The holiday season is fast approaching, making it the perfect time to begin planning for celebrations with our latest collection of exquisite cocktail recipes.
As November rolls in, don’t miss out on an internationally-inspired drink option from Amsterdam’s Flying Dutchmen, which is sure to impress your guests.
With the arrival of the festive season, it’s the ideal moment to gather friends and family for jubilant celebrations packed with delicious food and refreshing drinks.
This month’s cocktail roundup features a show-stopping milk punch that takes three days to prepare, an effortlessly quick and warming spiced Hot Toddy, alongside an elegant high tea and an array of festive punches designed to bring everyone together under the enchanting charm of the season.
If you have delicious cocktail recipes that would be perfect for our December feature, we encourage you to share them by reaching out to us at info@thespiritsbusiness.com.
Highclere Castle has taken the traditional English afternoon tea to a new level by infusing it with its unique gin, enhanced with bright blood orange tangerine tea and festive botanical flavors.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Highclere Castle Gin infused with Bigelow Tea Blood Orange Tangerine
- 45ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 30ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
- 15ml Simple syrup
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch
Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, give it a good shake, and strain into a Highball glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of club soda and garnish with a fragrant rosemary sprig.
Steps for tea and gin infusion:
- Use one tea bag per 360ml of Highclere Castle Gin.
- Let the tea bag steep in the gin for 24 hours in the refrigerator before removing it.
In the creation of this innovative Milk Punch, Absolut Vodka’s global brand ambassador, Rico Dynan, drew inspiration from the artist’s whimsical obsession with cornflakes.
Ingredients:
- 400ml Absolut Vodka infused with cocoa butter for a rich taste
- 200ml Banana liqueur
- 200ml Simple syrup
- 200ml Lemon juice for a zesty kick
- 300ml Milk infused with cornflakes for added flavor
Method:
Day one: Prepare the fat-washed vodka and cornflake milk by mixing melted cocoa butter with vodka in one container and combining milk with cornflakes in another. Refrigerate both overnight.
Day two: Filter the ingredients and blend them in a jar with the remaining ingredients. Chill overnight.
Day three: Strain the finished liquid through cheesecloth and a coffee filter. Serve over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish for presentation.
This cocktail embodies the essence of a delightful holiday drink, sure to please at any expansive Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients:
- 35ml Bowsaw Bourbon for warmth
- 70ml Cranberry juice for tartness
- 10ml Ginger syrup for a hint of spice
- 25ml Club soda for a refreshing finish
- Frozen cranberries to garnish and chill the drink
Method: Combine Bowsaw, cranberry juice, and ginger syrup in a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and adorn with frozen cranberries for a festive touch.
Experience a Swedish twist on the classic Russian Spring Punch, a beloved cocktail originally crafted by Dick Bradsell in London during the 1980s.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Almqvist Destilleri Rejmyre Akvavit
- 25ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness
- 20ml Gomme infused with seasonal berries like raspberries or lingonberries
- Top up with Champagne for a sparkling finish
Method: Combine aquavit, lemon juice, and berry-infused gomme in a shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a tall glass. Top off with Champagne and garnish with seasonal fruits.
How do you prefer your apples this season? In our refreshing Martinis, of course!
Ingredients:
- 50ml Grey Goose La Poire Vodka for a subtle pear flavor
- 10ml St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 15ml Calvados for an apple essence
- 15ml Fresh lime juice
- 30ml Fresh apple juice for added sweetness
Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously and double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of apple and a decorative goose feather for flair.
Worry not, there’s no need to use an actual baby’s breath; simply garnish with the delicate flower to enhance the cocktail’s appeal. A few sips of this concoction will surely help you overcome the winter chill.
Ingredients:
- 45ml Diplomático’s Reserva Exclusiva for luxurious flavor
- 35ml Apple juice for sweetness
- 10ml Cinnamon syrup for warmth
- 30ml Earl Grey tea as a cozy addition
Method: Combine all ingredients with hot tea in a teapot and serve at your preferred temperature. Decorate with a sprig of baby’s breath to uplift the floral aroma. Use thermal glasses to keep the cocktail warm.
Timo Janse, the head bartender at Amsterdam’s Flying Dutchmen Cocktails, drew inspiration from the international roots of Chichibu Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky while crafting this exquisite cocktail, incorporating a medley of ingredients from different cultures.
Ingredients:
- 25ml Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky
- 25ml Fresh lime juice for a refreshing twist
- 25ml Hierbas Ibicencas Autenticas
- 25ml Elixir d’Anvers Reserve
- 2 dashes The Bitter Truth Cherry bitters for depth
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice cubes, then strain into a coupe glass. Add a quality cocktail cherry garnish to elevate the presentation.
This seasonal cocktail, created by Morten Krag from The Cocktail Blog on Instagram, is a refined autumnal take on a Rusty Nail, intertwining Sir Edmond Gin’s smooth bourbon-vanilla notes with the luxurious sweetness of honey from Drambuie and a citrusy finish from orange bitters.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Sir Edmond Gin for a sophisticated base
- 15ml Drambuie to impart sweetness
- 2 dashes Orange bitters to amplify flavor
Method: Stir the bourbon vanilla-infused gin, Drambuie, and orange bitters well with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and finish with a dusting of citrus zest for a fragrant touch.
This vibrant red modern classic, a variant of the Paper Plane cocktail, harmonizes the rich, smooth essence of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey with citrus and herbal undertones.
Ingredients:
- 25ml Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
- 25ml Aperol for a bittersweet taste
- 25ml Amaro Nonino for complexity
- 25ml Fresh lemon juice for acidity
Method: Shake all components with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Adorn with a twist of lemon or a playful paper plane garnish.
Halloween may have passed, but fear not—this spooky-themed cocktail from Maestro Dobel is sure to entertain during your next eerie gathering.
Ingredients:
- 43ml Maestro Dobel Humito for a smoky flavor
- 14ml Fresh orange juice for brightness
- 14ml Fresh lemon juice to balance
- 14ml Agave syrup for sweetness
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters to deepen the complexity
- 14ml Beet juice for a haunting hue
- Orange garnish for visual appeal
Method: In a tall glass, combine Maestro Dobel Humito, orange juice, lemon juice, agave syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir to cool and slightly dilute. For finishing touches, place an orange garnish and slowly pour in the beet juice for a dramatic effect.
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**Interview with Timo Janse, Head Bartender at Amsterdam’s Flying Dutchmen Cocktails**
**Editor:** Timo, thank you for joining us! With the holiday season approaching, can you share what inspired your festive cocktails this year?
**Timo Janse:** Thank you for having me! This year, I drew inspiration from the multicultural influences that shape our world. I believe that cocktails should not only taste exceptional but also tell a story. For instance, my recent creation features Ichiro’s Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky, which celebrates international ingredients, seamlessly blending flavors from different cultures.
**Editor:** That sounds delightful! I hear you have some unique ingredients in your cocktails. Can you tell us more about the cocktail inspired by the Flying Dutchmen?
**Timo Janse:** Absolutely! One of our standout cocktails includes Ichiro’s Whisky, fresh lime juice, and a mix of traditional herbal liqueurs, like Hierbas Ibicencas. This combination adds depth and highlights the spicy, sweet nuances that complement the whisky beautifully. Plus, we finish it with cherry bitters for a nice complexity. It’s a celebration of flavors and heritage in a glass.
**Editor:** It seems like you’ve put a lot of thought into the preparation. How do you ensure your cocktails align with the festive spirit of the season?
**Timo Janse:** I always aim to evoke warmth and joy with my cocktails. For the holiday season, we focus on creating visually stunning and flavorful drinks that encourage connection among friends and family. We also embrace seasonal ingredients, like cranberries, spices, and citrus, which naturally enhance the festive feel.
**Editor:** You also mentioned a holiday milk punch that takes three days to prepare. What makes this cocktail special?
**Timo Janse:** The milk punch is inspired by nostalgia and creativity. It’s a sophisticated blend that combines beautiful flavors like banana liqueur and cocoa-infused vodka. The infusion process, which includes the whimsical touch of cornflakes, adds a unique texture and depth. When served, it creates a delicious and memorable experience that feels very special for the holiday gatherings.
**Editor:** It sounds like your cocktails can really elevate holiday parties! Do you have any tips for home bartenders looking to impress their guests this season?
**Timo Janse:** Sure! First, focus on using fresh and high-quality ingredients; they make a significant difference in flavor. Also, don’t shy away from experimenting; play with flavors that resonate with your personal taste or traditions. And remember, presentation is key—garnishing with herbs or seasonal elements can transform an ordinary drink into something magical.
**Editor:** Wonderful advice, Timo! Thank you for sharing your insights and creativity with us. We’re excited to see how your cocktails can bring people together this holiday season.
**Timo Janse:** Thank you! Cheers to a festive season filled with great drinks and wonderful company!
