Best Winter Cocktails

As winter approaches, so does prime time for Holiday parties and cold weather gatherings. A great party becomes even better with the right beverages on hand. Help ensure your winter celebrations are successful by serving your guests the best winter cocktails.

Summer and Snow Margarita – If you’re longing for the flavors of summer but feeling the chill of the season, this little number should hit the spot. Enjoy the traditional taste of a margarita, with added body and substance.

Ingredients for single cocktail:

1 oz tequila

1 oz mezcal

.75 oz simple syrup

1 egg white

Splash of lime juice

Directions:

Shake ingredients. Shake again with ice added. Strain into a salted rimmed glass and serve. Consider adding edible glitter to the salt for a festive effect. This drink is simple and sweet, and the proper garnish pulls it all together.

Salted Caramel White Russian – For those who appreciate creamy decadence, this concoction warms the body and pleases the palette on cool winter nights.

Ingredients for single cocktail:

Salted caramel sauce

Salt flakes

25ml Salted Caramel Irish Cream

25ml Amaretto

75ml Half and Half

Rosemary sprigs (garnish)

Chocolate shavings (garnish)

Directions:

Lightly drizzle caramel sauce in the glass, while slowly turning the glass for a swirled effect. Fill the glass ¾ full with ice. Add the liquid ingredients and a few ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into the glasses. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and chocolate shavings. Enjoy.

Jack Frosty Delight – Vodka, pineapple juice, blue curacao and cream of coconut team up to create a winter taste sensation. This frosty cocktail is as pleasing to the eyes as the taste buds.

Ingredients for 6 cups:

Light corn syrup for rimming glasses

Flaked coconut for rimming glasses

8 c ice

1 c pineapple juice

½ c blue curacao

½ c vodka (light rum may be substituted if desired)

½ c cream of coconut

Directions:

Pour a thin layer of corn syrup onto a plate. Dip the rims of the glasses into the corn syrup and then coat with coconut flakes. Using a blender, blend ice, pineapple juice, blue curacao, vodka (or light rum) and cream of coconut until the desired consistency is obtained. Pour into martini glasses and serve immediately.

Cran-apple Cider Sangria – Infusing red or white wine with winter fruit is an ideal way to bring color and enjoyment to your cold weather celebrations.

Ingredients for 8 cups:

1 c apple cubes

1 c fresh or frozen cranberries

½ c honey

8 cinnamon sticks (garnish)

3 c soft apple cider

1 c unsweetened cranberry juice

sparkling water

750 ml bottle red wine

1/2 c triple sec or other orange liqueur

Directions

Combine red wine, apple cider (or apple juice), cranberry juice, orange liqueur and honey (or simple syrup) in a large pitcher. Add cranberries and unpeeled apple cubes. Serve over ice, filling glasses 3/4 full. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a straw. If the honey settles at the bottom of the pitcher, stir before serving.

The tastiest pub grub is no further away than Fannings Riverside Tap Room in the heart of Blue Island. Fannings was established in 1974, and has a long history on Blue Island as one of the best pubs to visit when in the area.