More than ever the holidays are the time to embrace the nostalgic and familiar. These festive drinks embody the season and range from deep and sultry to effervescent and uplifting.
Reprinted from Very Merry Cocktails, by Jessica Strand, with permission from Chronicle Books, 2020
While big family gatherings aren’t in the cards for you this year, don’t let that stop you from making a celebratory, party-worthy cocktail. Even if it’s just you and close family and friends (socially distanced, of course, possibly wearing red-and-green-checked face masks tricked out with Rudolph-style noses), few things uplift spirits more than, well, spirits—mixed with seasonal ingredients in a cocktail that looks and tastes like the holidays.
These three drinks from Very Merry Cocktails, written by Jessica Strand and photographed by Ren Fuller (who shot much of our recent camping issue), fill the bill perfectly. Since you’ll likely be making these for a smaller group than you might otherwise, be sure to buy the best ingredients possible. Splurge, if you can, on top-shelf bottles, using high-quality crisp, dry sparkling wine, and make merry in the moment with gratitude and good cheer.
Bonus: The leftover honey and cinnamon syrup can be drizzled over waffles or pancakes or used to sweeten hot tea and other beverages.
1 /3Ren Fuller for Chronicle Books
Apple Pie Cocktail
This drink is easy as pie, thanks to an aromatic blend of honey, vanilla, and sparkling apple cider. Drop in a cinnamon stick for a delightful way to stir it up.
2 /3Ren Fuller for Chronicle Books
Partridge in a Pear Tree Cocktail
This fresh, wintry cocktail works only if both the pear liqueur and the champagne are well chilled. If you like, rim the glass with citrus juice and dip in sugar.
3 /3Ren Fuller for Chronicle Books
Fireside Glow Cocktail
Ideal for warming up by a roaring fire, this boozy drink has comforting notes of cinnamon and almond, thanks to an elegant coating of amaretto.
1 /7
Barfly Shaker Cocktail Tin
You might’ve noticed the better bartenders out there are all working “tin on tin” (barspeak for using two metal shakers). There’s no risk of breakage, separating shakers is a snap, plus they stack and store tidily. At 19 bucks for a set how can you not upgrade?
Barfly Shaker Set, $19
2 /7
Japanese-Style Jigger
Sure you could use a measuring pitcher or shot glass, but make a show of it with this copper Japanese jigger.
Japanese-Style Jigger, $23.99
3 /7
Mixing Glass
Once a rarity, now standard issue for modern bartenders, this Japanese-inspired mixing glass is ideal for stirring up aromatic cocktails like Manhattans and Martinis.
Hatch Mixing Glass, $10
4 /7
Luminarc Barcraft Coupe Cocktail
At 5.5 ounces the coupe is just the right size for having two cocktails without going overboard.
Luminarc Barcraft Coupe Cocktail (set of 4), $21
5 /7
Rock-Style Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Water glass by day, Boulevardier vessel by night, a set of lowballs will set you right.
Rock-Style Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses (set of 6), $23.99
6 /7
Highball Glass Set
When it comes to highball glasses, the slimmer the better to show off your well poured collinses, palomas, and G and Ts.
Highball Glass (set of 6), $24.95
7 /7
Ice Tray Set
Odor-resistant food grade rubber trays in various sizes let you make your own perfect ice in just the right shape for the drink.
Ice Tray Set, $25
The Western Holiday Bar
These Western brands can elevate these cocktails or round out your holiday home bar.
Courtesy of Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
This Texas bourbon has lovely toffee, oak, smoke, and caramel notes.
Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, $85
St. George Pear Brandy
30 pounds of Bartlett pears go into every bottle of this exquisite eau de vie from the pioneering Bay Area distillery.
St. George Pear Brandy, $43
Oakland Spirits Co. Automatic Sea Gin
Someone’s going to ask for a G&T. Blow their mind with this gin made from locally foraged coastal botanicals.
Oakland Spirits Co. Automatic Sea Gin, $35
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs
This elegant crisp California bubbly will make a fine champagne cocktail.
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs, $39-52
Essential Cocktail Tools
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1 of 7
Barfly Shaker Cocktail Tin
You might’ve noticed the better bartenders out there are all working “tin on tin” (barspeak for using two metal shakers). There’s no risk of breakage, separating shakers is a snap, plus they stack and store tidily. At 19 bucks for a set how can you not upgrade?
Barfly Shaker Set, $19
2 of 7
Japanese-Style Jigger
Sure you could use a measuring pitcher or shot glass, but make a show of it with this copper Japanese jigger.
Japanese-Style Jigger, $23.99
3 of 7
Mixing Glass
Once a rarity, now standard issue for modern bartenders, this Japanese-inspired mixing glass is ideal for stirring up aromatic cocktails like Manhattans and Martinis.
Hatch Mixing Glass, $10
4 of 7
Luminarc Barcraft Coupe Cocktail
At 5.5 ounces the coupe is just the right size for having two cocktails without going overboard.
Luminarc Barcraft Coupe Cocktail (set of 4), $21
5 of 7
Rock-Style Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Water glass by day, Boulevardier vessel by night, a set of lowballs will set you right.
Rock-Style Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses (set of 6), $23.99
6 of 7
Highball Glass Set
When it comes to highball glasses, the slimmer the better to show off your well poured collinses, palomas, and G and Ts.
Highball Glass (set of 6), $24.95
7 of 7
Ice Tray Set
Odor-resistant food grade rubber trays in various sizes let you make your own perfect ice in just the right shape for the drink.