The holiday season is upon us and, like everything else, it will be a bit different this year. There will likely be fewer people, less spirited revelry and we will be forced to find ways to use our creative juices to make things fun and festive.
Since many experts are encouraging us to cut down on the number of guests at holiday gatherings this year, we have created a quick list of great fall, holiday cocktails you can make at home and share with a short list of friends and family.
Hot buttered rum is a mixed drink that is especially popular this time of year. It’s sweet, warm and relatively easy to make.
Did you know this drink dates back to the colonial days?
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter (soft)
- 1 dash ground cinnamon
- 1 dash ground nutmeg
- 1 dash ground allspice
- 1 splash vanilla extract
- 2 ounces rum (dark)
- 5 ounces water (hot)
Place the sugar, butter, and spices into the bottom of an Irish coffee glass or mug and mix well or muddle. Pour in the rum and top it with hot water. Stir and serve.
A Hot Toddy always steals the show. Being quick and easy to make, it’s a great way to serve guests with a warm drink and a smile.
You’ll need:
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) bourbon
- 1 tablespoon mild honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup boiling-hot water
Put bourbon, honey, and lemon juice in a 6-ounce mug. Top off with hot water and stir until honey is dissolved.
Autumn is a time for flavorful creations. We love unique flavors and encourage you to take a leap and make a fun fall sangria.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup green tea (chilled)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup gin
- 2 ounces cinnamon syrup
- 1 (750 mL) bottle dry white wine
- 1 apple
- 1 pear
- 1 orange
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup club soda
- Garnish: apple and orange slices (cut in half)
- Garnish: cinnamon stick
First cut the fruit. In a pitcher, pour the chilled green tea, pomegranate juice, brandy, gin and cinnamon syrup. Stir well. Add a full bottle of dry white wine. Cut an apple, pear, and orange into slices and add them to the pitcher. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors marry. When it’s time to serve the sangria, pour the club soda into the pitcher. Serve in glasses over ice, garnishing each with half an apple and orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
We are wishing you a happy holiday season. Cheers!!
