Nothing sets the holidays off like intoxicating cocktails inspired by the season, which is why in the month of December we dig holiday hooch and cocktails that come from it. From sumptuous sparklers to festive toddies, local bars and restaurants share holiday cocktail recipes certain to satisfy.
Seattle’s Golden Beetle gets festive with flavors like cranberry, orange and sage in their Cranberry Sage Martini. Made with a hand-crafted cranberry sage syrup, this flavorful martini is perfect for setting the holiday mood.
Cranberry Sage Martini
1½ ounces vodka
½ ounce orange liqueur
1 ounce cranberry sage syrup (*see recipe for syrup below)
Stir together vodka, orange liqueur. Serve in a martini glass with a twist of lemon and top off with a festive cranberry garnish.
*Cranberry Sage Syrup
1 cup cranberry juice (not cocktail)
1 cup sugar
2 sage leaves
Combine everything in a pot and boil until liquid thickens slightly. Let cool and remove sage leaves.
—
During the holidays, Vancouver’s Tableau Bar Bistro is more than just French cuisine—it’s a holiday cocktail oasis. Clever names like Santa’s Sip combined with flavors like eggnog and maple make Tableau’s holiday cocktails fun and delicious. Perfect for refueling with after a long night delivering gifts, or for serving at your next holiday gathering, enjoy Tableau’s recipe for Santa’s Sip:
Santa’s Sip
1 ounce Bombay Sapphire
1 ounce Disarono Amaretto
2 barspoons maple syrup
2 ounces eggnog
Combine all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain (Tableau suggests doing this twice) into a coupe and garnish with grated nutmeg.
—
Ryan Csanky at Portland’s Wildwood Restaurant has crafted some seasonal cocktails with a sense of humor. Enjoy the aromatic romance shared between pear brandy and bourbon in this festive take on a traditional toddy.
(Won’t You Be My) Toddy Pear
1½ ounces Temperance Trader Bourbon
½ ounce Clear Creek Pear Brandy
¾ ounce lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and serve with a peel of orange for garnish.
These simple holiday cocktails are perfect for serving at holiday parties, sipping on by fireside, and more. Test these out at your in-home bar and let the celebration begin.
