Whiskey and winter are a perfect pairing. Whether you’ve just come in from the cold or a roaring fireplace cozies you up, there’s nothing like a warming whiskey-based cocktail filled with the flavors of the season — think cinnamon, butterscotch, or nutmeg — to get you into the holiday spirit.
But we can’t forget about our gin lovers. This spirit matches similar holiday flavors, especially those bright cranberry, orange, and pear notes.
Whatever your spirit of choice this season, if you’re looking for new ways to celebrate, we have you covered with a few favorite gift and cocktail ideas that any whiskey or gin aficionado will love.
Spotlight-Stealing Holiday Cocktails
What’s typically the centerpiece of your holiday shindig? The turkey? Ham? Grandma’s pumpkin pie?
Whatever the case, move them all aside because these cocktails are sure to steal the spotlight with flavors you and your guests will be raving about. (And the best part? They’re all super-easy to make!)
Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
Give your favorite Old Fashioned recipe a holiday upgrade with some brown sugar. Just muddle the brown sugar with your bitters and some water until dissolved, and then continue making your cocktail like normal. It’s a small change that makes a big, Yuletide-worthy impact.
Leftover Pie Whiskey Shake
Looking for a unique dessert option? Combine your after-dinner cocktail with a piece of pie à la mode, and you have a leftover pie whiskey shake.
Blend a piece of your favorite pumpkin or pecan pie with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream; add milk until you reach your desired consistency, and then splash in your favorite whiskey to taste. Pour from your blender into a tall glass and top with whipped cream. It’s a slightly messy process, but oh-so-worth it.
The Grinch
Who knew that The Grinch was a gin fan? Mix up a batch of Grinch cocktails for an eye-catching drink that’ll become the talk of your party. For each drink, you’ll need…
- 1.5 oz. Bowling & Burch Gin
- .5 oz. blue curacao
- 4 oz. lemon-lime soda
- .5 oz. simple syrup
- A few drops of natural green food coloring
Add it all to a shaker with ice, shake until well blended, and strain into your favorite cocktail glass. Top with a cherry for extra festive flair.
The Best Gifts for the Bar Cart
Have your cocktail menu sorted, but are you still looking for that perfect gift for the whiskey or gin lover? Or maybe you’re looking for unique gifts to add to your own wish list or letter to Santa? Whatever the case, look no further for the best gifts for the bar cart. Consider…
A Smoking Gun
We’re not talking about firearms. This culinary tool has become popular for many home cooks and amateur mixologists who want to recreate the smoky flavors they find in their favorite restaurants and bars. You can find a range of smoking guns at various price points.
An Infusing Decanter
Similarly, an infusing decanter is a must-have for creative home mixologists who enjoy crafting their own whiskey blends. It allows the user to add a mix of ingredients to the decanter, where they’ll sit and steep in the spirit, adding unique flavor notes only limited by your imagination.
A New Bar Cart
We talk often about stocking your bar cart, but do you have one? If you or your loved one still stores their favorite spirits and glassware on a random piece of furniture in the dining or living room, it’s time for a serious upgrade.
Some Yellowstone Bourbon Swag
Make your favorite bourbon whiskey lovers happy by giving them something unique from the Yellowstone Bourbon Store. You can find caps, shirts, tasting cups, and more. Or pick up a bottle of Yellowstone Bourbon, Bowling & Burch Gin, or Minor Case Whiskey at Limestone Branch Distillery or a wine and spirits store near you.
Happy Holidays!