Whether you’re looking for a place to take visiting relatives for a cocktail, or you’re in need of an escape from holiday chaos, here are four tasty cocktails inspired by the season.
Room with a Vieux @ Sycamore Den
What’s in it: Rye, cognac, sherry, allspice, Benedictine
This nod to the classic Vieux Carre by bar manager Jesse Ross is the perfect smooth, boozy winter cocktail. All it needs is a smoking jacket, slippers, and a fire in the fireplace.
White Rabbit @ El Dorado
What’s in it: Branca Menta, Café Lolita coffee liqueur, cold brew, cream, grated nutmeg
Fernet’s sweeter cousin adds a nice minty flavor to this ultimate coffee cocktail by El Dorado manager Reese Honse. Even better is grabbing one during happy hour: El Dorado’s got perhaps the best in town with all specialty cocktails only $6 until 9 p.m.
Pumpkin Horchata @ Polite Provisions
What’s in it: Pumpkin rum, vanilla, cinnamon, cream
It was tough to choose from the several great offerings on Polite Provisions’ holiday cocktail menu, which includes hot buttered rum and a tequila cocktail with a tasty blood-orange cordial. But who could say no to pumpkin horchata? Bartender Gabe Fonseca gets credit for this one.
The Coco-Nutcracker @ The Patio on Lamont
What’s in it: See recipe below
4 Cocktails That Bring the Holiday Spirit
Patio on Lamont’s Coco-Nutcracker. | Photo: Katherine Odom
The Patio on Lamont’s lead bartender Ricky Shina came up with a couple holiday cocktails made with coconut water to help folks stay hydrated while imbibing. The Coco-Nutcracker hits all the right notes with a spicy clove syrup and some nice brightness courtesy of pomegranate (antioxidants!) and lemon juices.
The Coco-Nutcracker
1 1/2 oz. gin
1 1/2 oz. coconut water
1/2 oz. pomegranate juice
1/2 oz. clove syrup
1/2 oz. lemon juice
Egg white
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice and shake vigorously. Unseal the shaker, add ice, and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
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4 Cocktails That Bring the Holiday Spirit
Sycamore Den’s sophisticated Room with a Vieux. | Photo: Matt Rogers
