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Cocktail Advent 16: 8th Night Toddy

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Today’s drink is perfect for chasing the chills away–whether it’s the weather outside or the weather you’re under.

8th Night Toddy
Created by Luca Zanirato, Miami

Ingredients:
  • 2 parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
  • ¼ part Honey
  • 1-2 Star Anise
  • 2 parts Hot Water
  • Orange Zest
  • Lemon Zest
  • 3 Cinnamon Sticks
Method:
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake and strain into a hot toddy glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
It is also, of course, created in honor of Hanukkah, which begins tonight according to my calendar.
***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon. I am not affiliated with this brand nor was I compensated for this post, not even with review samples. As always, we believe in responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 15: Kitten’s Milk

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I picked up a bottle of absinthe just before Halloween on a lark and I was surprised at how smooth it was, both with and without water. I haven’t tried it in a cocktail, yet, but this one sounds delectable.

Image via Lucid Absinthe

Image via Lucid Absinthe

Kitten’s Milk

  • 1 ½ oz. Lucid Absinthe
  • ½ oz. agave nectar or honey
  • 1 egg white
  • Dash of rose water
  • 2 oz. heavy cream

Add all ingredients to a shaker,  and shake dry (i.e. with no ice).  Next, fill shaker with ice and shake rigorously.  Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a rose petal.

I would imagine that coconut milk would work well in this in place of the heavy cream, if you were wanting or needing to reduce the dairy. The combination of the rose water and the anise flavor of the absinthe remind me of some French candies a friend gifted me in high school. I imagine this would take me right back.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Lucid Absinthe. I am neither affiliated with the brand, nor was I compensated for this post, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 14: Yuletide Martini

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As we approach the middle of the month you’re either one of two things: rolling along the waves of holiday cheer or in need of a bit of a pick-me-up. For the latter, the cinnamon syrup in this next cocktail might be just the eye-opener you need!

Image via Bombay Sapphire Gin

Image via Bombay Sapphire Gin

‘Yuletide Martini’
– Created by Bombay Sapphire Denver’s Most Imaginative Bartender Winner, Tacy Rowland of Bol in Denver.

  •  2 oz Bombay Sapphire
  • 2 tsp Cranberry Sauce
  • .25 oz dry curaçao
  • .25 oz cinnamon syrup
  • 1 dash five spice bitters (Bar Keep)

“The Martini was called ‘the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet’ by H.L. Menken. and, although the classic recipe involves only gin and vermouth, in the American spirit of invention, the cocktail can be experimented with to no end. In light of the holidays, The Yuletide Martini takes inspiration from some of the brighter flavors of the holidays, and incorporates cranberry, orange and spices to evoke the feeling of holiday spirit. E.B. White called the martini the ‘elixir of quietude,’ and this martini is meant to be just that: a quiet moment to be found in the hectic rush of the holiday season. Cheers.”

As this one has a couple of non-spirit ingredients, I would suggest shaking over stirring, especially to get the cranberry sauce really mixed in well. You might also want to double-strain this one for maximum clarity.

***This recipe was provided by a representative of Bombay Sapphire Gin. I am not affiliated with this brand nor was compensated to post this recipe, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 13: Toasted White Cranberry

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This is another one of those “skinny” aka low-calorie (under 200) cocktails. Do with that what you will, I say enjoy one at full strength without the funny business of artificial sweeteners and be happy rather than saving a few calories and sacrificing flavor.

But that’s me.

EFFEN® Vodka Toasted White Cranberry

1 ½ parts EFFEN® Salted Caramel Vodka
1 ¾ parts Ocean Spray White Cranberry Juice
¼ part Fresh Lemon Juice
¼ part South Beach Zero Calorie Simple Syrup
Garnish: Toasted Coconut Flakes

Method:In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake with ice.  Strain into a rocks glass over ice.  Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Even though I never fully boarded the salted caramel train, this combination certainly sounds tasty!

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of EFFEN Vodka. I am not affiliated with the brand nor have I received any compensation for sharing this recipe, not even by review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 12: Devoted Nutcracker

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Here’s a concoction that just might have you dancing in your nightgown. It’s okay, we won’t tell.

Image via Devotion Vodka

Image via Devotion Vodka

Devoted Nut Cracker

  • 1.5 oz. Devotion Vodka
  • 1 oz. Amaretto
  • 1 oz. Frangelico
  • 1 oz. Crème de Cocoa

Pour all ingredients into a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain mixture into a martini glass garnished with cocoa powder on the rim.

Anything that combines Amaretto and Frangelico already has me pretty well on its side–those are two of my favorite sweet liqueurs. In fact, this reminds me quite a bit of my Candy Bar shot. Although, since this is 100% alcohol, I’d suggest stirring it over shaking it.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Devotion vodka. I am not affiliated with this brand nor was I compensated for posting this recipe, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***