Whether for Valentine’s Day or just for having on hand for all of the birthdays, anniversaries, graduation parties, and other important events on this journey of life, a special cocktail can make all the difference. Here are a couple of our favorite go-to cocktails with a twist that are sure to impress.
COGNAC FRENCH 75
This cocktail is reminiscent of the roaring ‘20s, the decade of its birth. While typically crafted with gin, this alternative using cognac gives this crisp cocktail a new depth of flavor, much more fit for the chillier season. We recommend using Cognac Park’s VSOP cognac. It carries a charming balance of citrus flavors, caramelized bananas, and wild peaches.
- 1 ounce of Cognac Park VSOP
- ¼ ounce of fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ ounce of simple syrup
- 4 ounces of your preferred champagne or sparkling wine
Shake your cognac, lemon juice, and simple syrup well. Add to a chilled champagne flute and top with champagne or sparkling wine. To garnish, add a lemon twist.
THE “BALLERVARDIER”
This unique variation on a Boulevardier comes from St. George Spirits. It’s another cocktail hailing from the 1920s, a delightful alternative to the classic Negroni – swapping the gin for whiskey instead. You’ll find this warming cocktail consists of an elegant balance between bitter and sweet, enhanced by the use of St. George Spirits very own Bruto Americano – a beautifully bitter liqueur composed of roots and herbs.
- 1 ½ ounce of single malt whiskey
- 1 ounce of Bruto Americano
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
Stir the whiskey, Bruto Americano, and sweet vermouth together with ice till fully chilled and strain over one large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
THE TOM’S TOWN MARTINEZ
This bright cocktail from Tom’s Town is a beautiful fusion of a crisp martini with a classic Manhattan. While martinis typically feature dry vermouth, this one replaces it with sweet vermouth. It’s very similar to a Manhattan but is crafted with gin in place of the usual whiskey. You’ll find the perfect balance of sweetness with a vibrant pop of cherry.
- 1 ½ ounce of Tom’s Town Barreled Gin
- 1 ½ ounce of sweet vermouth
- ¼ ounce of cherry liqueur
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Stir all the ingredients together with ice till completely chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with an orange twist.
SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE
Nothing is more delightful than a delicious cup of hot chocolate on a winter evening. This spiked variation is different from the rest, utilizing Duckett 103 – a dark, woody rum with notes of toasted almond, caramel, and vanilla. Add it to your favorite hot chocolate with a dash of butterscotch, and you have yourself the perfect drink to enjoy with dessert.
- 1 ½ ounce of Duckett 103 Rum
- 1 ounce of butterscotch schnapps
- 3 ounces of hot chocolate
Add the rum and butterscotch schnapps to your favorite hot chocolate and serve nice and hot. Top with whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness!
CRANBERRY MARGARITA
While margaritas are typically thought to be a cocktail for summer, utilizing a classic winter flavor like cranberry can make it perfect for the colder months. For those dreaming of warmer weather, this refreshing take on a crowd-favorite will hit the spot. It’s vibrant, sweet, and sour all at the same time. Use a 100% agave tequila, like Cascahuin Blanco, for the best result!
- 1 ½ ounces of Cascahuin Blanco
- 1 ounce of triple sec
- ¼ ounce of fresh lime juice
- 4 ½ ounces of 100% cranberry juice
Shake all of the ingredients together with ice. Strain into a glass of ice rimmed with coarse salt and garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
