The holiday season is upon us, and that means holiday parties are in the offing. And, where there is a party, there are generally drinks.
Before you head behind the bar, however, here are a few tips.
“Absolutely, use only fresh ingredients. It takes a little bit more time to squeeze the juice out of 10 or 15 lemons before a party, but it is worth it,” said Devin Wilson, a partner in Double Cross Luxury Vodka and the company’s mixologist.
Using fresh ingredients extends to mixes, according to Wilson, who says that making your own mix is always better than turning to the bottled variety.
“I’ve made very simple drinks — a standard vodka sour with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and vodka — and people say, ‘what is this amazing drink?’ ” Wilson said. “It’s a standard vodka sour, but we’re using freshly squeezed lemon juice. Often I like to use agave nectar as a sweetener instead of a simple syrup by adding a dash to a drink when you’re mixing a cocktail.”
Keeping the drinks seasonal is also key, said Victoria D’Amato-Moran, a mixologist with Midori Liqueurs.
“For this time of year, I think of brandies and bourbons and seasonal fruits, apples, spice and pears. Assembling a cocktail at home, it would be easy to buy one of those spirits and one of those juices,” she said.
Home mixologists should keep the drinks simple, and before choosing a drink should consider their glassware as well. While the glass does not affect the drinking, serving the drink in the appropriate glassware adds to the drink’s panache, said Wilson.
“Rimming a drink in crushed candy canes or giving it a seasonal name, people appreciate it,” he said. “When you use a fresh ingredient, get creative with the name, people like that, even at a dinner party. Who wants another Rudolph Martini?”
To make a Rudolph Martini, just add a cranberry to a standard vodka martini with or without a splash of cranberry juice.
D’Amato-Moran recommends creating your own cranberry juice with a bag of cranberries and a quart of water. Bring the cranberries and water to a roiling boil. Let cool and then strain with a fine-mesh wire strainer. Add vodka and simple syrup, and presto, you have a delicious holiday beverage.
Midori Melon Ball Drop
» 2 ounces Midori Melon Liqueur
» 1 ounce Skyy Infusions Citrus
» 1/2 ounce Elderflower Liquor
» Juice 1/2 lemon
» Sugar rim
Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a melon ball on the rim.
