“The problem with the world is everybody is a few drinks behind.”~Humphrey Bogart

This year, let’s take your holiday celebrations up a notch and infuse some extra warmth into your Thanksgiving with our favorite cocktail spread. These delightful drink recipes are perfect for impressing even the most discerning in-laws. And let’s face it, after all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and baking, we believe you deserve a well-deserved after-dinner drink too. Just remember to enjoy responsibly.

Gingerbread Man

This first recipe is an old-style take on a classic drink, the White Russian. The White Russian was actually not created in Russia; look no further than Belgium. Yes, a shock to us all. As for its name, well, it’s just a literal description of the color of the drink.

Our holiday cocktail is a distant cousin of the iconic White Russian, which we call the Gingerbreadman. This drink has all the markings of a holiday staple that’s sure to entice any house guest. With its almost smooth, buttery undertone, this is your perfect after-dinner drink.

Ingredients:

Gingerbread Syrup

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Drink

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka
• 1 ounce of Kahlua
• 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) of gingerbread syrup
• 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) heavy cream
• cinnamon sticks and gingerbread cookies, for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium pot, combine 1 1/3 cups water, honey, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil the liquid for about 3-5 minutes, then remove it from the heat carefully. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool.
2. Then, place ice in a glass, and pour in the vodka, Kahlua, and gingerbread syrup. Gently stir. Add the heavy cream and mix well. For an added touch of flavor, garnish with cinnamon and gingerbread cookies if desired.

Spiced Old Fashioned

This next recipe is a holiday staple; with its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to knock your socks right off. It’s our take on a classic Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned cocktail has a somewhat complicated backstory, making its mark sometime in the early 1800s. As for our version, we combine fresh herbs and smoky spices to complement any holiday party. Making this recipe the talk of future holidays to come.

Ingredients

Maple Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• .5 tsp clove powder
• .5 tsp of cardamom
• shaving of fresh nutmeg
• 3/4 cup 100% real maple syrup

Old Fashioned

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 5-6 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 large ice cube
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 orange twist

Directions

Maple Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

1. Add water, brown sugar, spices, and maple syrup to the saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil for about 1 minute then take off the heat.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved and slightly cooled put the mix into a container and in the fridge.

Old Fashioned

1. Put a large ice cube into a whiskey glass.
2. Add bitters to the glass.
3. Then add simple syrup and bourbon to the glass and stir the ingredients. Add a sprig of rosemary and an orange twist to garnish. Enjoy!

In the spirit of a warm and inviting holiday season, we’ve shared our two favorite cocktails that are sure to delight your guests. The Gingerbreadman, a delightful twist on the classic White Russian, offers a smooth undertone that perfectly complements the holiday festivities. And let’s not forget our Spiced-Up Old Fashioned, a cocktail with a rich history and a modern twist, thanks to the infusion of fresh herbs and smoky spices.

To elevate your holiday cocktail experience even further, consider garnishing your Gingerbreadman with a cinnamon stick, snickerdoodle cookie, or even a dash of ground nutmeg, while a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry beautifully accents the Spiced-Up Old Fashioned. These thoughtful garnishes not only add a festive touch but also enhance the flavors, ensuring your holiday celebrations are filled with warmth and cheer. Cheers to a memorable holiday season and remember, time flies when you are having rum!