Warm up with these festive cocktails
Whether it’s a glass of eggnog, a hot buttered rum, or a mug of spicy mulled wine, the winter season is loaded with tasty cocktails. What makes them ideal for the home bartender is their reliance on easily sourced pantry ingredients: spices (cinnamon, clove and nutmeg), fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme and sage), and fruits (mandarins, cranberries and pomegranates). Here are my family recipes for iconic winter cocktails—and a twist or two designed to take your holiday gathering to the next level.
The key to success is preparing your syrups and garnishes ahead of time and avoiding stress when your family and friends arrive. Once you have your cocktails planned and the ingredients prepared, you can even set up a mini bar with your syrups, juices and garnishes to allow your guests a little fun experimenting, too. Whatever you decide, remember to enjoy yourself and focus on what this season is all about: lifting a glass of good cheer with the people you know and love.
—by Justin Taylor
