Let us begin by stating for the record that we love our family. But even the happiest of households can get a bit, shall we say, chaotic, at this time of year. That’s why we asked four of our favorite luxury hotels if they wouldn’t mind providing the secret ingredients behind some of their favorite seasonal cocktails. These smooth sips will keep everyone merry and bright over the next few days … and ensure that your holiday is as happy as can be.
Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s Rye Ginger Toddy
We love this warming option from the hotel’s signature Rye Bar.
- 3 oz Warm Darjeeling Tea
- ½ oz Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 ½ oz Redemption Rye
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Small Piece Fresh Ginger, Grated
Combine all ingredients and strain into warmed footed mug, garnish with a lemon wheel and spring of rosemary.
Langham Place, Fifth Avenue: “Mrs. Vandenabeele’s Advocaat”
Did you know that December is National Egg Nog Month? Neither did we, until recently. The chef at Measure Lounge at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue, Chef David Vandenabeele, hails from Belgium, where they make a special version of the cocktail, called Advocaat. This version is named after his mother. With love, we’re sure. Make this dish for a crowd– the potent punch easily serves 15-20 people–or a few very thirsty family members.
- 5 Egg Yolks
- 100 G Sugar
- 1.5 L Heavy Cream
- 3 Vanilla Bean Pods, Scraped
- 100 G Sugar
- 750ml Ron Zacapa 23
Combine yolks and 100G sugar in a standing mixer, mix until ingredients are well blended. Combine heavy cream, vanilla bean and 100 additional grams of sugar and combine until mixture yields stiff white peaks. Fold egg mixture into whipped cream and add Ron Zacapa 23. Garnish each drink with mint and ground nutmeg.
Hyatt Regency St. Louis‘ Cinnamon Old Fashioned
We love any cocktail that requires A) muddling and B) cinnamon whiskey. This one has both.
- 1 lemon & 1 cherry muddled
- 1.25oz Jeremiah Weed Cinnamon Whiskey
- Ice
- 1 splash of Johnny Appleseed Hard Cider
- 1 splash of Simple Syrup
- 1 shake of bitters
Stir ingredients together. Serve with a single large ice cube in a short glass.
Andaz Wall Street‘s Rudolph Spritzer
This variation of a sparkling cocktail is festive and fun — and doesn’t require ingredients you wouldn’t already stock in your home bar.
- 1.5 oz Sailor Jerry Rum
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Apple Juice
- 3 dashes peychaud’s bitters
Serve in a flute, topped with sparkling wine, using cinnamon powder as a garnish.