Cocktails
Cocktail Recipes to Have on Holiday Repeat
Updated on November 17, 2023
Raise the bar when it comes to creating delicious holiday cocktails. Whether it’s an elegant interpretation of the classics, or a drink that’s bold and beautiful, these drink recipes will have everyone sipping this season.
THE COCKTAIL: WILD BOTANICAL GIN & TONIC
SPIRIT OF CHOICE: Glendalough Wild Botanical Irish Gin, $52.95
A classic gin and tonic is always a party pleaser, but why not raise your hosting game and mix one that features a bouquet of juniper, citrus and pine? Made from foraged botanicals in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, this award-winning gin offers up delicious flavours of honeysuckle and spice.
THE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. of Wild Botanical Irish Gin
Splash of tonic water
Fresh orange slice
Sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
Pour the Wild Botanical Irish Gin into an ice-filled stemless goblet. Top with tonic water and stir. Garnish with an orange slice and a fresh sprig of rosemary.
THE COCKTAIL: JURA 12 SUNSET
SPIRIT OF CHOICE: Jura Origin 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, $62.50
Named after the Isle of Jura in Scotland, this beautifully balanced whisky impresses with its sweet honey, spiced chocolate and smoky flavours. Aged in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years, the subtle smoky sherry makes for a pleasing finish that’ll have guests requesting another round.
THE RECIPE:
Ingredients:
1 oz. of Isle of Jura Origin 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
1 oz. of Aperol
Splash of premium tonic
Ice
Instructions:
Load up ice in the biggest wine glass you can find. Pour in the Jura Origin 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the Aperol and the tonic. Stir. Garnish with a large orange wedge.
THE COCKTAIL: WHITE CLAW ESPRESSO MARTINI
SPIRIT OF CHOICE: White Claw Premium Vodka, $32.95
This vodka uses a triple wave filtration method (the pressure is equal to a thirty-foot wave!) to enhance its distinctive grain flavour and create a clean and velvety smooth finish. Subtle notes of citrus pairs with sweetcorn for a balanced taste profile, making it the vodka of choice to accompany your holiday cocktails.
Ingredients:
2 oz. White Claw Premium Vodka
1 oz. coffee liqueur
1 oz. espresso, freshly brewed (or cold brew concentrate)
Coffee beans to garnish
Instructions:
Add White Claw Premium Vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso to an ice-filled shaker and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
THE COCKTAIL: WISE CHAI NEW FASHIONED
SPIRIT OF CHOICE: The Wiseman Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $83.95
Not one but four Kentucky Straight Bourbons are blended to develop this bourbon whiskey’s intricate finish of sweet caramel and allspice. Whether it’s sipped neat or used in a cocktail, the caramel, citrus and oaky notes are the perfect pairing with a chocolate dessert.
Ingredients:
2 oz. THE WISEMAN™ Bourbon
0.5 oz. chai syrup (brew one bag of chai tea, combine with equal parts sugar and heat until dissolved)
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a glass over ice block, sphere or cubes. Garnish with orange peel, star anise and a cinnamon stick.
THE COCKTAIL: DILLON’S HOT TODDY
SPIRIT OF CHOICE: Dillon’s Hot Toddy Cocktail Kit with Rye Whisky,$80
With a complete drink kit on hand, mixing cocktails couldn’t get any easier. And what better cocktail to serve in the cold months than a classic hot toddy to keep everyone cozy? Dillon’s award-winning Rye Whisky is crafted in Canada and spends three years aging in oak casks to imbue the true flavour of the grain. Aromas of dried fruit, citrus, ginger, vanilla and caramel combine for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours.
Kit includes:
750 ml Dillon’s Rye Whisky
Dillon’s Lemon Bitters
Pluck Tea Earl Grey Cream tea (15 bags)
Rosewood Honey
Instructions:
Brew the tea and let steep for five minutes. While tea is steeping, heat up your mug by adding hot water from the kettle to your mug (or heat-proof glass of choice). Leave for 2-3 minutes, then discard water. Add Rye Whisky, lemon juice, honey and bitters to your mug. Stir to combine and then add the tea. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Bar image by Michelle Johnson, May Photography
Aly Velji Designs