With a fire crackling in the background, there is nothing more soothing than a book and cocktail. While you're probably staying in more these days, we believe you should take on a new hobby. Making cocktails that are perfect to drink on cold nights is the perfect way to spend an evening. And instead of making the usual eggnog (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), why not switch it up this year? Create some new traditions with these unexpectedly delicious cocktails, and you might move up the ranks as the official family bartender. Each one uses holiday spices for a warm and cozy twist to the classics—and with Made In’s new, stylish Glassware Collection, your cocktails have never looked better.
Cardamom + Gin
Commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, cardamon can be a fragrant addition to cocktails, too. You’ll want to use green cardamom pods—their sweet, floral and slightly citrus notes are a perfect pairing for gin. Simply add a few pods into your gin and let it steep for at least 24 hours. You’ll be rewarded with a deeply aromatic gin that serves as the base of a Grapefruit Cardamon Gin Fizz that we love from the Modern Proper blog. Serve in a Made In White Wine Glass with a sprig of rosemary, a splash of prosecco, and a grapefruit wheel, and you’ll be ready for the holidays with a beautiful and delicious libation sure to please the most discerning drinker.
Star Anise + Bourbon
Aptly named, star anise looks like, well, a star, with a warm and sweet flavor that has a hint of licorice. It’s also the perfect complement to bourbon. Simply steep a few anise pods in maple syrup for a few hours or overnight, add to bourbon along with a splash of lemon juice, and you’re all set. Serve it chilled or warm for the perfect hot toddy!
(By the way, that anise-infused maple syrup is gold—pour it on some pancakes, or add a tablespoon or two to whipped cream. You’ll thank us later!)
Cinnamon + Whiskey
No spice embodies the holidays more than cinnamon—the sweet, woody fragrance just conjures up images of being nestled by the fireplace! For a (dare we say it) tastier version of a whisky sour, infuse some simple syrup with cinnamon sticks, substitute lime juice for lemons, shake, and pour into a Made In Drinking Glass for a simple yet sophisticated cocktail.
Cloves + Whiskey
Now, cloves may not be the first thing in mind when thinking about holiday cocktails, but you’re reading this because you want something different, amiright? Cloves are known for their intense, sharp flavor and distinct warmth that you can feel in your mouth, so a little goes a long way. They’re an excellent match with citrus, like this dressed-up version of a classic sidecar that’s ready for the holidays!
Next time you’re looking for some inspiration, turn to the spice cabinet for some delicious surprises. With an endless combination of infusions, garnishes, and flavor pairings you can create, have fun and experiment—and who knows, you might create a new favorite along the way!
