Recipes 196

With the holiday season approaching, eggnog is a beloved drink that can easily be transformed into festive cocktails. However, there are several tips to keep in mind to ensure your eggnog cocktails impress your friends and family.

Maintain Flavor Balance

When using eggnog as a cocktail base, remember that it is rich and sweet. To create balance, pair it with spirits that have a bolder profile. Dark, aged liquors like rum, bourbon, or brandy can complement the sweetness without being overpowered. Use liqueurs in moderation to enhance flavors without adding too much sweetness.

Control Alcohol Content

Eggnog’s creamy texture can mask the strength of alcohol, potentially leading to overserving. Focus on incorporating spirits that elevate flavors rather than just adding more alcohol. Liqueurs with lower alcohol content can add depth without overwhelming the drink.

Consider Temperature

While eggnog is typically enjoyed cold, it can also be served warm. However, be cautious when adding other spirits to warm eggnog. Avoid spirits with botanical flavors like gin, as they can taste unpleasant when heated. Stick to aged spirits for better flavor compatibility.

Use Lighter Dairy

To avoid an overly rich cocktail, consider using lighter dairy options. Swapping regular cream for half-and-half or alternative milks can maintain the delicious texture while allowing for easier mixing with other ingredients.

Avoid Acidic Ingredients

Acidic components like citrus can curdle the dairy in eggnog, creating an unappealing texture. If you want to introduce acidity, it’s best to avoid directly mixing it into your eggnog cocktail.

Dilution May Be Necessary

Without proper dilution, your eggnog cocktail may taste too strong. If you’re not shaking or stirring your drink with ice, consider adding a small amount of water or another mixer to bring the flavors into balance.

Prioritize Safety

To prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with raw eggs, always use pasteurized eggs in your recipes. This simple step can help ensure your cocktails are both delicious and safe.

Vegan Options

For guests who don’t consume animal products, consider a plant-based eggnog. Coconut milk can serve as a fantastic base, and aquafaba (chickpea brine) can replicate the frothiness of egg whites in cocktails.

Achieve the Perfect Texture

For a fluffy mouthfeel, explore shaking cocktails with egg whites or aquafaba. Consider using a technique called dry-shaking—first shaking without ice for maximum froth, then adding ice for chilling before serving.

Enhance with Bitters

Bitters can elevate your eggnog cocktails by adding complexity and enhancing the overall flavor. Classic flavors like orange or aromatic bitters work exceptionally well with the creamy richness of eggnog.

Pre-Batching for Convenience

If hosting a gathering, pre-batching your eggnog cocktails can save time. As long as the alcohol content is high enough (over 20%), the mixture can be safely stored in the refrigerator for longer periods.

Choose the Right Glassware

Serving in suitable glassware enhances the drinking experience. Using smaller glasses allows guests to enjoy their drinks without overindulging, and the right shape can enhance aroma and flavor.

Don’t Forget the Garnish

Garnishes not only beautify cocktails but can also accentuate flavors. Consider using a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon to complement the eggnog’s flavor profile. Creative rim options, like graham cracker crumbs or festive sugars, can add a fun touch to your cocktails.

By following these guidelines, you can create delightful eggnog cocktails that will surely impress at your holiday gatherings.

After a tightly contested election, Vice President Kamala Harris faces a pivotal moment as she navigates her final days in office before Donald Trump’s anticipated return as president. Fresh from a significant defeat in the elections, Harris is reportedly preparing to head to Capitol Hill to confront Trump in what may be her last major legislative effort.

In this fraught political climate, Trump’s administration is expressedly critical of Biden’s decisions to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, suggesting it could escalate hostilities dangerously. This ongoing conflict in Ukraine is compounded by rising tensions in other geopolitical areas.

Adding to the political storm, there are debates surrounding the recent policy shifts in the U.S., notably impacting issues such as bathroom access for transgender individuals, a historical perspective on controversial figures like Susan Smith and Charles Manson, and public pushback against Biden to fulfill certain campaign promises.

Political analysts are keeping an eye on how these various threads will weave into the larger narrative heading into the next term, as Harris appears poised to make her presence felt even amidst a tumultuous backdrop.

There will likely be heightened scrutiny as the coming days unfold, especially surrounding Trump’s response to legislative actions taken by Harris in the nearing end of her vice presidency. This situation continues to evolve, suggesting a deeply charged atmosphere in American politics as both parties prepare for what lies ahead.

For more details, keep an eye on the latest updates on these unfolding events.

Important links:

• 2024 Election
• Politics
• US News

When planning holiday gatherings, providing an array of beverage options is crucial—especially for those who prefer to celebrate without alcohol. The rise of nonalcoholic options from diverse sectors means it’s easier to cater to these preferences. The appeal of crafting your own festive beverage is unparalleled, combining fun, flavor, and enjoyment without the buzz.

Here are ten delightful nonalcoholic cocktails that promise to keep the holiday cheer alive:

1. Non-Alcoholic Negroni
   This variation of the classic Negroni employs a gin alternative and a non-alcoholic aperitif, offering a complex blend of herbal and citrus notes that capture the essence of the original drink.

2. Sharab Rose Raspberry Shrub Cocktail
   Inspired by a Lebanese drink, this tart cocktail features a vibrant combination of raspberry and rose water, making for an elegant and floral choice.

3. Safran Şerbeti (Saffron Cordial)
   A bright and floral Turkish cordial, this drink combines saffron, sugar, and lemon for a refreshing option that dates back to Ottoman times.

4. Nonalcoholic Champagne Spritz
   Crafted with sparkling nonalcoholic rosé and a strawberry-based nonalcoholic aperitif, this spritz offers fruity notes and effervescence — perfect for festive toasts.

5. Coffee Cooler
   A refreshing drink featuring freshly brewed coffee and floral notes from cardamom and orange juice, this cooler is ideal for energizing your guests.

6. Ghia Sour
   Utilizing Ghia’s signature nonalcoholic aperitif, this sour combines fruity and bitter elements with citrus for a colorful and festive drink.

7. Pumpkin Shrub
   This fall-inspired shrub incorporates pumpkin puree and apple cider vinegar for a flavorful syrup that can elevate sodas or coffee.

8. Nonalcoholic Cranberry-Pomegranate Punch
   A holiday staple, this punch marries cranberry, pomegranate, and spices with a nonalcoholic sparkling wine for a zesty kick.

9. Ginger-Lemon Tonic
   This simple and refreshing tonic combines ginger syrup, lemon juice, and tonic water for a fizzy drink with nostalgic roots.

10. Vegan “Eggnog”
    A delightful egg-free variation of the classic treat that relies on creamy basmati rice and warm spices to deliver a rich, satisfying experience.

With these enticing options, you’ll ensure all guests feel included in the festivities, regardless of their drink preferences.

Cocktail mixology has found its way into many homes, with people enjoying the chance to craft their beverages. One classic pairing that stands the test of time is vodka and cranberry juice. Traditionally adored in drinks like the Cape Cod and Bay Breeze, this duo can be enhanced by a surprise ingredient often found at the breakfast table: maple syrup.

Incorporating maple syrup into a vodka cranberry cocktail not only adds a unique flavor profile but also enriches the drink’s sweetness. Maple syrup offers a depth that simple syrup cannot replicate, enhancing the drink with caramel and toffee notes. Vodka’s clarity allows it to blend seamlessly with this sweet addition, beautifully balancing the tartness of the cranberry juice.

To make the perfect vodka cranberry with maple syrup, start with real cranberry juice—avoid sugary cocktails that contain corn syrup. A respectable rule is to mix about ½ ounce of maple syrup with vodka, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice. This blend creates a refreshing drink with layers of flavor.

For those looking to elevate their cocktail further, experimenting with other ingredients can introduce exciting new facets. Adding carbonation with tonic water or sparkling water lightens the drink and enhances its zest. Alternatively, a hint of vanilla from vanilla-flavored vodka or vanilla syrup can introduce a buttery, creamy element to the mix, creating a delightful complexity.

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can also be included to infuse warmth and merge beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup. With a few creative tweaks, the vodka cranberry can transform into a show-stopping cocktail that impresses guests and provides a unique twist on a beloved classic.

For more on enhancing vodka cranberry cocktails, read the original article on Tasting Table.

Two Australian teenagers are currently in serious condition after consuming poisoned cocktails during their backpacking trip in Thailand. The incident occurred at their hostel in Udon Thani, close to the Laos border, where they had been enjoying their travels.

The girls, both believed to be 19 years old, began feeling unwell after drinking cocktails that were reportedly laced with methanol, a dangerous substance often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in alcoholic beverages. One of the victims has been transported to a hospital in Bangkok, where she is reportedly in "grave" condition, according to her father.

The two were part of a larger group of around ten women traveling together, and the incident has raised alarms within the backpacking community, particularly due to warnings about methanol poisoning. A report indicated that just 25-90 milliliters of methanol could be lethal.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are providing consular assistance to the families of the affected teenagers, expressing their heartfelt concern during this distressing time.

Travelers in the area have been warned against consuming local spirits, particularly after reports emerged of others experiencing similar symptoms after being offered complimentary shots at a bar in Vang Vieng, a well-known tourist spot in Laos. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, blindness, and seizures.

Celebrate the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 finals with a selection of festive cocktails that honor the cultural heritage of the contestants. This year’s event, taking place in Mexico City, features 90 contestants showcasing their national costumes and evening gowns, culminating in the coronation of the new Miss Universe.

Miss USA – Alma Cooper

Drink Pairing: Autumn Whiskey Sour
This cocktail reflects Alma’s strength and sophistication with its blend of bourbon, honey, and charred rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Basil Hayden® Bourbon
• 1 part fresh lemon juice
• ¾ part honey
• 2 dashes apple cider vinegar
• 1 dash Angostura® bitters
• 1 sprig charred rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with charred rosemary.

Miss México – María Fernanda Beltrán

Drink Pairing: Sweater Weather Margarita
A festive twist on the classic margarita incorporating passion fruit and cinnamon, mirroring María’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1.25 oz Astral Tequila Reposado
• 0.25 oz cinnamon-infused orange liqueur
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz passion fruit syrup
• Garnish: Cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Miss Chile – Emilia Dides

Drink Pairing: Dragon’s Hpnosis
A colorful, fruit-forward twist on the Pisco Sour, representing the elegance of Miss Chile.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Capurro Pisco
• 0.75 oz Hpnotiq
• 0.5 oz dragon fruit syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1 oz fresh key lime juice
• 1 egg white
• Garnish: Bitters design, red dragon fruit slice

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients (except egg white) in a shaker.
2. Shake with ice, strain, and garnish as desired.

Miss Jamaica – Rachel Silvera

Drink Pairing: Berry Smash Punch
Combining Jamaican rum and mixed berries, this punch captures Rachel’s vibrant personality.

Ingredients:

• 4 fl oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
• 2 fl oz orange liqueur
• 16 fl oz pomegranate juice
• 8 fl oz ginger beer
• 2 cups mixed seasonal berries
• Garnish: Mint and thyme

Instructions:

1. Muddle berries in a pitcher.
2. Mix in rum, liqueur, juice, and ginger beer.
3. Serve over ice garnished with mint and thyme.

Miss Venezuela – Ileana Márquez

Drink Pairing: Diplomático Old Fashioned
This drink reflects Venezuela’s rum heritage and Ileana’s grace.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
• 5 ml sugar syrup
• 3 dashes of bitters
• Garnish: Orange peel

Instructions:

1. Combine syrup and bitters in a glass, add ice and rum, and stir.
2. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Tips for a Miss Universe Watch Party

• Feature Non-Alcoholic Options: Include mocktails or local non-alcoholic beverages.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: Use cultural touches in your garnishes.
• Set Up a DIY Drink Bar: Let guests create their own drinks with provided ingredients.

These cocktails not only celebrate the contestants but also enhance your viewing experience for the Miss Universe finals.

Kodi Satra, the Beverage Manager at Tattersall Distilling, has introduced an innovative cocktail line designed to celebrate traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. Featuring flavors inspired by classic staples like pumpkin, stuffing, and cranberry, these fall cocktails aim to replicate the essence of the season’s favorite dishes in liquid form.

By incorporating elements such as roasted butternut squash and aromatic spices, Satra has crafted drinks that not only pay homage to Thanksgiving favorites but also offer a unique and festive twist for gatherings this holiday season. The cocktails are designed to complement the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, making them perfect for enjoyment alongside family and friends.

As the holiday approaches, these drinks offer a way to enhance the festive atmosphere, providing an intriguing alternative to standard beverage options. Whether celebrating at home or bringing a special touch to a gathering, these cocktails encapsulate the spirit of Thanksgiving in every sip.

10 Thanksgiving Gin Cocktails To Elevate Your Feast

As Thanksgiving approaches, elevating your holiday gathering can be as simple as incorporating gin into your cocktail menu. Once underrated, gin is experiencing a renaissance, praised for its versatility and ability to complement various flavors. Here are 10 gin cocktails that will infuse your Thanksgiving celebrations with unique and memorable flavors.

Kick Things Off In Style

Gin Tai G&T
Created by Marshall Minaya, Beverage Director at Valerie.

• 1 ½ oz Principe Apostoles Gin
• ¼ oz roasted walnut orgeat
• 1 tsp Giffard Apricot Liqueur
• 2 drops orange blossom water
• Fever Tree Premium Tonic

Combine all ingredients in a goblet glass filled with ice, then add 6 oz of tonic and garnish with fresh mint and an orange slice.

Festivo
Inspired by Acrónimo Spirits, which produces the world’s first gin finished with sotol.

• 1 oz Acrónimo Gin
• 1 oz Fino Sherry
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Mix ingredients in a glass, chilling with ice before straining into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Mine Hill Martinez
From Mine Hill Distillery, this cocktail balances seasonal warmth with complex flavors.

• 1 ½ oz Mine Hill Gin
• 1 oz Mine Hill Amaro
• ½ oz Luxardo Liqueur
• Garnish: orange twist

Combine all ingredients, stir with ice, strain into a martini glass, and express the oils of an orange twist over the drink.

Take The Edge Off

Chivalry’s Gin Fizz

• 1 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
• 0.5 oz cranberry juice
• 1 egg white
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

Shake all ingredients and strain into a rocks glass, garnishing with a sprig of rosemary.

Coppercraft Smoked Gin & Tonic

• 2 oz Coppercraft Gin
• 1 oz grapefruit juice
• Tonic water to top
• Rosemary for smoking

Combine in a highball glass with ice, then smoke with rosemary.

Classic Cocktails for After Dinner

Smoked Chai

• 2 oz Coppercraft Gin
• 0.5 oz agave syrup
• 8 oz water
• 4 oz whole milk
• 2 oz black tea
• Spices: cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, fennel seeds

Simmer the ingredients in a saucepan, then strain and mix in the gin and agave syrup.

Lighthouse Gin Wassail

This festive drink makes enough for a group.

• 2 oz Lighthouse Gin
• Assorted fresh juices (apple, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, lemon)
• Spices: cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, fresh ginger

Boil ingredients, then simmer for an hour. Serve with gin added to the hot mixture, garnished with cinnamon sticks and dried fruit.

Incorporating these cocktails into your Thanksgiving festivities will surely impress your guests and create a memorable gathering. Cheers!

2024 has seen a rising trend centered around "cortisol cocktails" on TikTok, also known as "adrenal cocktails." These drinks promise to regulate cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, to help reduce stress. The basic recipe includes coconut water, orange juice, and salt, but variations may incorporate ingredients like cream of tartar, colostrum, or various citrus fruits. One user on TikTok shared a budget-friendly version and claimed it didn’t taste bad.

However, experts urge caution. According to Jessica Sepel, a clinical nutritionist, while elevated cortisol levels can lead to health issues, there’s little scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these cocktails in balancing stress levels. The cocktails do provide some hydration and minerals but may not offer the stress relief many hope for. Instead, Sepel recommends focusing on magnesium-rich foods and maintaining a balanced diet to help manage cortisol naturally.

Though there are minimal risks in trying these cocktails, expectations should be realistic as they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet or professional health advice. Sepel suggests alternative methods for managing cortisol levels, including creating a stress-free environment, using supplements for relaxation, establishing consistent routines for sleep, and consulting healthcare professionals for chronic stress management.

For those seeking stress relief, incorporating holistic approaches and maintaining overall well-being is essential rather than relying solely on trending cocktails.

English author and satirist Samuel Butler once stated, “autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits.” As autumn blossoms, fruits like pears, apples, and Meyer lemons come into season, showcasing their tartness, enticing us into the world of cocktails.

In crafting cocktails, balance is key—finding harmony between sweet and tart, bitter and sweet, and strong and weak. The beauty of seasonal fruits is that they often provide this balance naturally. This narrative resonates with the trend of bartenders adding citric acids artificially; perhaps we should let nature’s produce speak for itself.

However, sometimes nature might need human intervention, especially through quality seasonal liqueurs, which are often made from fresh fruits harvested during their respective seasons and released later.

Here are four fall cocktail recipes that embrace the essence of the season:

Recipes

Apple Sidecar

• 1½ ounces Barber Lee Spirits’ Apple Brandy
• ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec (like Cointreau, Combier, or Naranja)
• ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• Slice of fresh apple
• Cinnamon sugar

Preparation: Wet the rim of the glass with citrus juice and dip it in cinnamon sugar. In a shaker, combine the apple brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with an apple slice.

Smoked Rosemary Pear

• ¾ ounce Alamere Spirits’ French-Wheat Vodka
• ¾ ounce St. George Spirits’ Spiced Pear Liqueur
• ¾ ounce St. Elder Elderflower Liqueur
• ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Preparation: Shake the first three ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Flame the rosemary sprig and drop it into the drink before serving.

Cranberry Rosemary Gin and Tonic

• 1½ ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Marin Coastal Gin
• 2 ounces quality dry tonic (Fever-Tree or Q)
• 1 Meyer lemon wedge
• 5 fresh cranberries
• 3 dried juniper berries

Preparation: Muddle the cranberries in the glass, then fill with ice, gin, and tonic. Squeeze the lemon juice into the drink before stirring, garnishing with juniper berries.

Boysenberry Cosmopolitan

• 1½ ounces Hanson of Sonoma’s Boysenberry Vodka
• ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec
• ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• ¼ ounce sweetened pomegranate juice
• 3 fresh pomegranate seeds
• 1 dehydrated Meyer lemon wheel

Preparation: Combine vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass, garnishing with the lemon wheel and pomegranate seeds.

Each of these cocktails celebrates seasonal flavors, offering a perfect way to enjoy fall while honoring the natural balance that fresh ingredients can provide.