Turkey leftovers in the refrigerator are a sign that the holiday season has officially begun, and nothing makes that time warmer than a bottle of whiskey. Whether you are planning a big Christmas to-do with all the trimmings, or a quiet family affair, the holidays are not a holiday without a cocktail (or two) to share. Surprise your friends and family with unique whiskey cocktail concoctions that really put the spirit in this special season.
Maple Whiskey Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp. Water
- 1 Dash Bitters
- 2 oz. Jameson Whisky
- 1 Orange Peel
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
- 1 Cinnamon Stick (optional)
Directions: Combine the maple syrup, water and bitters into a highball glass, stirring until blended will. Add ice and the orange peel before pouring the Jameson Whiskey on top. Garnish with the maraschino cherry and cinnamon stick before serving. This is the ideal cocktail for sophisticated get-togethers around the fire.
Blood Orange Whiskey Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. Kentucky Whiskey
- 1/2 oz. Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
- 2 Blood Oranges (for 2 ½ oz. of Juice) It’s okay to use naval or juice oranges if blood oranges aren’t available – although this will change the color of the cocktail
- 1/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/4 of a lemon)
- 1/2 oz. Agave Nectar
- 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters
- Sprig of Fresh Thyme
Directions: Juice the blood oranges and lemon and set it aside. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add the Kentucky Whiskey, Amaro, orange and lemon juices, agave and bitters. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with fresh ice. Squeeze the sprig of thyme until its sweet scent is released and then place that on top of the drink before serving. This makes a pretty drink to have in the hand while unwrapping presents with friends.
Tipsy Toddy
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 1 Chamomile Tea Bag
- 2 tsp. Honey
- 2 oz. Bushmills Whiskey
- 1/2 oz. St. Germain
- Splash of Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 2 Lemon Wedges
Directions: Bring the water to a boil inside of a small saucepan and add the tea bag. Allow the tea bag to steep for 5 minutes before removing it. Add the honey and then let the mixture cool down completely. Fill 2 rocks glasses with ice and split the Bushmills Whiskey and St. Germain between them. Top each off with the steeped tea and squeeze of lemon juice before garnishing with the lemon wedge and serving. Moms and Dads will appreciate this soothing drink as they play Santa the night before Christmas.
Sweet Bourbon Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Vanilla Bean
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 ½ oz. Bourbon
- Splash of Club Soda
- 3 Dashes of Citrus Bitters
- Honey and Brown Sugar
Directions: In a small pot, stir together the light brown sugar and water until it is well combined. Remove the seeds from the vanilla bean and add that and two of the cinnamon sticks once the mixture has reached a boil. Reduce the heat and continue to stir until you can’t see any more sugar crystals. Once ready, you will need to allow the syrup to cool before continuing with the cocktails. Place a small amount of honey on your finger and drag it along the rim of a cocktail glass. Roll the glass rim in the brown sugar until it is completely coated. Fill the glass with ice and then add your sweet mixture and bourbon, stirring until well blended. The citrus bitters and club soda is added last to taste, while the remaining cinnamon stick is your garnish. Have this sweet treat in hand to warm up your guests as they walk in from the winter cold.
Hot Whiskey Chocolate
Ingredients
- 4 Cups of Whole Milk
- 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips – Unsweetened
- 1 Cup Milk Chocolate Chips – Sweetened
- 1 tsp. Freshly Ground Cinnamon
- Dash of Freshly Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 Cup Whiskey
- Handful of Mini Marshmallows
- 4 Candy Canes
Directions: Using a thick bottomed pot, heat the milk on a medium flame, constantly stirring until it begins to steam. Reduce the heat to low and add the chocolate and cinnamon and whisk the mixture until the chocolate has melted. Remove from the stove and add the whisky. Pour your drinks into mugs, topping them off with marshmallows, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a candy cane. What a treat for the grown-ups after stringing up the lights outside. Double the chocolate recipe and set aside half sans whiskey so the kids can share in this holiday treat.
Irish Hazelnut Cream
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Irish Whiskey
- 2 oz. Frangelico
- Whipped Cream
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg
- Candy Cane
Directions: Combine the Irish Whiskey and Frangelico in a shaker, mix and then pour into a tall coffee mug. Top with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg before adding the candy cane as an edible stirrer. This is the perfect after dinner drink and can be served as part of your dessert menu.
Whiskey and Wine is Fine
Ingredients
- 4 Peeled and Segmented Clementines
- 1 Cup of Sugar
- 1 Cup of Water
- 3 oz. of Jameson Whiskey
- Freshly Squeezed Juice from 1/2 a Lemon
- Maraschino Cherries
- 3 oz. of Your Favorite Cabernet Sauvignon
Directions: Start by stirring together the Clementines, water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to boil, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain the mixture, extracting as much of the liquid as you can. Let this syrup cool before continuing with the cocktails. Once cooled mix 3 ounces of the syrup with ice, Jameson Whiskey and the lemon juice in a shaker. Strain this over ice in a rocks glass, filling it to only 3/4. Add one or two cherries and then float the wine on the top. This can be done by slowly pouring the Cabernet onto a spoon that has been set over the glass. This is a beautiful cocktail to look at, and even better to toast the holidays with.
The holiday season gives you ample opportunities to indulge in fine whiskey and spirits. Take advantage of all of them to warm your friends and family with new twists on whiskey cocktails.