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WHISKY JOURNAL
WHISKY JOURNAL
Top whisky cocktails for festive cheers!
Top whisky cocktails for festive cheers!
- December 16, 2022
Whisky cocktails are an excellent way to add a festive touch to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking for a classic whisky-based cocktail or something more adventurous, these recipes are sure to bring the spirit of celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Scotch whisky
- 1/4 oz freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp superfine sugar
- Dash of boiling water
The blue blazer
Now, a quick warning about this one: The Blue Blazer is a classic but risky drink. It involves two glasses, one held in each hand, and pouring whisky back and forth between the two at arm’s length over an open flame! If done with care, though, it can be a memorable showpiece of your holiday celebrations.
Instructions
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, add the whisky, lemon juice, and sugar, and then stir well.
2. Take two glasses – one in each hand – and hold them arm’s length apart over an open flame until the fumes from the whisky ignite.
3. Gently pour the mixture from one glass to the other until it begins to form a stream.
4. Put out the flame and pour into a chilled rocks glass before enjoying this unique holiday treat!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of Irish whiskey
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 3-4 ounces of freshly brewed hot coffee
- Freshly whipped cream
Irish coffee
A traditional whisky cocktail that always makes a well-deserved appearance during the colder months, Irish coffee is a perfect way to warm up during the winter.
The trick to getting the cream to settle perfectly on top of your coffee is to pour it slowly over the back of a spoon.
Instructions
- Fill an Irish coffee mug with hot water and set it aside to preheat.
- Pour whiskey and simple syrup into the mug, then top with freshly brewed coffee.
- Stir together until ingredients are well combined.
- Top with a generous layer of whipped cream and serve hot. Cheers!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of whisky
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Hot water (to fill)
Whisky toddy
A whisky toddy is a classic winter drink, perfect for warming yourself up when the temperature drops. Made from whisky, lemon juice, honey and hot water, it is a great way to soothe a sore throat or help you relax at the end of a long day.
Instructions
1. Fill a mug with hot water and set aside to preheat.
2. In a separate cup, combine the whisky, lemon juice and honey until well blended.
3. Pour the mixture into the preheated mug of water.
4. Stir together until all ingredients are dissolved and evenly distributed throughout the drink.
5. Enjoy your hot toddy!
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon mincemeat
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (to garnish)
Mince pie old fashioned
A festive take on the classic old-fashioned cocktail, the mince pie old-fashioned is sure to be a hit with friends and family during the holiday season. First created in the UK in 2017, the mince pie old fashioned has become a popular option for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Since there is actual mincemeat going into this cocktail (the festive kind, not the beef kind), you’ll want to use a very fine sieve when straining the drink.
Instructions
1. Combine the bourbon, mincemeat and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Stir until combined and chilled.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes.
4. Garnish with an orange peel twist to finish it off!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ounces Scotch whisky
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Cranberry cinnamon scotch punch
Punch has long been a favourite of festive holiday gatherings, and this cranberry cinnamon scotch punch will turn heads. The combination of sweet cranberries and spicy cinnamon with the smooth smokiness of scotch makes for an incredibly flavourful drink that’s perfect for sipping by a warm fire.
Instructions
1. In a pitcher, combine the cranberry juice and simple syrup and stir until the syrup has dissolved.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and Scotch whisky, and stir until thoroughly combined.
3. Serve in small glasses over ice, garnished with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of rye whiskey
- 1/2 teaspoon absinthe
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
Winter Sazerac
The Winter Sazerac is a truly classic winter cocktail. This version combines the flavours of anise, rye whiskey and herbal liqueur with just enough sweetness to make it incredibly cosy and perfect for sipping by a warm fire.
Instructions
1. In a rocks glass, combine the rye whiskey, absinthe and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
2. Add in the Peychaud’s bitters and stir until thoroughly combined.
3. Fill a shaker with ice and shake the cocktail vigorously for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist.
5. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of apple cider
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces of bourbon or whiskey
- Orange twist for garnish (optional)
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
This Apple Cider Old Fashioned is the perfect winter warmer, combining the tartness of apple cider with the sweetness of the simple syrup and the boldness of bourbon or whiskey. The Angostura bitters add a subtle bitterness to round out all the flavours and bring them together in perfect harmony.
Instructions
1. In a shaker, combine the apple cider, simple syrup and Angostura bitters.
2. Add in the bourbon or whiskey and stir until thoroughly combined.
3. Fill a shaker with ice and shake the cocktail vigorously for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist (optional).
5. Enjoy!
The best path to a boozy Christmas
These cocktails are the perfect way to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer, no matter your taste. Whether you prefer something sweet and simple or a more complex combination, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
From hot toddies and Old Fashioned’s to whiskey sours and Sazerac’s, it’s time to explore all the wonderful possibilities of crafting some delicious drinks this holiday season.
