‘Tis the Season – To Take the Edge Off
by Mikey Rox
There are plenty of reasons to get a few drinks during the Holiday season – so why not up your game a little for some truly crafty cocktails and festive concoctions?
Your (Not So) Basics
Every solid bar starts with standard distilled liquors, but your soiree selection shouldn’t be basic. Send your old standbys back to the cabinet and replace them with conversation-piece bottles like these.
V.E.S.’s hangover-free vodka and gin made from 1,000-year-old recipes
Homegrown American Born whiskey
The Bitter Truth pink gin infused with bitters
12-year-aged Hardy Legend 1863 cognac
Nicaragua’s award-winning Flor de Cana rum
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Anejo Tequila
Spotlight a variety of interesting vintages at your wine station, like Indaba’s Chenin Blanc 2017 and the Kanonkop Kandette 2015.
Dilution Solutions
Swap out the Schweppes for Brooklyn Crafted Ginger Beers and Ales (available in extra spicy and sugar free), enjoy a mid-party pick-me-up with Kicktail Energy Mixers(all the oomph without the energy-drink aftertaste), and concoct your own creation using Pampelonne’s sparkling wine-based cocktails (though they’re just fine on their own at 6% ABV).
Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He splits his time between homes in New York City and the Jersey Shore with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.