There is just something about a beautiful glass, so filled precariously to the rim, that you have to watch very carefully as you move about a room so that the delicious promise held inside doesn’t slip over the delicate edge. It’s a colorful balancing act to say the least in the miniature obstacle course that is the holiday party, figuratively and metaphorically. Nothing says celebration like a cup that runneth over.
Whether you choose a classic cocktail or you’re serving up the kind of mocktails that memories are made of, it’s time to show your skills behind the bar. We have put together a few fabulous drinks to add to your menu this holiday season. And, as always, please enjoy responsibly.
Orchard Bliss
This is the perfect fall mocktail that pairs beautifully with all things spiced. Sweet, juicy and refreshing, we very strongly recommend using a sparkling apple juice here as it really adds to the mouth feel. If you would like to add an alcoholic kick one ounce of your favorite vodka will do the trick.
- 4oz Fresh Victor Three Citrus & Mint Leaf
- 1.5oz apple juice (or sparkling apple juice)
- Garnishes: dehydrated apple slice & mint sprig
- In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients, fill the shaker with ice, shake well (to chill and dilute) and strain over ice in a 10-12oz glass.
- Add garnishes and serve.
- OR In a glass full of ice, add all ingredients, plus 1 ounce of water (for dilution, stir gently, garnish and serve
Hot Toddy
A true wintertime classic and a must have in your repertoire. This is the perfect drink to warm up your body and soul.
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ ounces Ardbeg whiskey (optional)
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
- 2 to 3 teaspoons Fresh Victor Lemon Sour
- 1 lemon round
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
- In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a mug.
- Add the Ardbeg Ten Years Old Whiskey, 2 teaspoons honey and 2 teaspoon Fresh Victor’s Lemon Sour. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water.
- Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick.
Last Word
This prohibition era cocktail is a dame with game.
The Detroit Athletic Club is the first known reference to this long-standing favorite. First written about in 1916 in the magazine for the summer edition. It featured a cocktail menu with the Last Word. There wasn’t a recipe only its respective price listed among its counterparts on the menu. A shocking 35 cent price tag placed it twice the price of the Manhattan.
- 1.5oz Mexican Lime & Agave
- 1oz london dry gin
- .5oz maraschino liqueur
- 1oz Green Chartreuse
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker full of ice, shake well, and strain up into a cocktail glass. No garnish.
Fresh Pimm’s Cup
This British icon is a welcome refresher anywhere in the world and definitely brightens the room. Try this cocktail if this holiday season finds in you warmer weather.
- 1.5oz Cucumber & Lime
- 2oz Pimm’s No.1
- 1oz soda water
- 1oz ginger ale
- Lemon wheel
- Strawberry slices
- Cucumber wheel
- Mint sprig
- In a tall glass, build all liquid ingredients over ice, stir gently and garnish.
BLINKER
This saucy, beautiful, bright red cocktail goes well with any Rudolph inspired decor that you are sure to encounter. You’ll look fabulous with this cheeky drink in hand as you whisper to Santa what you really want for Christmas.
- 1oz Fresh Victor Grapefruit & Sea Salt
- 2.25oz rye whiskey (90-100 proof preferred)
- .25oz raspberry syrup (or grenadine)
- Garnish: three raspberries on a pick
- In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients, fill the shaker with ice, shake well (to chill and dilute) and strain over ice in a 10-12oz glass.
- Add garnish and serve.
To explore more cocktail and mocktail recipes visit: FRESH VICTOR
- Photo Credits: Fresh Victor, Flicker