The holidays are almost upon us, and that means planning parties, cooking, and family. And what better way to celebrate these moments, than with a few fun cocktails, specifically those with a base of bourbon.
Bourbon cocktails are spiced and warming, making them perfect for the holidays. Plus, who doesn’t want to see family and friends, and kick a few back. I mean, what else are the holidays for?
This holiday season is for bourbon-based drinks. There are so many to choose from and not only can you try bourbon in some of your old favorites, but you may even find a new favorite!
Eggnog
Eggnog is a part of any good holiday meal. The taste is so creamy, thick, and spiced, or at least cinnamon-filled (although there are some eggnogs that are very light on the spice). Eggnog can be added to coffee and cocoa, for the same old Eggnog goodness and a little twist on the traditional drink.
And you have to try it with Bourbon. Just use your typical eggnog ingredients; milk, cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon. For the egg whites (which help give it the name eggnog), whip them with a mixer before incorporating them into the already combined milk mixture. Use a delicious spicy bourbon to go with the drink, and get to drinking!
Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour
Sure, we all eat pancakes and maple syrup all the time, but if you had to say what maple felt like to you, what would you say? For maple syrup lovers, it’s Fall and flannel and warm and cozy. And it’s maple syrup time. So, suffice to say that this is the best time for a maple flavored drink. And for the holidays, what’s better than the sweet and familiar maple syrup we all know and love? Well, what about maple syrup in a drink?!
For this, you just need a lemon (for its juice), maple syrup, bourbon, and a pinch of cinnamon. If you want it frozen blend it with ice. Otherwise, use a shaker bottle and give it a good shaking before straining it into glasses and serving.
Bourbon Old Fashioned
This drink is so timeless it works for dinner parties, holidays, and after work drinks alike. (And it is not just a holiday beverage either.) In Wisconsin, my home state, old fashions are synonymous with supper clubs and dinner dates. And this is how to make them.
In a short tumbler or old-fashioned glass, dissolve or muddle sugar and add ice ¾ of the way full. Add bourbon and bitters, then stir. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Simple and delicious.
Basil Hayden’s Bloody Mary
A bourbon Bloody Mary so delicious, you’ll never use vodka again. Bourbon will give your drink more of a depth of flavor and will also complement all the goodies in your cup. Enjoy a bloody Mary filled with cheese-stuffed olives, bacon, pickles, a celery stalk, and a lime wedge.
Depending on where you go, you could even get a full meal out of it including chicken, pizza, a burger, and more. Bloodys are having all the fun these days.
Hot Apple Cider and Bourbon
Spiced apple cider, sparkling apple cider, and bourbon all mixed into one? What’s not to love? Add a cinnamon stick or two, and make sure that it’s a hot drink. This would be perfect as a sipper in front of the fire or even an after dinner drink.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine
And while this isn’t technically bourbon, this wine is aged in a bourbon barrel, and it does something to the wine. It tastes unique and deliciously different from any other red wine. If you didn’t guess it already, this is one of my favorite things to drink right now. And for good reason. This complex wine is a deep red with an almost sweet and decidedly smooth finish. Yum.
The drinks are the perfect libations for the season. You can always just take shots, too, if that’s your pleasure with bourbon. There are lots of different brands to try such as Maker’s Mark.
No matter how you drink it, just drink it. It’s a great liquor that will keep you warm all season long. In short, it’s the perfect liquor for your holiday spirit.