Host Your Next Holiday Event With These 4 Festive Cocktails

Virtual Mixology Nights are not only one of our most popular virtual events, but they help us celebrate the seasons with unique spirits that match the holiday spirit with flavor and inspire our communities. In a recent virtual event, we invited pro-Mixologist, Zachary Fadden, to present to our residents how they can create four unique fall cocktails from home and also learn the history behind these original and unique spirits. As we transition into the crisper, cooler evenings, Zach is drawn to more herbal, spirit-forward, and bitter cocktails, that are come of his favorite classics and easy evening sippers. In this post, we highlight Chartreuse Hot Chocolate, The Rob Roy Cocktail, The Cure, and The Fallen Leaves cocktail with the simple steps you can try to enjoy these concoctions from the comfort of home.

Full Shopping List:

If you decide to try out all the cocktails from this event, or include them in your own hosting lineup, here is the full shopping list of ingredients you will need:

• Green Chartreuse
• Jägermeister
• Cognac (Recommend: Hardy Legend 1863)
• Scotch (Recommend: Monkey Shoulder)
• Sweet Vermouth (Recommend: Cocchi di Torino)
• Orange Bitters (Recommend: Regans)
• Apple Juice
• Lemons/Lemon Juice
• Honey
• Hot Chocolate Mix
• Nutmeg/Cinnamon (for garnish only)
• Marshmallows (for garnish only)
• Orange (for garnish only)

Fallen Leaves

This original cocktail mimics characteristics of a Manhattan with a fall flair, and was created by author Dassy David included in her book, Winter Warmers: 60 Cosy Cocktails for Autumn & Winter.

Ingredients:

Enjoyed best in a standard glass, on the rocks.

• 1 ½ oz Calvados (Recommend: Noble Dame)
• ½ oz Jägermeister
• 1 oz Apple Juice
• Garnish: nutmeg/cinnamon

Make it Today:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, stir for a slow count of 20, then strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Optional garnishes include an orange twist and a cinnamon stick or nutmeg.

The Cure

The origins of ‘The Cure’ can be debatably traced to multiple different sources, but brandy has been used throughout history as a medicine thought to ward off everything from pneumonia to the plague. Paired with super immunity-boosting and virus fighting honey and lemon, you have a powerful concoction that allows you to enjoy spirits while promoting immunity, (in moderation of course).

Ingredients:

Enjoyed best from a coupe glass, shaken.

• 2 oz Cognac (Recommend: Hardy Legend 1863)
• ¾ oz Honey Syrup*
• ¾ oz Lemon Syrup
• Garnish: lemon

Make it Today:

Using a cocktail shaker or tightly sealable thermos, add Cognac, lemon, honey syrup, and shake well. Pour over a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Rob Roy Cocktail

This cocktail was invented in 1894 by a bartender of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel of Manhattan, NY City, after he was inspired by the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor from the operetta Rob Roy, composed by Reginald De Koven with lyricist Harry B. Smith.

Ingredients:

Enjoyed best in a martini glass, stirred.

• 2 oz Scotch (Recommend: Monkey Shoulder)
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Recommend: Cocchi di Torino)
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters (Recommend Gary Regans #6)
• Garnish: Orange Peel

Make it Today:

Combine Monkey Shoulder, Sweet Vermouth and orange bitters. Stir over ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass and garnish with orange zest.

Chartreuse Hot Chocolate

This liquor has been made by Carthusian Monks since the 1700’s and takes its name after the monks’ Grande Chartreuse monastery, located in the Mountains around Grenoble, France. With over 130 herbal ingredients, the concoction is aged after undergoing multiple macerations of natural ingredients. The vibrant green hue occurs naturally from the chlorophyll accumulation of the botanical components.

Ingredients:

Enjoyed best in a mug.

• 1 oz Green Chartreuse
• Cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix of your choice
• Milk or milk substitute or water for base
• Marshmallows

Make it Today:

Prepare your favorite cup of hot chocolate. Add 1 oz Green Chartreuse, stir well and top off with marshmallows.

If you enjoyed these recipes and are interested in having fun, unique events to keep your residents and tenants engaged, reach out to us today for a quote to enroll your community in virtual amenities including virtual events, virtual and and/or on-site group fitness!