Holiday Cocktails

Holiday

Happy Hour: Apple Cidercar

After declaring I'd discovered the perfect Fall cocktail last week, I was worried I'd have nothing to look forward to.

After declaring I'd discovered the perfect Fall cocktail last week, I was worried I'd have nothing to look forward to. But surprisingly, my success had the opposite effect: I was inspired to go in search of other tipples that glorify the season's bounty.

Right now, it's impossible to wander the farmers market without being smitten by frosty jugs of freshly pressed apple cider. The apple cidercar — a riff on the time-honored sidecar cocktail — is a fun way to incorporate Autumn's quintessential beverage into a spirited libation. Check out the recipe when you read more.

recipes

Happy Hour: The Normandy

Over the weekend, something monumental happened: I discovered what is quite possibly the world's most perfect Fall cocktail.


Over the weekend, something monumental happened: I discovered what is quite possibly the world's most perfect Fall cocktail. The Normandy, as it's called, has cool weather written all over it, with ingredients like cranberries, green apples, and Calvados, a type of French apple brandy from — you guessed it — Normandy.

The tipple balances all the elements you'd ever hope for in a drink. It's simultaneously cool and warm, sweet and tart. Despite being incredibly basic, its elegant simplicity has more sophistication than most of today's overthought cocktails. My only problem? Now that the pursuit for The Thanksgiving Cocktail is over, what do I look forward to? The drink to end all other Autumn drinks, when you read more.

Holiday

Happy Hour: Santa's Martini

My little sister is moving home today.


My little sister is moving home today. I am so excited that she will be back in my life, that I have been running around getting everything ready. To properly welcome her back, I've picked up the ingredients to make this delicious holiday cocktail. Santa's Martini is a vibrant, red drink made with Chambord, pomegranate-blueberry juice, and fresh lime juice. It's also perfect for toasting in front of the Christmas tree! For the recipe, read more

recipes

Come Party With Me: Holiday Cocktail — Drinks

The most important part to a cocktail party is the cocktails.

The most important part to a cocktail party is the cocktails. If you want to offer guests a full open bar, then hire a bartender for the night. What I prefer to do is make a few large batches of one cocktail and set up a mini bar. When guests ask what to bring tell them to bring one of the ingredients to the punch. Set out vodka, gin, tonic, cranberry juice, lime wedges, ice, and glasses. Guests can make themselves a vodka cran or gin and tonic. Don't forget sparkling and still water and sparkling apple cider.

I also like to serve egg nog along side a festive punch. This year I am eager to try a punch that was recently featured in Bon Appetit. It's a gorgeous pomegranate champagne punch. For the recipe to that and the egg nog I make every year, read more

Holiday

Happy Hour: Mistletoe Mojito

A great way to officially kick off the holiday season is to mix up a festive drink!


A great way to officially kick off the holiday season is to mix up a festive drink! How luscious is this Christmas cocktail? It features the flavors of a classic mojito — rum and mint — but contains a twist. Instead of being topped with soda water, Pomegranate 7UP is floated on top. The boring lime garnish is jazzed up with jewel-like pomegranate seeds. The final drink is visually stunning and dangerously delicious. To shake one up today, read more