I’m sure we don’t have to remind you that it’s been cold, and dark and our proverbial spirits are low. We’re on the cusp of breaking out of the short winter we have here in Georgia, but we’ve got a few more weeks and we need a bit of a push.
This time of year, we like to still get fancy and make cocktails at home, but we like to vary up some of the classics to make more “winterized” versions. Here are a couple riffs on our favorites that are enhanced with spice and complexity that pair well with early sunsets and roaring fire happy hours.
Snow in the Desert
Ok, so this is a margarita riff. We love margaritas pretty much year-round, but there’s something about a margarita on the rocks in your hand right now…. just brrrr. So, let’s put it in a coupe! This riff uses mezcal (which you should totally be using in your margaritas anyway) and egg white for a frothy, more elevated cocktail. And hold by the stem so your hands don’t get cold.
1 oz of Mezcal
0.5 oz of Reposado Tequila
0.5 oz of Orange Liqueur
1 oz of Lime Juice
1 Egg White
0.25 oz of 1:1 Simple Syrup
Pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients into a shaker. Perform a “dry shake” (no ice) for 30 seconds. Then add ice and shake for an additional 30 seconds, double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a dried lime slice.
Bitter Negroni
This isn’t necessarily one cocktail but an endless array of cocktail possibilities. The Negroni is not only one of our favorite cocktails in-house, but also one that is so versatile using the 1:1:1 ratio of Spirit:Bitter:Vermouth. Swap in the spirit for something heavier like bourbon or rye to make a Boulvardier. Swap in some more bitter amari or aperitivi for traditional Campari and you get something more biting and complex. Swap in some herbal or alpine vermouths and you get something dry with a sharp, earthy finish. Don’t be afraid to find what combination works best for you. Take your jigger and get “jiggy” with it (sorry, we couldn’t resist).
1 oz. Spirit (Gin is classic, try mezcal or even barrel-rested gin)
1 oz. Bitter Aperitivo (Cynar, or Bruto Americano or go French with Bonal. Try out a couple, bitter is better!)
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth (go classic or try something a little more bitter and herbal)
Combine ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds and strain into a rocks glass with a rock cube or neat. Garnish with a citrus peel.
Chai Hot Toddy
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention the Toddy – one of the first true “cocktails” with origins over 150 years ago. A simple combination of sugar, spirit and hot water was extremely common in bars during winter, especially before central heating. Best part is it’s also lower in alcohol content so you can have a couple by the fire. This version combines a little more spice with the addition of Chai tea instead of hot water. It gives the drink an aroma that you’ll certainly risk burning your nose for.
0.5 oz Bourbon (try Cognac as a fruitier variation)
0.5 oz Fresh Lemon juice
1 barspoon of honey
4 oz fresh made chai tea
Combine the first 3 ingredients into a warmed mug and top with tea. Serve with a lemon wheel and/or cinnamon stick.
Grab a book or a couple of friends and bring the coziest ski lodge après ski vibes to your living room with these winter warmers.
