By Terris Bricker and Heather Witherspoon
We have drifted from autumn to winter, and now it’s time to prepare for the joyful season ahead. Whether you’re untangling the tinsel or trimming your tree, get shaking and try one (or all) of these festive cocktails. Every pour gives back a little more!
The Cinnamon Stick
The cinnamon and clove notes add warmth, but the charred oak stave in the bottle is what really gives this bourbon its exceptionally smooth taste. Big Stick Bourbon isn’t just passionate about crafting quality bourbon — they’re also passionate about giving back to several military and law enforcement charities that help support the families of fallen heroes. A mission we can all cheers to! Find it at BigStickSpirits.com.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Big Stick Bourbon
- 1 Tbsp. Brown sugar simple syrup
- 3 dashes Citrus bitters
Brown sugar simple syrup
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. Cinnamon
Combine sugar, water, vanilla, and cinnamon into
a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes until thick. Set aside and let cool.
Instructions
Place the bourbon ice or ice sphere in the glass. Combine ingredients and shake with ice — strain into glass. Garnish with a toasted cinnamon stick.
The Pecan Pie Martini
Naturally crafted vodka made in small batches with Mississippi pecans, and Louisiana cane sugar, this southern treat is sure to please any crowd. Just as pecan pie is deeply rooted in holiday tradition, Cathead Distillery aligns itself with foundations that help keep southern culture alive. So, sit back, relax, and “support live music”… one sip at a time. Find it at CatheadDistillery.com.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Cathead Pecan Vodka
- 1 oz. Irish cream liquor
- 1 ½ oz. Heavy cream
Instructions
Combine ingredients and shake with ice — strain into glass. Rim the glass with caramel syrup and dip in chopped sugared pecans. Garnish with whip cream and sugared pecan.
The Mistletoe Medley
Gray Whale Gin’s ingredients are inspired by California’s coastline, making their Mistletoe Medley cocktail as merry and bright as the state it comes from. A portion of profits supports Oceana, an organization that helps protect and restore the world’s oceans and marine life, including the California Gray Whale. Find it at GrayWhaleGin.com.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Gray Whale Gin
- 1 oz. Cranberry simple syrup
- 1 oz. Lemon juice
- 1 Egg white
Cranberry simple syrup
- 1 cup Fresh cranberries
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes until thick. Set aside and let cool. Add to food processor and blend until smooth.
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice — strain into glass. Garnish with lemon twist or a few frozen cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
