Holiday bourbon cocktails: Raise a toast to the American spirit

While many people have a preferred holiday cocktail, holiday bourbon cocktails could be a toast to the American spirit. Having been declared as the quintessential American liquor, both the bourbon belt and other locales showcase the craft.

Although some people look to the higher end bourbons and covet those unicorn spirits that are rarely found in the wild, the reality is that many brands have delightful offerings that are enjoyable in a cocktail. In some ways, that bourbon can take on a variety of flavors. From a strong, bold cocktail to an easy sipper, there is an option that fits everyone’s palate.

When picking holiday bourbon cocktails, it might best to think about flavor. While each bourbon has a unique flavor profile, the reality is that the other ingredients create the balance. From highlighting the toasted flavors to uncovering a touch of hidden nuance, it is about offering the sip of perfection.

Which holiday bourbon cocktails will you be sipping?

Fashionably Late

Although some people like to make an entrance at an event, this cocktail could make them wish that they showed up on time. As many people have discovered, Longbranch branch is a quite approachable. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, it is quite delightful.

In Fashionably Late, the combination of sweet from the vanilla and tart from the cherries is quite enticing. More importantly, the black walnut bitters is a punch of flavor that will make you wish that you discovered this flavor sooner.

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Longbranch
• 0.5 Part Vanilla Syrup
• 2 Dashes Black Walnut Bitters
• 2 Black Cherries

Method:

• Stir and strain.
• Garnish with an orange peel.

Caffé Noilly

The combination of bourbon and coffee is a classic. While this cocktail is a little more elevated that others, the reality is that it can be modified as needed. And, the saline could be some mineral water. Basically the cocktail needs a little salt for balance.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Noilly Prat Rouge
• 1 oz Angel’s Envy Bourbon
• 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
• 0.5 oz amaro (I used Amaro di Angostura)
• 6 drops saline
• Garnish: Orange expression

Method:

• Stir, and strain into a rocks glass with ice.

Cascade Cookout

Continuing the coffee conversation, this cocktail might be the perfect bourbon option when everyone is grabbing that espresso martini. Relatively simple, this cocktail is lovely as a brunch option or just an afternoon sipper.

And, why the pineapple in the cocktail? Sometimes a little acid adds balance. That touch of sweet yet bright is the hidden flavor that will be the surprise that many people will enjoy. Lastly, don’t forget the nutmeg. It is that punch of flavor that pushes it over the top.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Dickel Bourbon
• 0.75 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
• 0.75 oz Cold Brew Coffee

Method:

• Shake and fine strain over cracked ice in a rocks glass; garnish with grated nutmeg

MTN DEW SNAP’D & Bourbon

If you haven’t opened at least one bottle of MTN DEW SNAP’D, don’t let the holidays pass before it disappears. That gingerbread MTN DEW beverage had everyone feeling a nice about that naughty little treat.

This cocktail transforms that gingerbread forward beverage with some bourbon. And, don’t forget the orange. It is always a good idea to have a little citrus around the holidays.

Ingredients:

• MTN DEW SNAP’D
• 1 ¼ oz bourbon
• ¼ oz maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Orange juice

Method:

• Fill tall glass with ice. Add 1 ¼ oz bourbon or whiskey, ¼ oz maple syrup, and fresh squeezed citrus juices (lemon juice + orange juice). Top with MTN DEW SNAP’D. Stir, garnish (with dried orange wheel), and serve!

Whiskey Cider Smash

Bourbon and apples are a classic pairing. A list of holiday bourbon cocktails would not be complete without one apple and bourbon offering.

This cocktail has maple butter. If this ingredient isn’t readily available, it could be possible to try apple butter. Or, even a little maple syrup might work. Basically, the cocktail needs a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bespoken Bourbon
• 2 oz. Apple Cider
• 1-2 tsp. Maple Butter (for sweetness)
• 1 oz. Lime juice
• Cinnamon stick and apple slices for garnish

Method:

• Shake in cocktail shaker and serve over ice

Hot Buttered Toddy

Sometimes a warm cocktail can help ward off the chill in the air. This version with an orange and spice tea adds another layer of flavor. The combination of warm spices, citrus and bourbon makes it quite delightful. And, that little taste of butter adds an unctuous layers of enjoyment.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
• 6 parts Orange & Spice tea (hot)
• ¾ part Cinnamon-brown sugar syrup*
• ½ teaspoon butter

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a hot toddy glass or mug and stir. Garnish with grated cinnamon.

St. Nick’s Sour

While everyone is thinking about sweet treats during the holidays, a touch of sour doesn’t put you on the naughty list. The sour cherries in this cocktail are quite tasty. Sometimes everyone needs a little break from all the sugar during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon
• .75 oz Sour cherries syrup
• .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Lemon wedge

Method:

• Serve in a double rocks glass over ice.

Southern Comfort Egg Nog Cocktail

A holiday bourbon cocktails list would not be complete without some Southern Comfort and an eggnog cocktail. While this cocktail uses the Southern Comfort 100 Proof, another Southern Comfort could be used too. But, the higher proof liquor can cut through the richness of that eggnog.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Southern Comfort 100 Proof
• 4 oz Southern Comfort Egg Nog
• Garnish: Grated cinnamon & nutmeg

Instructions:

• Combine Southern Comfort 100 Proof and Egg Nog in your favorite mug.
• Top with grated cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Then add a cinnamon stick, gingerbread man, candy cane, or any other festive food you’ve got. Serve cold or warm, it’s up to you

What holiday bourbon cocktails are you enjoying this year? Is there another cocktail that you enjoy to toast the season?