When it comes to Holiday Cocktails I’m guided by a few conditions, a) the drink must feel indulgent or celebratory, b) it’s got to be easy to make, ideally in batches, and c) it should be a crowd-pleaser, meaning most folks will enjoy it regardless of what they “think” they like.
Cocktails for a Cozy Night In
Whether it’s just you, your favorite person, and a movie, or a small group of friends, these are some of my go-to drinks that are both indulgent and perfect for sipping slowly.
Chocolate Manhattan
A not too sweet or in-your-face version that is perfect for after dinner.
1 1/2 oz whiskey
1/2 oz creme de cocoa
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz Dead Guy Chicory Bitters
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir till well chilled and strain into a cocktail glass, then garnish with a cherry.
Boulevardier
I love the balance of bitter and sweet in this drink. Perfect for a cold, damp night.
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Bourbon or Rye
3-4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Orange Bitters
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir well to mix and chill. Strain into a tumbler with one large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel.
Black Manhattan
Replacing sweet vermouth with Averna not only gives you a Manhattan with a dark inky color, but it makes for a richer, more herbal cocktail.
2 oz whiskey
1 oz Averna
4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Orange Bitters
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir till well chilled and strain into a cocktail glass.
Cocktails for Dinner Parties You Don’t Want to End
When groups of interesting people gather for dinner and the drinks are flowing, I love to serve low-alcohol cocktails that don’t sneak up on you too quickly. Here are a few sophisticated options that are as fun to sip as they are easy to make.
Negroni Sbagliato
In case you haven't noticed I'm a big fan of bitter, sweet, and bubbly.
1.5 oz Campari
1.5 oz sweet vermouth
3 oz prosecco
4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Cardamom Bitters
Pour Campari, vermouth, and bitters into a rocks glass, add ice, and stir to chill. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a twist of orange.
Reverse Martini
Reversing the proportions of vermouth and gin allows the subtle flavors of both to really shine and gives you a lower-proof cocktail.
2 oz dry vermouth
1 oz gin
4 dashes The Bitter Housewife Orange Bitters
barspoon Maraschino liqueur (optional)
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill, then strain into a coupe. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Session Manhattan
A low-proof version of a classic Manhattan that may become your new favorite.
1 oz sweet vermouth
3/4 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon)
3/4 oz amontillado sherry
4-6 dashes The Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir till well chilled. Strain into a coup or cocktail glass and garnish with an orange or lemon twist.
Cocktails for a Crowd
For large gatherings, drinks that allow guests to serve themselves are a must for me. Besides beer and wine, it’s nice to have a celebratory cocktail option that you can make ahead and simply set out.
Spiced Cranberry Punch
Even folks who say they don't like whiskey love this punch.
Makes ~10 drinks, about 5 oz each
For the punch
~ 1 cup spiced cranberry syrup
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange juice
2 cups whiskey
1.5 oz The Bitter Housewife Barrel Aged Bitters
4-6 (12 ounce) cans of sparkling water
Spiced Cranberry Syrup
1 cup cranberry juice
½ cup brown sugar
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
2 Tbsp whole allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
To make the syrup: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring often until the sugar is dissolved and spices have infused the juice. About 10 minutes. Don’t be afraid to taste and cook longer to infuse more flavor. When done remove from heat to cool and then strain.
To make the punch: Combine about 1 cup of the spiced cranberry syrup (that should be most, if not all that you made) with the juices, whiskey, and bitters in a punch bowl.
Taste and adjust sweetness with any remaining syrup, remembering that you will be adding sparkling water. If you don’t feel it’s sweet enough and you’ve used all the syrup. Dissolve more brown sugar in equal parts water over low heat and add until you achieve desired sweetness.
Right before serving add your ice block and soda water to the bowl. Give it a good stir and garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
Mulled Cider
Not only does this make the house smell amazing, it's also a great cold weather drink that everyone can enjoy. I leave out the alcohol and let each person add their own.
1 qt. apple cider
5 cinnamon sticks
2 Tbsp whole allspice berries
2 inches ginger peeled and sliced
1 oz The Bitter Housewife Dead Guy Chicory Bitters
In a medium saucepan combine the apple cider with the spices and bring to a bare simmer. Cook for at least 10 minutes, then turn down to low to hold for serving guests. Use a ladle to serve about 6 oz into a mug, add 1.5 oz of whiskey if desired.
