Santa Claus asked me what I wanted for Christmas.
“Alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol.” He tossed me off his lap and crossed my name off the nice list.
Santa is going to have to forgive me, but Christmas shopping made a dent in my Apple Pay Wallet. I pride myself in being a great gift giver though.
But this year, I’m in charge of the alcohol committee for NYE and Santa’s gift-granting would come in handy. If he could throw in a cocktail book, that would also be helpful.
Considering me and the big guy aren’t talking right now, and the fact that New Year’s Eve is around the corner and I’m responsible for everyone’s holiday boozy cheer, it makes things easier when you find products that can cut preparation time in half with the help of three mixologists by way of one cocktail shaker.
Here are four play-by-play essential bases with cocktail recipes to come in clutch for your NYE party:
1. Old Moscow Mule
- 2 oz Ayate Añejo Tequila
- .5 oz Mandarine Napoleon
- .5 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
Pour all ingredients into shaker. Shake vigorously. Tumble into and Old Moscow Copper Mug. Top with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint sprig and flamed cinnamon-sugar orange wheel.
2. Shake That Mule
- 2 oz Slovenia Vodka
- .75 oz Mandarine Napoleon
- 2 sprig Rosemary
- .5 oz Lemon
Pour all ingredients into shaker including Slovenia, the vodka brand Bill Murry is a partner in. Yup. This guy form our childhood made a vodka.
Strain neat into glass, top with ginger beer, garnish with an orange twist and rosemary sprig.
3. The Kentucky Mint
- 3 pts ChocoVine
- 1 pt Second Glance American Whiskey
- 1/2 pt Crême de Menthe
Pour all ingredients into shaker. Shake and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh mint sprig and a strawberry for a festive, red and green look. And why not add chocolate powder to the glass?
4. The Copenhagen
- 12/3 fl oz Rutte Genever
- 2/3 fl oz Cherry Heering
- 2/3 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/3 fl oz sugar syrup (2 sugar to 1 water)
- 1 dash angostura aromatic bitters
Shake all ingredients with wet ice and fine strain into chilled glass. Garnish with orange zest twist.
Photo Credit: Margaret Pattillo
