiday cheer.
Coquito Oscuro
Coquito Oscuro is a traditional Christmas beverage from Puerto Rico. It originated during the island’s colonial era when the Spanish mixed their version of eggnog with local rum. Different versions of this drink can be found throughout the Caribbean; families have passed down recipes for generations. Staying true to the tradition, Rasasvada’s Coquito Oscuro contains Black Ginger Spirit Restorative. This rich and creamy cocktail with hints of bitter baking spice can be made with or without alcohol, making it perfect for your vegan sibling visiting during the holidays. This recipe serves 8 – 10.
Ingredients:
1 part Rasasvada Black Ginger
1 oz rum or preferred spirit
3 parts Coquito mix
Coquito Mix:
1 cup lite coconut milk
1 cup coconut cream
1 cup condensed coconut milk
½ cup agave nectar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Baking spices
Method: Combine coconut milk, coconut cream, and condensed coconut milk in a saucepan. Add agave nectar and vanilla extract. Grate in cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg to taste. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Chill the coquito mix before serving. Garnish with cinnamon.
Empirical Eggnog
This innovative take on the classic holiday eggnog features The Plum, I Suppose. The marzipan-like plum kernel and floral marigold petal spirit’s sweet spices are complemented by the subtle spiciness of ginger, creating a smooth and comforting drinking experience. This recipe serves four.
Ingredients:
17 oz high-quality apple juice
5.5 oz The Plum, I Suppose
1’’ piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
Freshly grated cinnamon stick to taste
2 egg whites
Grated nutmeg for garnish
Method: Blend all ingredients in a blender until frothy. Pour into a glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Pandora’s Punch
Punch is considered the precursor to modern cocktails and dates back to 1632. Originally used as a tonic, punch aided sailors in enduring long voyages due to the citrus content that helped prevent scurvy. As trade evolved, exotic ingredients were added to punch recipes. This beverage pays tribute to the historical and inventive early punch recipes, highlighting the tradition of sharing drinks with loved ones during the holiday season. This recipe serves 8 – 10 and features a refreshing cucumber with a hint of ginger on the finish.
Ingredients:
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup simple syrup
10 oz Rasasvada Ruby Artemisia
10 oz Rasasvada Rose Bergamot
1 oz Gin or preferred spirit
Top with ginger beer
Garnish with seasonal fruits and herbs
Method: Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl, serve over ice in individual glasses, and garnish with mint, cucumber, and your choice of citrus.
LALO Negroni
LALO tequila is named after the co-founder’s father, Eduardo “Lalo” González, who was the son of Don Julio González of the renowned Don Julio premium tequila. LALO embodies Lalo’s roots in Guadalajara among the agave fields. Starting as a small private batch for friends and family in Guadalajara, LALO quickly gained popularity due to its exceptional flavor and purity.
Ingredients:
1 oz LALO Tequila
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari
Method: Combine LALO, sweet vermouth, and Campari in an ice-filled mixing glass. Stir to chill and dilute. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass or a cocktail coupe. Garnish with an orange twist.
Appily Married
Enjoy a cocktail reminiscent of your grandmother’s apple pie with Ketel One’s Appily Married, pairing apple juice with a cinnamon sugar rim. This drink is a perfect choice for those who want to embrace the flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Ketel One Vodka
1/2 oz apple juice
1/2 oz pink grapefruit juice
2 bar spoons honey syrup
Cinnamon sugar for the rim
Method: Chill a cocktail glass and coat the rim with cinnamon sugar. Combine vodka, apple juice, pink grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
Hot Buttered Rum Runner
Historically, butter was used in this drink for practical reasons. On a rum-running schooner like the one Kirk and Sweeney Rum is named after, it was easier for sailors to store butter than other perishable dairy products. Butter and spices were convenient additions to the rum they had aboard, providing warmth on the cold seas! (The addition of ice cream is a modern twist on the classic.)
Ingredients:
2 oz Kirk and Sweeney Reserva
1 Tbsp Hot Buttered Rum Batter
3-4 oz hot water
Hot Buttered Rum Batter: Mix 1 lb. of butter, 2¼ cups packed brown sugar, 2 cups sugar, 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon, 1 tsp. ground clove, and 1 tsp. ground nutmeg in a bowl. Add 1 qt. of softened vanilla ice cream and stir. Use immediately or freeze for future use.
Method: Place hot buttered rum batter in the bottom of an Irish coffee glass or mug. Pour in the rum and top with hot (not boiling) water. Stir, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and savor the warmth.
La Piña
The Fleur Room in Los Angeles celebrated actor Aaron Paul’s birthday by creating the La Piña cocktail, featuring Paul’s Dos Hombres Mezcal, a collaboration with his friend and Breaking Bad co-star Bryan Cranston. Whether or not you have a Ripple Machine to create the design, this drink is a refreshing start to any holiday festivity.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Dos Hombres Mezcal
½ oz Herradura Reposado Tequila
1 oz pineapple juice
¾ oz lemon juice
½ oz Chambord
1 egg white
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker and dry shake. Add ice, shake, and strain into a coupe glass. Optionally, use a Ripple Machine to print a floral design.
Image Source: Ground Picture / Shutterstock
