When friends and family come together, magic is bound to happen. The aroma of freshly baked pies, turkey and stuffing fill the air. The music might be playing softly in the background with the sounds of chatter coming from every occupied room in the house. And the one thing that opens up conversation and giggling about past memories is...libations!
Whether your family celebrates using sparkling grape juice or whiskey on the rocks, it seems to be that when people get talking with drinks in their hands, the laughter and play lovingly increases. If you are hosting this year's festivities or are looking for an idea of what cocktail to bring to the party, we've compiled a short list to get you started.
Make these ahead of time or enjoy them same day while relaxing in your favorite cabin in the Northwoods at Birch Trail Resort Bed & Breakfast. Currently offering amazing rates for those who are ready to start a new family tradition in Minocqua, WI with lively drinks to keep the party going!
Tom and Jerry
The Tom & Jerry drink has a fun history that showcases the cleverness of a British journalist trying to boost his book and subsequent play sales! The drink became an instant hit in the Wisconsin area as it warmed the fingers of those who enjoyed its thick, spiced flavor. In an area that experiences below zero temperatures, this drink is a welcomed, heated, holiday favorite. Very similar to the classic egg nog drink, the Tom & Jerry uses egg, cream, traditional holiday spices and alcohol. Check out the recipe at Allrecipes.com
Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned
While the old-fashioned cocktail is most widely known throughout the Midwest and in particular, Wisconsin, it has been said that the origin comes from a bartender working at a gentlemen's club in Louisville, Kentucky! In fact, the city even celebrates the old-fashioned as its official cocktail, hosting an annual party where travelers and locals can honor its origins and consume at will.
This recipe, from saltedplains.com adds a modern touch to this much loved classic. The simple syrup is to be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge and used within 2 weeks of making. Start by combining 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, 6 fresh rosemary twigs, and 3 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and stir regularly until the honey has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out herbs and store in airtight container. This is now the flavored simple syrup that gives this drink its unique flavor. When you're ready to make the cocktail, combine 4 teaspoons of the simple syrup with 3 dashes of bitters, 2 ounces of bourbon/whiskey/or brandy (your preference), 1 orange peel and ice. Stir and enjoy!
Ginger Egg Nog
This recipe, from countryliving.com improves on the traditional spiked egg nog by adding a touch of spice. While their recipe calls for made-from-scratch egg nog, the option to simply use store-bought egg nog exists as well. Here's our "easy" modified version: To make, add a slice of fresh ginger, 8 cloves, 6 allspice berries, 2 cinnamon sticks, freshly ground nutmeg and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to a sauce pan with approximately 6 cups of store-bought egg nog. Let steep on low heat for 30 minutes covered, making sure it never boils or else it may scorch. Strain egg nog into heat-safe container, then add 1 cup of dark rum, cognac, or bourbon. Serve immediately.
Are you ready to create a new family tradition, celebrating at Birch Trail Resort? Give us a call today at 715-588-1962 for amazing rates and winter specials! Do you have a favorite traditional libation of your own? Leave us a comment below to let us know!