Holiday Cocktails

Add some cheer to your holiday gatherings and cozy dinners at home with these seasonal festive cocktails and mocktail!

Santa’s Helper

• 1 ½ ounces of bourbon whiskey
• 1 ounce of sweet red vermouth
• 2 ounces of orange juice
• 1 ounce of 100% unsweetened cranberry juice
• ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Ice for serving
• For the garnish: fresh or frozen cranberries, rosemary sprigs, whatever herbs you have in the garden

METHOD

1. Place the bourbon, sweet vermouth, orange juice, unsweetened cranberry juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake the ingredients until cold.
4. Strain the drink into an ice-filled lowball glass.
5. If desired, garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
6. Pair with twinkling lights and this seasonal playlist for cheerful evening unwind.

NA Holidaze Spritz

• 4 oz sparkling water
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz elderflower syrup (non-alcoholic)
• 1/4 oz lemon juice
• Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

METHOD

1. Pour the cranberry juice, elderflower syrup, and lemon juice into a glass.
2. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
5. Pair with our Harvest Bowls for an inclusive and easy winter gathering.

Only in Manhattan

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 maraschino cherries (preferably Luxardo)
• Bitters, for serving

METHOD

1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherries.
2. Add a few dashes of bitters (any excuse to use our bitters).
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
6. Pair with Only in New York for the perfect cozy cocktail night.

A cheerful experience

Just like the everyday moments in life, holidays have the potential to be as magical as we make them. This year, I'm sharing festive cocktails and encouraging you to make them your own way.

I enjoy the ritual of preparing cocktails and using beautiful glassware. It's a way for me to unwind at the end of the day while enjoying a fun drink and a salty snack. It's a creative process for me, so sometimes I make cocktails and sometimes I make mocktails. Either way, it's a cheerful part of my day. My rule is that life is an occasion, so whether it's a seltzer water or a dessert cocktail, I give it the same attention. From the glass to the garnish, there's always a way to celebrate the everyday.

Lately, I've been experimenting with classic recipes and adding my own twist or finding ways to make them low or non-alcoholic. It reminds me of how we create our own traditions for holidays. Some things you stick with, but there are often opportunities to create something new and different. I hope you enjoy something new and something classic and that these little recipes remind you to do it your own way!

Make sure to stock the bar this season with the right tools and pieces that will make hosting easy and inspire some conversation.