Cocktail Contessa_Winter23_Ed-final.qxp_Road Trip_Cinci.qxd 11/25/23 8:18 PM Page 20
liquids | cocktail contessa
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Bluesy Not Boozy This light and refreshing drink doesn’t have a bit of alcohol in it, but teases the taste buds in a fun way with a combination of lemon, blueberry, mint, and orange. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the mint for rosemary or sage for a delicious tipple.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
STORY AND PHOTOS BY HEATHER WIBBELS
Cheers to Love and Snowflakes:
Winter Cocktails
A
s the year closes down, and nights get longer, I crave cocktails that warm me from the inside. Whether it’s a hot toddy with apple cider or a spicy, spirit-forward cocktail with a lovely proof heating me from within, this is the time of year I want nothing more than a great cocktail, spirited company, and stories to fill the hours. This December, I’m focused on seasonal flavors and cocktails that don’t require hours of time in the kitchen to prep syrups or infusions. These cocktails are ones I create for company, or take along with me to parties. For the December Daiquiri, a simple orange peel-infused syrup spices up a simple classic along with a touch of allspice liqueur. If you prefer a warmer drink to celebrate with friends and family, make a delicious apple cider riff on a hot toddy for a decadent and easy drink to share with friends. It can even be batched and kept warm in the crockpot for easy serving! Toward the end of the year, I watch for that beautiful stillness that arrives with falling snow. It reminds me of the hush of bubbles filling the glass as I top a French 75 with sparkling wine. This easy seasonal variation dresses up the classic with a fresh cranberry and a sprig of rosemary. It’s a delicate and elegant cocktail to serve, whatever the weather, and perfect for New Year’s Eve. Working in the whiskey world, it’s easy to see why so many people in the industry and the community at large enjoy a break from imbibing in January. To support our low- or no-alcohol friends for the month, I’ve got a delicious non-alcoholic smash you can make with fresh lemon and blueberries to create a refreshing drink. And finally, for February and Valentine's, a little love for great tequila combined with a bit of chocolate bitters, a nut syrup and tiny chocolate garnish. It might look like an Old Fashioned, but with one sip your tequila lovers will be in heaven!
Bluesy Not Boozy
20 Winter 2023 www.foodanddine.com
1 oz lemon juice 1 oz orange-peel infused syrup* ¼ lemon, cut into pieces 7-10 blueberries 1 sprig of mint blueberry soda or ginger beer Garnish: fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint Put the blueberries, lemon pieces, juice and syrup in a shaker and muddle well. Add the mint (or rosemary or sage) and muddle just a bit more. Fill with ice, shake and strain into a collins glass with ice. and top with soda. Garnish.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
December Daiquiri With spiced rum, orange-infused syrup, and a touch of clove from allspice dram you'll dream of warmer climes with each sip of this seasonal daiquiri. For classic daiquiri drinkers, stay with white rum, but more occasional rum drinkers might prefer the addition of spiced rum to the drink.
December Daiquiri