Festive Holiday Cocktails

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                            Festive Holiday Cocktails

The holidays will look a little different this year for most of us….. No big family gatherings or parties, no travel, and for some states, a continued quarantine. 

For the restaurant business, this is typically the busiest time of year, but Covid-19 has certainly thrown a wrench in that.  For those of you who ask, “what can I do to help them?” My immediate thought is to support those restaurants any way you can.   If you are comfortable dining in, please do.   If you are able to order take out, that is also a great option.   

A lot of states are allowing take out cocktails too, and I highly encourage you to take advantage of that!  It is a great way to enjoy your favorite drink, as well as helping our industry stay afloat during this unprecedented time.  

If you enjoy making cocktails at home, I want to share with you some of my favorite “festive” cocktails that are perfect for the coming holidays.   These are all easy to make, with lots of fun and creative variations.  I hope all of the readers of “Got Rum?” have a wonderful holiday season, stay safe, and see you in 2021!

Cris

                                            AIR MAIL

This is a classic that could be considered a twist on both a French 75 and a Bee’s Knees, but for me it’s one of my favorite champagne cocktails. 

  • 1.5 oz. Cuban Rum (it was originally written with Cuban rum but you can certainly play with different styles of rum)
  • .75 Honey Syrup (2-1 honey and hot water, to make it easier to mix)
  • .75 Fresh Lemon Juice

Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice. Strain into a champagne flute or coupe glass.  Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.  

*Pro tip- use a flavored honey for a more elevated cocktail, such as lavender or citrus honey.

                                            OLD CUBAN

Created by my dear friend Audrey Saunders, of Pegu Club in New York, this one is a lovely take on a Mojito.   This is also fantastic with basil!

  • 1.5 oz. Cuban Rum (I would stick with Cuban rum on this one, the flavors are perfect)
  • .75 oz. Simple Syrup
  • .75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4-5 Mint Leaves 

Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice.   Double strain (being careful to remove all herbs) into a coupe glass.   Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

                                  ROSEMARY POINSETTIA

This is my original recipe, and is a Christmas twist on the classic Poinsettia cocktail.   

1.5 oz. Ron Zacapa 23 

1 oz. POM Pomegranate Juice

.5 oz. Rosemary Simple Syrup

Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well with ice.  Strain into a champagne flute or a coupe glass and top with sparkling wine.  Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary (the aroma will smell like a Christmas tree).

**Rosemary Simple Syrup:  In a saucepan add 2 cups of white sugar, 2 cups of water, and 4 sprigs of rosemary.  Heat on medium for 15 minutes, stirring the sugar as it dissolves.  Remove from heat and allow to fully cool before removing the rosemary.  Refrigerate for up to one week.