They’ll be lots of gatherings until 2016 comes, and the one thing you can’t be lacking is great drinks. With the help of some very special brands, we’ve compiled a list of concoctions that are ideal for an evening of “Netflix and Chilling” or chilling with some friends the New Year’s Eve!
4-3-2-1
Three Little Birds
Created by Dana Richardson, Tag Restaurant, Denver
1.25 oz The Famous Grouse
1.25 oz Owl’s Brew The Famous Mint Tea
1 oz Apple Cider
.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.75 oz Autumn Spice Simple Syrup*
.50 oz Kronan Swedish Punsch
1 Barspoon Fernet Branca
Build all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a double old fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with four apple slices fanned over a lemon wheel.
*Autumn Spice Simple Syrup
1 Cup Boiling Water
1 Cup Sugar
½ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
½ Tsp Ground Cloves
Grate 1 Nutmeg
8 Allspice Berries
¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
Bring the sugar and water to a boil and add the rest of the ingredients. Allow to simmer for five minutes and strain the syrup.
The Ruffed Grouse
Created by Tim Heuisler, Time Restaurant, Philadelphia
1.5 oz The Black Grouse
1 oz Owl’s Brew The Smoky Earl
.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
.25 oz PA Maple Syrup
Pinch Of Cinnamon
Build all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a smoked sea salt rimmed dessert wine glass.
Rich Hearts
Created by John Garda, Cedar Local, New York
1 oz The Black Grouse
1.5 oz Owl’s Brew The Smoky Earl
.75 oz Contratto Bianco Vermouth
.50 oz Lemon Shrub (White Wine Vinegar Base)
2 oz Dashes Peychauds
1 Dash Angostura Bitters
Build all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish burnt rosemary sprig rested on a lemon wheel.
Sparkling Apple Punch
Created by Kristina Magro, Fulton Market Kitchen (Chicago)
1L Patrón Silver (33.8 oz)
11.25 oz Lemon Juice
16.5 oz Smoked Honey Syrup*
22.5 oz Grapefruit Juice
Bitterman’s Hell Fire Bitters (to taste)
1 bottle Sparkling Wine
Combine all ingredients except sparkling wine in a punch bowl with two cups of ice and stir to combine and chill. Top with sparkling wine and apple slices for garnish. Add large chunks of punch ice to the bowl to keep it cold while minimizing dilution. Serves: 8-10
*Smoked Honey Syrup
Following tea maker’s instructions, make 8 oz of lapsang tea, steeping until a prominent flavor has developed. While the tea is still hot, stir in two cups of honey until dissolved. Refrigerate the syrup until cool.
The Lawless Liter
Created by Jason Litrell, Critical Mass Consulting (NYC)
1L Patrón Silver (33.8 oz)
12.5 oz Lime Juice
4.25 oz Yellow Chartreuse
4.25 oz Agave Nectar
4.25 oz Velvet Falernum
16.5 oz Chilled Water
Peychaud’s Bitters, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, briefly stir with ice, strain out ice and funnel into an empty punch bowl. Refrigerate remaining punch for later use.
Northern Star
Created by Marco Zappia, Eat Street Social and Scena Tavern, Minneapolis
1.5 oz The Famous Grouse
.5 oz Ginger Syrup
.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
5 oz The Owl’s Brew Famous Mint Tea
2 Dashes Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters
Garnish: Mint Leaf, Star Anise and Lemon Peel
Boil water and bring to a simmer. Place The Famous Grouse, Ginger Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice and Bitters in a large tin, add simmering water to a smaller tin, placing the larger tin on top of the smaller tin- creating a poor man’s “bain marie.” Add remaining simmering water to mug to preheat glass. Heat The Owl’s Brew Famous Mint Tea on the stove and bring to 180 degrees, then add to rest of cocktail “bain marie” and stir together. Remove water from mug, pour contents from “bain marie” into a mug, garnish with Mint Leaf, Star Anise and Lemon Peel and serve. Glass: Mug // Garnish: Mint Leaf, Star Anise and Lemon Peel
High Tea Toddy
Created by Marco Zappia, Eat Street Social and Scena Tavern, Minneapolis
1.5 oz The Black Grouse
5 oz The Owl’s Brew Smoky Earl Tea
.5 oz Rosemary Honey Syrup
.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Dashes Bittercube Orange Bitters
Garnish: Baby’s Breath, Rosemary, Orange Peel
Boil water and bring to a simmer. Place The Famous Grouse, Rosemary Honey Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice and Bitters in large tin, in a large tin, add simmering water to a smaller tin, placing the larger tin on top of the smaller tin- creating a poor man’s “bain marie.” Add remaining simmering water to mug to preheat glass. Heat The Owl’s Brew Smoky EarlTea on the stove and bring to 180 degrees, then add to rest of cocktail “bain marie” and stir together. Remove water from mug, pour contents from “bain marie” into a mug, garnish with Baby’s Breath, Rosemary, Orange Peel and serve. Glass: Mug // Garnish: Baby’s Breath, Rosemary, Orange Peel