CHRISTMAS SPIRITS

The festive season revolves as much around merry drinks as it does children’s day time movies and tinsel. This week we ventured out in search of some cheer infused cocktails. We’ve narrowed them down to one warm, one cold, and one special off-the-menu creation. Enjoy.

LORD RUTHVEN’S GOSSIP CUP – 1806 (169 Exhibition St, Melbourne, 3000)
Henessey VS – Dark Ale – Brown Sugar – Ginger – Nutmeg

Warm to the touch with a thick spicy head, this drink evokes a white Christmas nostalgia that we in the southern hemisphere embrace with sunburnt arms. Being hefty with the Hennessy helps quash its syrupy nature. Forget eggnog, let the Gossip Cup warm your cheeks this faux winter.

CHICAGO FIZZ – SEAMSTRESS COCKTAIL BAR (113 Lonsdale st, Melbourne, 3000)

Rum – Port – Lemon – Sugar – Egg White – Soda

More of an Australian Christmas drink, this cocktail has a summer citrus taste that is capped off with an egg white froth to give this drink its body.

UNDER THE MISTLETOE – LILY BLACKS (12 Meyers Place, Melbourne, 3000)
Appleton 12yro Rum – Cherry Brandy – Pedre Ximenez Sherry – Pimento Dram – Star Anise to garnish

Now for something a little special. If you head to Lily Blacks and ask Benny, he’ll whip you up his very own Christmas creation. Although served cold, the Appleton Rum has a definite presence that warms from within. Anise, the natural flavour enhancer, brings out the pimento’s smokey taste, with a fragrant fennel finish after each sip.

1806

Seamstress

For those spreading cheer at home minus flambé skills and mixology expertise, here are some no sweat alternatives.

THE CHRISTMAS CRACKER

• 60ml Campari
• 60ml Martini Rosso
• Lemon soda topper

– Build cocktail in order of ingredients, serve over ice.

WHITE (RUSSIAN) CHRISTMAS

• 1 cup of ice cubes
• 30 to 45 ml vodka
• 15 to 45 ml Kahlua
• Milk as desired
• Nutmeg to garnish

– Serve in a Martini glass for glam points

THE CANDY CANE COCKTAIL

•  shot vanilla rum
• 1 shot white chocolate liqueur (recommended: Godiva)
• 1 shot peppermint schnapps
• Candy cane to garnish

– Serve in a High ball glass to let the candy cane hang off the side.