When cold weather hits, it’s time to warm your spirit. And there’s no better way than with a creative cocktail. The concoctions featured in this article were dreamed up at two local bars: Loa in the International House Hotel and the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone. While each is a study of contrasts—Loa is sleek and modern, the Carousel Bar is classic and kitschy—the cocktails are similar in style: chic and flavorful, with a dash of whimsy. Perfect for the holidays.
Poinsettia
Duval Leroy “Paris” brut champagne
Cointreau
Cranberry juice
Fill 3⁄4 of a champagne flute with champagne. Add a splash of Cointreau and top with fresh cranberry juice. Float a couple of fresh cranberries and a spring of fresh rosemary for garnish. Serves 1.
Peppermint Patty
10 fresh mint leaves
1⁄2 tblsp. sugar
2 oz. Stoli Vanil Vodka
2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate liqueur
1⁄2 oz. Amsterdam Dutch Chocolate liqueur
1 drop pure peppermint oil
Add mint leaves and sugar to shaker. Muddle until mint gives off its juices and essence. Add ice, vodka, chocolate liqueurs and peppermint oil. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Float one mint leaf and attach a bite–sized peppermint patty to the edge of the glass. Serves 1.
Created by Maureen Johnson of Loa
Eggnog His Way
5 oz. chilled eggnog
11⁄4 oz. Korbel brandy
Whipped cream
Cinnamon
Add eggnog and brandy to a glass coffee cup, or glass
of your choice. Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Serves 1.
Peppermint Dream
11⁄4 oz. white Crème de Menthe
11⁄4 oz. Crème de Almond
2 oz. Absolut Vanilla
2 oz. cream
Candy cane
Add ice and ingredients to a shaker and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a candy cane. Serves 1.
Cinnamon Apple Martini
11⁄4 oz. Apfel Korn Schnapps
11⁄4 oz. Goldschlager
11⁄4 oz. Absolut Vanilla
Add ice and ingredients to a shaker and shake well.
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Serves 1.
Created by Marvin Allen of the Carousel Bar
