Best Holiday Drink Ideas From Mixologist Michael Rakun
When thinking about the holidays, one of the first things to come to mind may be traditional holiday food. We've all shown up for a family meal, looked at the table and have seen turkey, potatoes and pie. How about bringing something new and exciting to the table? A holiday drink can do just the change-up trick. The next time you're asked to bring a dish to pass at an affair, bring a carefully crafted holiday cocktail. Here are some delicious drink ideas to share with your family and friends this holiday season from Michael Rakun of Mill Valley Kitchen.
Michael Rakun
Mill Valley Kitchen
3906 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(952) 358-2000
www.millvalleykitchen.com
Apples to Apples - A warm, sweet dessert drink
Ingredients:
- Calvados (apple brandy)
- Honey
- Spiced cider
Directions:
Warm the spiced cider in a tea pot. Pour cider into a large mug, leaving room at the top. Add in a shot of apple brandy and a dollop of honey to the cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.
Maple Manhattan - A twist on a traditional cocktail
Ingredients:
- Makers Mark 46 bourbon
- Maple syrup
- Orange bitters
- Cinnamon
Directions:
Pour 2 ounces of bourbon, maple syrup and 2-3 dashes of orange bitters into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon.
Autumn Swizzle - A refreshing holiday treat
Ingredients:
- Gran Marnier
- Drambuie
- Sailor Jerry rum
- Campari
- Lime juice
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine Gran Marnier, Drambuie, rum and lime juice. Shake, strain and pour into a tall Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Top with Campari and give it a stir to mix in the beautiful color. Garnish with a lime twist.
Apple Crisp Revival - A sweet and tangy holiday drink
Ingredients:
- Vanilla-infused vodka
- Woodford Reserve bourbon
- Limoncello
- Apple juice
Directions:
Pour equal part 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce bourbon and 0.5 ounces limoncello into a shaker. Shake. Add in 1 ounce apple juice and stir. Pour into a desired cocktail glass over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, apple slice or lemon wedge.
Related: Best Hot Drinks in Minnesota
Juniper Fizz - A holiday drink for gin lovers
Ingredients:
Hendrick's Gin
Lemon
Bitters
Directions:
Fill a low ball glass with large cubes of ice. Pour gin over the ice and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top along with a dash of bitters. Stir, garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.
Amber Ranzau lives on the edge of Uptown in Minneapolis and is a gal about town. She frequents the local restaurant scene, loves to support new and local businesses, follows the latest and greatest fashion and design trends, and she does all of this while working as an interior designer, spending time with her man, The Specialist, and taking care of her two goldfish Felix and Petunia and their tankmate Huey the Snail. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
