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The inspiring guide to good drinking and great living.

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5 Things You Didn’t Know About the White Russian

Ah, the White Russian. It’s a classic, albeit one that’s properly filed under “guilty pleasures” in the recipe box. But this well-known blend of vodka, coffee liqueur and heavy cream is full of surprises. Here are five White Russian facts that you probably didn’t know:

1. THE WHITE RUSSIAN IS A RELATIVELY MODERN DRINK.

There’s no documented evidence of a White Russian until into the 1960s. The 1961 edition Diner’s Club Drink Book gave a recipe for a Black Russian, minus the cream, with a footnote suggestion that adding dairy to the drink would create a variation known as the White Russian.

2. THE DUDE SAVED THE WHITE RUSSIAN FROM OBSCURITY.

The White Russian’s starring role in the 1998 Cohen Brothers classic, “The Big Lebowski,” catapulted the drink to cult classic status. Our hero, The Dude, drinks eight “Caucasians” throughout the course of the film — nine if you count the one he drops after {spoiler alert!} being drugged at porn mogul Jackie Treehorn’s mansion. His trip to the local supermarket in search of cream sets a key subplot in motion. It’s hard to believe it now, but before the movie brought the drink to millions of new fans, it was lapsing into obscurity.

3. THESE FLAVORS TASTE AMAZING WHEN FROZEN.

The retired Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor “From Russia with Buzz” was a riff on the White Russian cocktail. It featured light coffee ice cream spiked with coffee liqueur and dark coffee ice cream laced with espresso-fudge chips.

4. THE WHITE RUSSIAN IS AN INTERNATIONAL SENSATION.

Lesser-known (and — let’s be honest — less appealing!) White Russian variants include the White Canadian, made with goats’ milk, and the White Mexican, which uses horchata in place of cream.

5. THE WHITE RUSSIAN HAS ALMOST ZERO CONNECTION TO RUSSIA.

The White Russian isn’t Russian in any meaningful way and has only the merest connection to the land of Bolsheviks and tzars. The name is a variant of Black Russian, which in turn was created by a Belgian bartender in honor of the American ambassador to Luxembourg. (Still no Russians, though — other than the ones who made the vodka.)

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10 Cocktails for February Parties — Including Valentine’s Day

Congratulations, you weathered through January—the Monday of the year—and now it’s time to accept that your New Year’s resolution of drinking less isn’t going to work. So, what are you going to drink? Luckily, February brings no fewer seasonal treats to add to your cocktail game. Prepare for February to be your most exciting cocktailing month yet. Oh, and for you Valentine’s Day romantics, we have some stuff for you, too.

Brown Derby

Let’s start off with a classic. With just three ingredients, the Brown Derby can easily be the drink to set you off right for the rest of the month. Seasonal grapefruit, honey and whiskey are all that are needed for a cocktail that’s sweet, bitter and strong.

Get the recipe for the Brown Derby.

Celery Daisy

We know what you’re thinking: Celery? Believe it or not, this veggie is currently in season, so why not spruce up your cocktail with it? Celery juice is amped up with ingredients including elderflower, sherry and lime to make it a drink like no one will believe.

Get the recipe for the Celery Daisy.

The Little Kiss

What’s Valentine’s Day without a little kiss, topped with a bit of Champagne? This cocktail gives you both in one flute. All you need is a strawberry shrub, Champagne and some white crème de cacao to take your special night to the next level.

Get the recipe for The Little Kiss.

Fennel 75

Fennel isn’t just a garnish anymore. Fennel liqueur takes equal standing next to tequila in this rendition of the brunch classic French 75.

Get the recipe for the Fennel 75.

The Mata Hari

Nothing is more romantic than a finely made cocktail with flower garnishes. Why not take advantage of Valentine’s Day with a cocktail that shows all the love the holiday has to offer? Take the time to make that chai-infused sweet vermouth and show your loved one that you care.

Get the recipe for The Mata Hari.

My Spicy Valentine

Some dates don’t want it plain. My Spicy Valentine combines what many believe to be a bland spirit—vodka—with peppers, some crème de cacao, orange liqueur, milk and chocolate for a drink to heat up the night.

Get the recipe for My Spicy Valentine.

Grapefruit Sazerac

Yes, we’re making a return to the grapefruit. This time, it’s infusing itself into a classic cocktail we all enjoy. This simple drink joins rye whiskey, bitters, grapefruit syrup and absinthe for a herbaceous, bitter and strong drink all in one glass.

Get the recipe for the Grapefruit Sazerac.

El Bicentenario

Tangerine is winter’s orange, so why not incorporate it into your cocktail game during these colder months? Throw in some tequila, agave, peppers and lime juice, and you have yourself a margarita-like drink that will warm you up.

Get the recipe for the El Bicentenario.

Girls Next Door

Pear is a winter superstar, so this pear-liquored cocktail should be up anyone’s alley. With hibiscus, strawberry and lemon, this vodka drink is like a fruity party for a great Valentine’s Day. Just try not to have too many.

Get the recipe for the Girls Next Door.

Falling Leaves

Pear eau-de-vie backs up sparkling wine in this winter cocktail. Orange liqueur and honey serve as supporting cast in a cocktail that almost sounds more like a delicious cold remedy than an incredible cocktail.

Get the recipe for the Falling Leaves.

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How to Make The Perfect Bar Snack at Home

Like a wink and a smile, bars and peanuts just go together. Some bars serve them in their shells, encouraging you to litter the floor beneath your stool, while others serve basic bowls of dry-roasted. At Seattle’s Damn the Weather, the peanuts are fried until they brown and blister, then tossed while still warm in an equal parts mixture of salt and sugar, which sticks to the nuts like a dusting of snow.

SWEET-AND-SALTY PEANUTS

Makes 1½ cups, serves 4 to 6

Canola oil, for frying 1 teaspoon Kosher salt 1 teaspoon Sugar 1 ½ cups Raw (unroasted, unsalted) peanuts

Heat a 2-inch depth of oil until it registers 325 degrees on a deep-frying thermometer. While the oil heats, combine the salt and sugar in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle and grind to a fine powder, then transfer the powder to a medium bowl. Line a plate with paper towels and set nearby.

When the oil is hot, add the peanuts and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oil with a spider or slotted spoon and let drain for a minute on the prepared plate. Transfer the peanuts (while still warm) to the salt-sugar mixture and toss to coat. Serve warm.

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10 Delicious Grapefruit Cocktails to Perk Up This Winter

Winter is prime time for grapefruit. Good for breakfast, it’s even better added to cocktails.

From a bourbon and honey L.A. classic to contemporary riffs on the Negroni, these 10 recipes will send you stocking up on the sweet-tart fruit.  

More cocktail ideas from Yahoo Food:

How to Make the Perfect Irish Coffee With Just 4 Ingredients

Pomegranate and Orange Prosecco for a Festive Party Cocktail

How to Make an Easy Bloody Mary With Everyday Ingredients

Antiguo Citrus Mint Squeeze

Like whiskey and lemon, beer and a shot and Batman and Robin, lime and tequila is one of history’s great working partnerships. Add agave nectar in to the mix and you’ve got a great Margarita. Add grapefruit, mint and and some bubbles, though, and you’ve got the Antiguo Citrus Mint Squeeze, an immensely drinkable, refreshing winter cocktail.

Get the recipe for the Antiguo Citrus Mint Squeeze.

Banker’s Lunch

This drink is quite possibly the most exciting thing to happen to banking since, well, ever.

Braced by a crisp vodka backbone, the Banker’s Lunch nods to the dinnertime Martini with its half-ounce of dry vermouth, but ultimately circles back to breakfast with the inclusion of orange and grapefruit juice. Stir one up and enjoy any time of day.

Get the recipe for the Banker’s Lunch.

Brown Derby

This Los Angeles classic unites three ingredients: Bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey. The Brown Derby is an excellent gateway drink for that one friend who “doesn’t like whiskey.”

Get the recipe for the Brown Derby.

Grapefruit Negroni

Mmm, the Negroni. The tart, illuminating classic was originally created for Count Camillo Negroni  in the years between the two World Wars, and was itself a boozier spin on the Italian count’s regular order: The Americano.

Since then, the recipe has proven a versatile laboratory for experimentation: The format works swimmingly with bourbon, as in the Boulevardier, or with prosecco in a Negroni Sbagliato.

The addition of grapefruit is another welcome twist on the original.

Get the recipe for the Grapefruit Negroni.

Grapefruit and Cucumber Delight

The botanicals in gin and cucumber always make for a refreshing pairing, and this recipe builds this into a tall, easy drinker with the addition of sweet agave, tart lime and, of course, grapefruit. As visually stunning as it is fun to sip, this would be an excellent pre-batched option for your next dinner party.

Get the recipe for the Grapefruit and Cucumber Delight.

Roasted Grapefruit Rum Mule

The Moscow Mule is so tasty that it’s directly credited with helping to popularize vodka in this country. It’s been riffed on endlessly, and this stunning spin takes several steps away from the original, utilizing Brugal Extra Dry rum for the base, and adding agave nectar and rosemary. The most striking addition, though, is the roasted grapefruit, which provides a tart counterpoint to the agave and ginger beer, which lends a hint of spice. Make a big batch and serve it in a punch bowl. Your friends will thank you.

Get the recipe for the Roasted Grapefruit Rum Mule.

The Gamberi

The Gamberi is yet another twist on the Negroni. This drink, however, takes its cues from the world of tiki. The usual gin is substituted for an aromatic Jamaican spiced rum—such as Smith & Cross—and forgoes the expected sweet vermouth for a mint syrup, which provides a refreshing counterbalance to the drink’s spicy, tart notes. Build the whole thing in a highball glass and get creative with your ice. It works just as well mellowing slowly over a big cube as it does poured over crushed ice and enjoyed through a straw.

Get the recipe for the Gamberi.

Mezcal Paloma

If you’ve never had a standard Paloma, remedy that immediately. Then try this variation on the Mexican classic, which adds some smoky mezcal to the tequila and grapefruit juice, as well as two types of bitters and some agave nectar.

Get the recipe for the Mezcal Paloma.

Grapefruit Fernet Cooler

Fernet, the spicy Italian digestif, has been enjoying a resurgence lately—not just a straight sipper, but a clever cocktail ingredient.

In this recipe, it’s mixed with rye, then sweetened with an ounce of Grand Marnier. Grapefruit juice brightens the entire affair, which is stirred, and then lengthened and lightened with a club soda spritz.

Get the recipe for the Grapefruit Fernet Cooler.

Kilbeggan Secret Sour

Created by star bartender Joaquín Simó, this curious take on a classic Whiskey Sour takes some liberties—but trust us, this is a good thing. Kilbeggan, an Irish whiskey, forms the base of this drink, to which simple syrup and lemon are added, along with dry vermouth and grapefruit juice.The engaging mixture is given a stiff shake, then served over rocks in a Collins glass, with a bit of soda to finish top off. It’s definitely a secret worth sharing.

Get the recipe for the Kilbeggan Secret Sour.

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10 Essential Cocktails for January Parties

There are many ways to face the winter doldrums.

Some turn to freshly-brewed coffee, others to in-season citrus fruits or warm and smoky mezcal. No matter your liquid approach, there are plenty of ways to beat back the cold weather blues—and here’s where to start.

More winter cocktail ideas from Yahoo Food:

How to Make the Perfect Irish Coffee With Just 4 Ingredients

Pomegranate and Orange Prosecco for a Festive Party Cocktail

Boozy Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate Is A Must This Winter

Cafe Panama

You can serve this creamy mugful hot or cold, but the cozy factor crescendos when it’s stirred together on the stovetop. Espresso, coconut milk and cacao-infused rum will ease you into your new year with a smooth, subtle jolt of caffeine. Get the recipe for the Cafe Panama.

Grapefruit Negroni

Fresh fruit cocktails don’t have to retreat during winter. Liven up your go-to Negroni with ruby red grapefruit segments and a long strip of grapefruit peel swirled inside the glass. Get the recipe for the Grapefruit Negroni.

RCM Piña

Oh, Canada indeed. You’ll find whisky, spice and everything nice inside this tall glass of Canadian whisky, ginger syrup, pineapple juice and Chinese bitters. Get the recipe for the RCM Piña.

Sparkling Apple Punch

Where there’s smoke, there’s a party punch. In this case, the smoke comes from a homemade Lapsang tea-honey syrup, which gives heft to this blend of blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, sparkling wine and spicy bitters that serves eight to 10 people. Get the recipe for the Sparkling Apple Punch.

Shoe Maker

Muddled orange and raspberries serve as the welcoming committee for the 12-year-old Irish whiskey and Fino sherry that make up the distinguished base of this wintry cup. Serve over crushed ice with a mint sprig and remember that warm weather is only a few months away. Get the recipe for the Shoe Maker.

Angel’s Face

Forget those New Year’s resolutions, angelic deeds may be the last thing on your mind after a few sips of this equal-parts cocktail. Gin, applejack and apricot liqueur come together in this delicate, balanced, yet potent, cocktail. Get the recipe for the Angel’s Face.

Nueva Playa del Sur

Channel sunny beach vibes—even if there’s snow piling up outside your door—with this vibrant drink made with añejo rum, blood orange juice, agave nectar and Champagne. Get the recipe for the Nueva Playa del Sur.

The Beelzebub

Mezcal lends a smoky note to this bourbon cocktail that’s tempered with bitter amaro and sweet, silky orgeat. Get the recipe for The Beelzebub.

Teatime Toddy

When hot tea isn’t enough to nix the wintertime chills, treat it to a slug of spiced rum, lemon juice and orange bitters for a wholly curing effect. Get the recipe for the Teatime Toddy.

Jubilee

Kick off the new year with this garnet glass of vodka and red wine. The fun really starts when you add in spiced pear liqueur, maple syrup and seltzer, and finish with a confetti-like sprinkling of nutmeg and a festive pear fan. Get the recipe for the Jubilee.

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The 15 Most Popular Drinks of 2015

When it comes to cocktail culture, 2015 celebrated the best of both worlds.

This year’s hottest drinks ran the gamut from old-school classics to forward-thinking creations. Discover which side you were on with a look at the 15 most popular cocktails of the year.

More cocktail ideas to mix up from Yahoo Food:

Boozy Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate Is A Must This Winter

Cuba Libre from ‘Cuban Cocktails’

8 Craft Spirit Makers Who Are Bringing Back History

Margarita

The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in North America, but its origins are shrouded in mystery. There are almost as many stories about who invented the Margarita as there are recipes. Some like it blended, others sweetened, but many argue the best Margarita recipe is this classic version. Memorize it and you’ll never fail to impress. Get the recipe for the Margarita.

Mojito

The perfect way to capture summer all year long? A well-mixed Mojito, of course. A descendant of the Cuban cocktail El Draque, this five-ingredient highball has been a favorite of many, including Ernest Hemingway. Get the recipe for the Mojito.

Tequila Sunrise

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most successful. Take the famous trio of tequila, orange juice and grenadine, which channels a picturesque sunrise in your glass, no matter the weather. Get the recipe for the Tequila Sunrise.

White Russian

Let’s face it, The Dude was onto something with his go-to drink recipe. The classic combination of vodka, Kahlúa and heavy cream is comforting and easy as can be. Get the recipe for the White Russian.

Gimlet

This essential gin-and-lime cocktail was created for sailors as a way to prevent scurvy. It didn’t take long to realize that the preventative drink was also quite delicious. Scurvy may be a thing of the past, but this tart tipple is here to stay. Get the recipe for the Gimlet.

Lemon Drop

Meet the adult equivalent of your favorite childhood lemon candy. The sweet-tart blend of citrus juice, orange liqueur and vodka is a tongue-tingling adult version of the memorable treat. Get the recipe for the Lemon Drop.

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned

Muddled fruit gives this version of the classic Old Fashioned a welcome dose of juicy sweetness; club soda lends a burst of bubbles. Get the recipe for the Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned.

Tequila Mockingbird

When two heavy-hitters like tequila and watermelon team up, magic is bound to happen. The result is a blushing pink beverage made with watermelon-basil puree, agave and fresh lime juice that packs a bit of heat thanks to muddled jalapeños. Get the recipe for the Tequila Mockingbird.

Bloody Bulldog

Gin lovers, your brunch cocktail has arrived. Why should vodka have a monopoly on the Bloody Mary game? Try your Bloody with a couple ounces of gin, minced garlic, horseradish and balsamic vinegar and you may never look back. Get the recipe for the Bloody Bulldog.

Sex on the Beach

Giggle all you want at the provocative name, but this vodka highball has proven to be a timeless crowd-pleaser, thanks to its fruity mix of peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. Get the recipe for the Sex on the Beach.

Aviation

A slip of crème de violette gives this old-school gin classic its pale purple hue. The cocktail recalls a more glamorous period of commercial aviation, back in the ’20s and ’30s, when flying was reserved for daredevils and well-to-dos. Balanced with Maraschino liqueur and lemon juice, this might be the only purple cocktail that stands the test of time. Get the recipe for the Aviation.

Summer Martini

Beefeater’s special Summer Edition Gin provides a pleasing dose of floral flavor, which pairs nicely with dry vermouth in this seasonal cocktail garnished with summer berries. Get the recipe for the Summer Martini.

Eclipse

Don’t look this eclipse straight in the eye. The crimson glass comes on sweet with Cherry Heering and Aperol, but morphs into a smoky, potent finish bearing mezcal and añejo tequila. Get the recipe for the Eclipse.

Cherry Collins

It makes sense that this was one of the official cocktails of the U.S. Open. Can you think of a better cocktail for sipping courtside than a bubbly blend of cherryvodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda? Game, set, match. Get the recipe for the Cherry Collins.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule has its simple formula to thank for the drink’s survival. But that refreshingly crisp quartet of vodka, lime juice, spicy ginger and club soda just tastes best served in the Mule’s famous vehicle: the copper mug. Get the recipe for the Moscow Mule.

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5 Cocktails That Prove Cranberries Are for More Than Decorations

Ready to don your waterproof boots and hit the cranberry bog?

Or, you can leave the hard work of harvesting to someone else and focus on blending the sweet-tart berry into your cocktails. Here’s how to make the most of the winter fruit in all its forms.

Hot Nantucket Night

It’s time to spice up your holiday highball. How, you ask? Muddle fresh cranberries with a slice of jalapeño, then add a torrent of tequila, along with some agave and lime juice.

Get the recipe for the Hot Nantucket Night.

Cranberry Sauced

If you prefer your holiday feast with a side of vodka, try this cocktail, which has a base of freshly-brewed Darjeeling tea spiked with hibiscus, strawberry and lemon peel. The combination is a bright match for cold vodka and cranberry bitters.

Get the recipe for the Cranberry Sauced.

Washington Apple

If you’re feeling a trifle lazy, this simple cocktail should become your winter go-to. It has equal parts Canadian whisky, apple schnapps and cranberry juice and is as sippable as it is simple.

Get the recipe for the Washington Apple.

Holiday Sauce

Cognac and cranberry sauce? That’s a rich cocktail worthy of your holiday table. All that’s left to do is add a dash of cranberry bitters and a sweet cinnamon sugar rim.

Get the recipe for the Holiday Sauce.

Cranberry and Thyme Gin and Tonic

Delight your guests by serving these cranberry-spiked G&Ts in clear glass ornaments, a Pinterest-y touch they won’t forget. As if the presentation wasn’t Christmassy enough, there’s also the ruby hue, courtesy of a cranberry and thyme-infused simple syrup.

Get the recipe for the Cranberry & Thyme Gin and Tonic.

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How to Create a Holiday Hot Toddy Bar

Long live the Hot Toddy, the reigning winter cocktail champ.

The ease of preparation and the comfort it provides make the Hot Toddy an ideal holiday party tipple. After all, its four main components are simple—spirit, citrus, sweetener and hot water—and the resulting cocktail is a guaranteed hit.

This year, encourage your holiday guests to personalize their Toddies by setting up a welcoming DIY Hot Toddy bar.

How to do it? Start with the classic Toddy building blocks and let loose. Whiskey’s a great spirit to start with, but try offering fall-flavored applejack or even tequila. Depending on your spirit, change up your citrus and sweeteners too. Set out flavored simple syrups for guests who are feeling adventurous, and let them get wild with festive mix-ins like pumpkin puree, apple cider and hot tea.

Don’t forget the final flourish: Display plenty of whole spices for garnishing those Toddies, like tall cinnamon sticks, coins of fresh ginger, star anise pods and even a few bottles of bitters.

Arrange your spirits, mix-ins and hot water along your bar and let your guests handle the mixology work for you. Need a few starter recipe suggestions? Find mug after brimming mug of warming winter inspiration below.

BRING THE HEAT

Hot tea kettle or large thermos

Heatproof glass mugs or heatproof paper cups

SPIKE WITH SPIRIT

Rye or Irish whiskey, bourbon or Scotch

Rock & rye

Applejack or Calvados

Rum

Tequila

Gin

Brandy

Amaro

Vanilla and cinnamon simple syrups lend smooth sweetness to your Toddy.

HERE COMES THE SWEET

Brown or Demerara sugar

Simple syrups like vanilla, cinnamon or ginger

Honey

Agave

Maple syrup

Molasses

A SQUEEZE OF CITRUS

Clove-studded lemon wedges

Lime wedges

Grapefruit half-wheels

Orange slices

Love a hint of winter spice? Float a few cloves and cardamom pods for a big impact.

MIX-IN MANIA

Pumpkin puree

Baked, muddled apples

Assorted tea bags, like chai or chamomile  

Apple cider

Plum or honey liqueur

SPICY FLOATS

Slices of fresh ginger

Whole cloves

Cinnamon sticks

Star anise pods

Cardamom pods

Bitters

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10 Wintery Cocktails for Your Holiday Party

The holidays are here and, like every year, parties are popping up everywhere. For your own holiday party, why not break away from convention. Instead of Mulled Wine or Champagne, serve some creative cocktails. Here are ten options that will put your guests in the holiday spirit—from a few twisted takes on the Toddy, to a traditional Glögg and a Sour that will leave them delighted.

More holiday drinks ideas from Yahoo Food:

22 Boozy Christmas Gifts to Lift Holiday Spirits

5 Wine Pairings for Your Christmas Cookies

9 Best Sparkling Wines Cheaper Than Champagne

Rudolph’s Nose

A festive blend of Anchor’s Christmas Spirit, Maraschino liqueur, cognac and Gran Classico, the Rudolph’s Nose will have you seeing visions of dancing sugar plums after the first sip. Get the recipe for Rudolph’s Nose.

Trick Nog

We can’t resist a few glasses of Eggnog this time of year, but that doesn’t mean we’re not open to experimentation. The Trick Nog is a welcome twist on the traditional recipe. Orange juice, Cherry Heering, brown sugar, cream and a whole egg join bourbon in this new winter classic. Get the recipe for the Trick Nog.

Naughty or Nice

No matter how you’ve behaved this year, you still deserve a glass of this punch. A mixture of white and red wine, cognac and Maraschino liqueur, with a nice dose of ginger ale for sweetness and fizz, is so nice it’s naughty. Get the recipe for Naughty or Nice.

Glögg

The Scandinavians know winter, so it’s no wonder they lead the way with this classic holiday hot beverage. Red wine, port and vodka star in this warm punch, which is perfumed with star anise and cinnamon. Another genius addition: raisins. They soak up the liquid, swelling with boozy promise. Get the recipe for Glögg.

Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch

As a host, sometimes it’s best to have a punch that you can set and forget. The Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch fits the bill. Citrus, pineapple, gin and Madeira join forces in this warm drink, which has as especially seasonal aroma, thanks to its garnish of clove-studded orange wheels. Get the recipe for the Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch.

Cranberry Sauced

This three-ingredient cocktail is simple and seasonal, made with a mixture of vodka, Darjeeling tea and cranberry bitters. With its ruby hue and rosemary sprig garnish, the drink has an especially festive look. Get the recipe for Cranberry Sauced.

Winter Cup

For those looking for a lighter, brighter cocktail, the Winter Cup is it. Spiced rum teams up with St-Germain, mint, strawberries and citrus for a refreshing way to celebrate the year gone by. Get the recipe for the Winter Cup.

Plum Toddy

Sometimes simplicity is best. With just three ingredients, this plum take on the Hot Toddy is exactly what you need when the time comes to make your guests an easy cocktail that packs a punch. Get the recipe for the Plum Toddy.

Under the Mistletoe

This cocktail may just be better than a smooch. Gin, cranberry, thyme and club soda all join forces for a carbonated winter treat. This cocktail can also be batched into a punch so you can serve it to a crowd. Get the recipe for Under the Mistletoe.

Winter Sour

This take on the classic cocktail formula uses Campari as the base spirit. Instead of a traditional lemon, this recipe uses the less acidic, fragrant Meyer lemon and is sweetened with a honey syrup. The addition of an egg white provides a frothy lid to this seasonal sipper. Get the recipe for the Winter Sour.

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5 Cozy Fall Cocktails for Maple Syrup Lovers

Maple syrup has always played a starring role in your morning meal.

That earthy nectar sweetens your waffles like a champ, but it’s got loads more potential.

Try shaking your favorite amber syrup with Scotch, sherry or tequila for a truly transformative fall cocktail.

More seasonal cocktail ideas from Yahoo Food:

Three Slow Cooker Cocktails For Easy Entertaining

The Easy Way to Make Cocktails for a Crowd

5 Steaming Hot Drinks to Help Survive Cold Weather

Hudson Highland Cup

With a healthy dose of Scotch, plus apple butter, maple syrup and hard cider, this cocktail is like fall in a cup. And just because it’s chilled doesn’t mean it won’t warm you right to the core.

Get the recipe for the Hudson Highland Cup.

The Maple Man

Nothing says “come hither” quite like a tall glass of cognac and Oloroso sherry treated to a slick of maple syrup. A hint of muddled mandarin brings that cozy trio into crisp fall focus.

Get the recipe for The Maple Man.

The Nose to Cocktail

Bacon, eggs, orange juice and maple syrup? Sounds like the makings of a hearty breakfast plate. In this case, those ingredients form the base of a very comforting cocktail, made with smoky bacon-infused Irish whiskey, Grade B maple syrup and a whole egg for a frothy finish.

Get the recipe for The Nose to Cocktail.

Maple Negroni

Never met a Negroni you didn’t like? Add this maple-infused stunner to the top of your list. The classic base remains, but gains sweetness and body from the addition of a teaspoon of maple syrup. The final flourish? A crispy bacon garnish.

Get the recipe for the Maple Negroni.

Another Fine Mes

Break out your fanciest barware for this sophisticated coupe. Grounded by a strong foundation of rye whiskey and reposado tequila, the cocktail gets added depth from the additions of orange liqueur, maple syrup, two types of bitters and Punt e Mes, the Italian vermouth laced with quina liqueur.

Get the recipe for the Another Fine Mes.

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Why You Should Be Adding Pear to Your Holiday Cocktails

There are, it turns out, many different ways that one can add pears to a cocktail and nary a spirit on the planet that it doesn’t mix well with. The fruit can be used fresh, blended into a puree and stirred into a drink, or you can experiment making cocktails with pear brandy. Both will add rich pear flavor to seasonally-appropriate cocktails.

A fresh pear is a glorious season-straddler, ripening after the stone fruits of summer have come and gone, but before citrus season is in full swing. There are thousands of different types of pears, but the most common and readily available are the Anjou, Bartlett, Concord, Seckel and Bosc varieties. Because the fruit bruises easily, it can be difficult to find a truly ripe pear at the market, but you can speed the ripening process by storing them in a brown paper bag with a banana. The ethylene gas emitted by a ripening banana will in turn cause the pear to ripen.

Once ripe, you can peel and core the fruit and  puree the flesh. You might need to add a little sugar if the fruit is high in acid or a touch of lemon juice if they’re overly ripe. The resulting puree can be used in myriad ways, such as this easy Spiced Pear Bellini or this Pear & Elderflower Collins. There are also several brands of frozen pear puree on the market which are actually very good or, in a pinch, you can buy some decent pear nectars at almost any corner store or supermarket.

For a more intense flavor, you can poach your pears in a simple syrup flavored with warming winter spices such as clove, cinnamon, star anise, vanilla and nutmeg. Once softened, the pears can go straight into a blender and whizzed into a Poached Pear & Ginger Daiquiri. The party perfect drink serves 10, making it an easy fix at your next gathering. The pears could also be served as dessert, splashed with a bit of pear liqueur to amp up their natural flavor.

Speaking of pear liqueurs, there are many on the market. My favorites to keep an eye out for are Rothman & Winter, Marie Brizard, Belle de Brillet, Massenez, Berentzen and American Fruits. For the most intense pear flavor, however, you’ll want to seek out a clear pear brandy, known as Poire William. Grouped under a wider category of fruit brandies known as eau de vie, these are typically served well chilled, as a digestif. Because they require so much fruit to produce a single bottle, eau de vie can be expensive. The good news is that a little in a cocktail goes a long way. Look for bottlings from St. George Spirits, Hans Reisetbauer, Massenez or Jacopo Poli, as well as one from Oregon’s Clear Creek distillery, which has been a staple at every bar I’ve run for years, rearing its head this time of year in fall cocktails such as the aptly named Apples & Pears.

As a base spirit, Hangar One make an awesome spiced pear vodka or one could even turn to Calvados, one of the unsung heroes of the brandy world that has its own appellation in France’s Normandy region. Calvados is an apple brandy, but there is a smaller sub-appellation, called Domfrontais, where by law the brandy must contain a minimum of 30 percent pear cider (the balance, of course, is apples).  These Domfrontais brandies are a lighter, more elegant and aromatic spirit that is delightful in cocktails or on its own. Look for the brand Le Morton.

One of the best drinks I’ve ever tried with this product is the Falling Leaves, created by Audrey Saunders, an owner of the famed Pegu Club in New York. To make it, Saunders stirs pear brandy with honey syrup, Peychaud’s bitters and, in a stroke of genius, a good slug of dry white wine, like an Alsatian Riesling or Pinot Gris.

My own ode to pear spirits is a drink simply called “Autumn.” Designed as a stirred drink, like an Old Fashioned, it’s a combination of pear brandy, applejack, sherry, maple syrup and apple bitters, served with a fat ice cube. But the cocktail is versatile, and could be warmed and served as a toddy, with a wedge of lemon alongside.

Yes, fresh pears and pear liqueur are both excellent additions to cocktails, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fruit’s long history as an ingredient in hard cider. Quality hard ciders, both apple and pear varieties, are experiencing a renaissance right now, and great bottlings from excellent producers abound, including Sonoma, Fox Barrel, Hogan’s and Doc’s, as well as a life-changing pear cider from Eric Bordelet in Normandy.

Whether you use the fruit in its fresh form, add a bit of potent liqueur into a cocktail or simply enjoy a glass of pear cider, it’s what to drink right now.

[liquordotcom]

Perfect Cocktail Pairings to Go With Your Favorite Holiday Movies

When snuggling in for movie nights during the holiday season, there’s nothing better than having a drink (or two) to sip while watching Santa save the day inMiracle on 34th Street or the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes. When you’re tired of run-of-the-mill hot toddies, take the festive spirit to the next level by pairing your favorite seasonal film with a drink that’s tailor-made for it.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

In this holiday classic, down-on-his-luck George Bailey and his bumbling guardian angel, Clarence, stumble into a bar called Nick’s to escape the winter chill. While George goes straight for the hard stuff (a double bourbon), Clarence’s order gets a little more complicated, much to the chagrin of the barkeep:

“I was just thinking of a flaming rum punch. No, it’s not cold enough for that. Not nearly cold enough. Wait a minute—I’ve got it! Mulled wine, heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves. Off with you, me lad, and be lively!”

What to drink: Mulled Wine, of course.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

Sure, everyone remembers that Ralphie longed for a Red Ryder BB gun in the movie, but he also drank gallons of Ovaltine in an attempt to win a secret decoder ring. Until Ovaltine cocktails come around, sipping a chocolate-y, bourbon-heavy milkshake has a similar sweet-and-malty charm.

What to drink: This Bourbon, Vanilla and Chocolate Milkshake.

ELF

Plenty of sweets are consumed in over-the-top fashion by Buddy the Elf in this favorite holiday flick, but his favorite food of all is maple syrup. When he catches a mailroom employee adding a nip of liquor to his coffee one morning, Buddy automatically assumes the brown liquid is syrup and follows suit, proceeding to get charmingly tipsy.

“Oh, syrup and coffee? Why didn’t I think of that? Can I try some?”

What to drink: A piping hot Irish Coffee—syrup optional.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

There’s hardly a scene in White Christmas where the characters aren’t drinking something bold and boozy. Champagne, bourbon, and brandy Manhattans flow freely, but it’s the rum punch that feels the most festive.

What to drink: Rum Punch—and light it on fire.

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6 Festive Cocktails for Christmas Parties

Are you expecting a crowd for your annual holiday party and wondering what to serve? Have no fear — Scotch-spiked coupes, creamy eggnogs and fragrant punches are here to ensure your party will be one for the record books.

More holiday spirits ideas from Yahoo Food:

22 Boozy Christmas Gifts to Lift Holiday Spirits

The Easy Way to Make Cocktails for a Crowd

Three Slow Cooker Cocktails For Easy Entertaining

Tom & Jerry

Love eggnog? Try a Tom & Jerry. While both creamy cocktails utilize dark rum and a richly spiced egg batter, the Tom & Jerry is always served hot, and develops a foamy, frothy crown once hot milk is poured over top. Complete your mug with a healthy splash of cognac and a dusting of spices for garnish. Get the recipe for the Tom & Jerry.

10 Lords-a-Leaping

Ready for raucous night of caroling? A smoky base of Scotch will warm your throat for the cold night ahead, especially when laced with wintry allspice dram and honey syrup. The final touch? A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. Get the recipe for the 10 Lords-a-Leaping.

Not So Innocent Punch

You’ll want to set this fragrant punch—made with rum, apple cider and maple syrup—on the stovetop before guests arrive; when they walk through the door, they’ll be welcomed by the brew’s comforting scent. Get the recipe for the Not So Innocent Punch

Rock Your Face Off Hot Toddy

The base of this Toddy is rye whiskey that has been infused with rock candy sugar, sour cherries, cinnamon and a hint of citrus. Combine the flavorful amber liquid with honey syrup, lemon juice and bitters for a dram that will keep you warm all season long. Get the recipe for the Rock Your Face Off Hot Toddy.

Kirsch au Café

Cherry lovers, this coupe has your name on it. Cognac adds body to a smooth base of espresso, which is shaken with both kirsch and Cherry Heering for a thread of rich fruit that will have your holiday guests hooked. Get the recipe for the Kirsch au Café.

Ponche Navideño

Pull out all the stops and win party host of the year by preparing this festive Mexican punch. It starts with a flavor-packed base of tamarind, hibiscus flowers and fruit simmered with spices and toasted walnuts. Add to that warm medley a bit of brandy and reposado tequila, and you’ve got a showstopping Christmas stunner on your hands. Get the recipe for the Ponche Navideño.

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5 Steaming Hot Drinks to Help Survive Cold Weather

It’s starting to feel like winter. That means that daylight savings time has plunged you into perpetual darkness and tall frozen drinks just don’t seem appealing anymore.

Take heart: The time has come to dust off the down blankets and turn up the heat… in your cocktails. Click through the recipes above for some hot drink inspiration.

More cocktail ideas from Yahoo Food:

21 Festive Drinking Ideas for Your Holiday Party

Three Slow Cooker Cocktails For Easy Entertaining

Why You Should Be Drinking Apple Brandy and Applejack This Fall

Hot Caramel Buttered Rum

Butter, caramel and rum? Sounds like a kingly cold-weather trifecta. The key is using rich añejo rum, caramel vodka and a heavily-spiced butter batter. Once hot water hits the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with the swirling scent of brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves and the best buttered rum of the year. Get the recipe here.

I Left My Heart in Jalisco

Feeling frisky? Amp up your next mug of hot chocolate with a healthy dose of reposado tequila, ancho chile liqueur, star anise and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Here’s how to make it.

The Dead Rabbit Irish Coffee

If you’re going to make a classic, you’d better do it right. Take tips from The Dead Rabbit’s head bartender Jack McGarry when constructing your Irish Coffee. Use real Irish whiskey, richly-flavored Demerara syrup and good quality java. And don’t forget the final layer of lightly whipped cream.

Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch

What’s better than one gin cocktail? A punch bowl’s worth. Satisfy a throng of thirsty guests with a warming blend of gin and Madeira, generously spiced with cloves and nutmeg and studded with fresh citrus and pineapple. Pair each cup with a slice of gingerbread and let the punch cast its spell. Get the recipe here.

Apple Toddy

Pick your poison: applejack, Cognac or bourbon. They all provide a sturdy flavor base for this cozy three-ingredient mug. But the star of the show? A baked Macintosh apple that’s muddled with sugar and doused with hot water to create a steamy, fragrant, completely addictive cocktail. Get the recipe here.

[liquordotcom]

5 Spiced Cocktails to Warm Up Your Thanksgiving Feast

You spend an awful lot of time prepping your Thanksgiving feast each year. Shouldn’t your cocktails receive the same level of attention?

Show your glasses a little love by filling them with spiced cocktails fitting for the holiday season.

More Thanksgiving drink ideas from Yahoo Food:

What Celebrity Chefs Like to Drink With Thanksgiving Dinner

10 Ciders to Pair With Thanksgiving Dinner

5 Essential Cocktails to Treat Thanksgiving Dinner Guests

Spiced Pumpkin Flip

This Flip reads like an autumnal greatest hits list. Bourbon, amaretto, pumpkin ale and pumpkin butter, sealed with a frothy crown? What better way to kick off the season’s biggest feast? Get the recipe here.

Spiced Apple Fizz

Apple cider never met a fall cocktail it didn’t like. Take this bubbly blend of pear brandy, Bison Grass Vodka, hard cider and honey syrup as proof. The final kicker? An apple fan garnish and freshly grated cinnamon. Here’s how to make it.

Après-Turkey

As the name implies, you might want to save this dram for after your drumstick. That’s the best time to savor the soothing blend of applejack and simple syrup, sprinkled with grated cinnamon and nutmeg. Get the recipe here.

Spiced Rum Milk Punch

Ready to give pumpkin pie a run for its money? Shake spiced rum with milk, simple syrup and vanilla and garnish the creamy elixir with a dusting of baking spices. Get the recipe here.

Ginger Rabbit

Time to get hopped up on autumn spice. Assemble the troops with a star anise and black tea simple syrup and muddled fresh ginger, then bring in the big guns: bourbon and Crème Yvette. Here’s how to make it.

[liquordotcom]

5 Essential Cocktails to Treat Thanksgiving Dinner Guests

It’s November already? Where has the year gone?

If you’re still recovering from your Halloween exploits, not to worry: You still have a couple weeks until the big turkey dinner. But with the threat of family visits, anticipation of Black Friday shopping and the fear of drying out that big bird, don’t you think you need a drink now?

Of course you do.

Start your holiday season a little early with these autumnal cocktails. Whether you’re snuggling up on the couch or clinking glasses at the table, these cocktails are just right for right now.

1. NORTHERN SPY

Applejack deserves to be on everyone’s fall spirit list and the Northern Spy cocktail showcases the season’s perfect spirit. The apple brandy is mixed with apple cider and apricot liqueur, rounded out with a bit of citrus juice and some sparkling wine because, well, when is bubbly ever a bad idea?

Get the recipe for the Northern Spy.

2. APRÈS TURKEY

It’s after dinner, the dishes are piling up, your belly is so full that it is collecting its own gravitational pull and everyone is awaiting their after-dinner cocktail. What do you make? Don’t worry, with four simple ingredients, you can blow all your dinner guests away. The aptly-named Après Turkey cocktail combines applejack, cinnamon, simple syrup and nutmeg into a drink that compliments all the best flavors of Thanksgiving. Served in a snifter (because you’re fancy), you can impress your guests without even getting up to grab ice.

Get the recipe for Après Turkey.

3. MODERN ENGLISH

Serving an English spirit around Thanksgiving may not be the most popular choice, but sometimes exceptions can be made. With pears, maple syrup, cinnamon and a touch of citrus, the Modern English is a delightful autumn cocktail. The botanical nature of gin melds surprisingly well with the sweetness of the maple syrup and the cinnamon brings a bit of spiciness to the entire concoction. This year, we might have to add gin to the list of all the things we’re thankful for.

Get the recipe for the Modern English.

4. LIBERATION LIBATION

You can’t get more fall than this. Maple syrup, cinnamon, sparkling apple cider and a Vermont-based vodka all play a role in this seasonal cocktail. Sweet and bubbly, this drink is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, less boozy drink to celebrate with. Have this cocktail as a precursor to the night or for an after-dinner sipper. You can’t lose.

Get the recipe for the Liberation Libation.

5. HOLIDAY SAUCE

Cranberries may be a side dish at the Thanksgiving table but they’re the star of this cocktail. Made with cranberry sauce and cranberry bitters, this Thanksgiving-style riff on the Sidecar is rich and sweet with a hint of tartness. A cinnamon-sugar rim and an orange twist completes this Cognac cocktail. If you didn’t know what to do with all your leftover cranberry sauce, now you do.

Get the recipe for Holiday Sauce.

[liquordotcom]

5 Ways to Enjoy a Shrub Cocktail This Fall

Shrubs: If you haven’t heard of them, your cocktail game is in for a sweet-and-sour treat.

This way of preserving fruit in vinegar has been around for hundreds of years. In the last few years, history has come to life in cocktail bars around the country, with shrubs being put to use  in a range of drinks. But don’t think the only way to experience the sweet-tart magic of a  shrub is at your closest, hippest bar. The process is so easy you can do it yourself—or, simpler still, buy some at your local spirit shop.

Shrubs are great anytime of the year but there’s something about the vinegary flavor that works well with the quintessential fall produce. Grab your pears, plums, and pumpkins and get to work!

1. PEAR SHRUB COCKTAIL WITH THYME + PROSECCO

Image: verilymag.com

Sometimes, a simple drink is the best drink. The pear shrub in this recipe requires just three ingredients, giving a nice, sweet, caramel-like touch to a bottle of prosecco. A thyme-infused simple syrup adds an herbal and sweet flavor that complements the tartness of the shrub. Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of bubbly?

Get the recipe for the Pear Shrub Cocktail with Thyme + Prosecco.

2. SPICED APPLE PIE SODA

Image: glueandglitter.com

Nothing says autumn like a spiced apple pie and now you can have some both on your plate and in your glass. Using ingredients like applesauce, cinnamon and ginger, this shrub tastes like America’s favorite dessert. After your shrub is ready, a healthy dose of rum and some soda water makes this a treat that you’ll want every day of fall.

Get the recipe for the Spiced Apple Pie Soda.

3. PLUM SHRUB BOURBON COCKTAIL

Image: exvitae.com

While plums are on the way out during early fall, don’t let autumn slip past without trying this autumn-centric cocktail. Combining plum shrub, dry Sherry and a healthy dose of bourbon, this cocktail is perfect for watching the leaves fall outside your favorite window.

Get the recipe for the Plum Shrub Bourbon Cocktail.

4. BOURBON BALSAMIC CHERRY SHRUB COCKTAIL

Image: foodbabbles.com

White and apple cider are not the only type of vinegars that can be used to make shrubs. Balsamic vinegar adds a richness that works with many types of fruit. Sweet cherries, vanilla, sugar and honey join this dark red vinegar for a deep-tasting shrub that works well with everyone’s favorite brown spirit: bourbon. To fizz it up, lemon-lime soda adds a citrus note to the cocktail. Another round, please.

Get the recipe Bourbon Balsamic Cherry Shrub Cocktail.

5. SPICED PUMPKIN SHRUB

Image: swoonedmagazine.com

When it comes to fall, pumpkin is king. We have them in our pies, we have them on our doorsteps, we pop the seeds in our mouths and now we can have them in our drinks. The pumpkin shrub in this cocktail is combined with vodka, ginger ale and maple syrup for a flavor that is deliciously autumnal. Your new Halloween cocktail is waiting for you—no trick.

Get the recipe for the Spiced Pumpkin Shrub.