Twinkling Holiday Lights. Photo: Kowalski’s Markets
There’s so much to love about seasonal cocktails.
These winter mixed drinks can stir nostalgia and holiday spirit in just a sip. Made with seasonal flavors like gingerbread, nutmeg or peppermint—everyone is sure to find something to love from one of these many local establishments.
Enjoy a taste of peppermint with the Candy Cane Cocktail, made with candy cane-infused vodka, white creme de cacao and cream. Southern Social, 1424 Weir Drive, Woodbury; 651.493.6804; southernsocialmn.com
Escape the weather with another snowstorm: mountain edition. The Colorado Snowstorm has the perfect balance of flavors—with coffee, ice cream, cola and vodka. Black Rooster Bistro, 516 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.808.0560; blackroosterbistro.com
Almost like eating a slice of apple pie, the Crosby cocktail encapsulates apple and cinnamon flavors with Buffalo Trace bourbon and ground allspice. Matchstick Restaurant at the Hotel Crosby, 232 N. Main St., Stillwater; 651.571.0111; matchstickgrill.com
Nutmeg is a key ingredient in seasonal favorites—the Desperado from Marma included. Made with mezcal, orgeat syrup, nutmeg, egg whites and just a hint of lime. Marma, 11127 Stillwater Blvd., Lake Elmo; 651.370.1342; marmamn.com
A cookie in a cocktail—the Gingerbread Cookie White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlúa, gingerbread-cinnamon syrup and cream. Tamarack Tap Room, 8418 Tamarack Village, Woodbury; 651.330.2889; tamaracktaproom.com
Sip on an Oasis Old Fashioned near the frozen St. Croix River. This warm drink is made with bourbon, rich demerara syrups, black walnut liqueur and Angostura bitters. Oasis Cafe, 806 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.439.0928; oasiscafemn.com
Christmas is served in the Ornamentini—a cranberry Martini inside a clear ornament that is poured over sugar cranberries and rosemary. The Tavern Grill, 772 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury; 651.578.3000;
thetaverngrill.com
A sip of paradise—the Roman Holiday is perfect to escape the chill of the North. On the sweeter side, with hints of orange, pineapple and lime, rum, Cappelletti and St. Paradiso aperitifs, and garnished with grated cinnamon. Olio, 338 Fifth Ave. N., Bayport; 715.964.3205; oliobayport.com
Warm yourself up this season with the Sweater Weather Martini from Mad Capper. A blend of Fireball, Baileys Irish Cream and butterscotch, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles. Mad Capper, 224 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.430.3710; madcappermn.com
Say “Cheers!”
If there’s an extreme chill in the air or the roads are just too icy, stay in and whip up your own beverage. Rachel Sitko from Kowalski’s Markets shares an inspired cocktail that is great for an evening indoors. Cheers!
Twinkling Holiday Lights
Makes 8
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup pomegranate juice, cold
- 3 oz. orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau), cold
- 750 mL dry sparkling wine, chilled
- pomegranate seeds, to taste
In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium-high heat; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add rosemary; remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Remove herbs, and cool for 30 minutes. In a 2 quart pitcher, combine juice, liqueur and rosemary syrup; stir to combine. Slowly add sparkling wine, taking care to minimize fizzing. Pour evenly into 8 wine flutes. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs.
Kowalski’s Markets, 5801 Neal Ave N., Oak Park Heights; 651.439.9161; kowalskis.com
