When darkness comes early and the temperature drops, you need a hearty liquor to join you next to the fireplace. Nothing fits the bill better than whiskey. Whether your perfect pour involves whiskey, scotch, or bourbon, the bottom line is that winter calls for a drink that will warm you all the way to your toes. But you don’t have to drink it straight. Below are some easy-to-create cocktail recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy.
Real Irish Coffee
Enjoy the smooth taste of whiskey in your favorite coffee. It’s especially delicious if you have a long day of hard work ahead of you!
1 Part Harlem Standard 7-Yr Whiskey
¾ Part rich Demerara syrup
3 ¼ Parts Sumatra coffee
Whipping cream
This drink could not be easier to make. After brewing your favorite coffee, add a generous pour of whiskey into an Irish glass. Finish by adding the syrup, leaving room for whipping cream on top.
Santa’s Nightcap
From the mixologist at The Powder Room in Los Angeles, this little gem of a drink is as simple as it is sultry. No dessert is needed if you serve this up after dinner!
1 Ounce Harlem Standard 7-Yr Whiskey
2 Ounces Godiva White Chocolate
Organic chocolate syrup
Kahlua whipping cream
For this perfection of flavors, melt the white chocolate, and swirl it into a shaker. Quickly combine the whiskey with chocolate syrup and shake. Garnish with the Kahlua whipping cream and peppermint cookie.
The Spice
It doesn’t take winter to make people love the spicy taste of cinnamon, but winter is the perfect time to drink this cinnamon whiskey concoction known quite simply as The Spice.
2 Ounces Harlem Standard American Straight Whiskey
6 Ounces Tazo sweet cinnamon spice herbal tea
1 Dollop of whipped cream
Homemade cinnamon crunch
Mix the hot cinnamon tea with whiskey, add the whipped cream and cinnamon crunch, which you can make by toasting cinnamon sugar bread and cutting it into strips.
Classic Eggnog
Let’s face it. Eggnog is the kind of thing you either love or hate. But with this homemade recipe, you are sure to see the benefits!
1 Harlem Standard Bourbon 4-Grain
2 Cups milk
½ Teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for garnish
½ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ Teaspoon vanilla extract
6 Large egg yolks
½ Cup granulated sugar
1 Cup heavy cream
Whipped cream for serving
Combine the spices, milk, and vanilla over low heat till it comes to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs and sugar until the eggs turn a yellow color, and then add hot milk mixture slowly to temper the eggs (this is so they won’t scramble). Cook the entire mixture over medium heat to thicken it. When you remove it from the heat, stir in the bourbon and heavy cream, and chill.
A Long Winter’s Nap
With the most creative name and holiday reference, this drink has the power to give you a long winter’s nap. Play around with the spices to find the combination that most appeals to you.
2 Ounces Harlem Standard Bourbon Whiskey
2 Tablespoons infused maple syrup
1 ½ Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Star Anise
Ginger, cardamom pods, whole cloves, peppercorns
Heat maple syrup and water in a small saucepan with all the spices to infuse the flavors. Ten minutes will do it, but the longer you infuse, the deeper the flavors will be. Use a cocktail shaker to mix bourbon, lemon juice, and infused maple syrup. Try a star anise pod and a lemon for a garnish.
The New York Sour
If you love a Whiskey Sour but want to take it up a notch for the holiday, follow this simple recipe and add a splash of wine to the top. You will never look at a Whiskey Sour the same way again.
2 Ounces Harlem Standard Bourbon Whiskey
1 Ounce fresh lemon juice
1 Ounce simple syrup
½ Ounce fruity red wine like Shiraz or Malbec
Shake all the ingredients except for the wine vigorously in a cocktail shaker for at least 30 seconds. Pour the concoction over fresh ice in a rocks glass and then gently layer the wine on top over the back of a spoon.
