Quintessential Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Gather Around Cocktails by Aaron Goldfarb by W&P ($20)

We believe the holidays are all about finding peaceful, warm, and comfortable moments with yourself or your closest friends and family. If there's ever a better time to truly embrace slow living, let this season be it — especially after making it through such a strange and challenging year. 

One of the ways we're doing this is taking the time to experiment with cocktail recipes that may not have formerly been in our repertoire. We're looking to our partner W&P for direction, embracing two of the best quintessential holiday cocktail recipes you have to try, both featured in Gather Around Cocktails by Aaron Goldfarb.

Spiced Mexican Chocolate Nog

Photo and recipe courtesy of W&P

This Spiced Mexican Chocolate Nog is what all nogs dream of being when they grow up. Made with creamy coconut milk and sweetened with agave nectar, it's guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. Did we also mention that it is 100% vegan? So, even the plant-friendliest of pals can join in on the festivities. ¡Salud!

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces unsweetened whole coconut milk
• 1 1/2 ounces Xicaru Mezcal Espadin
• 1/2 ounce organic agave nectar
• 2 dashes chocolate bitters
• 1 pinch of Masala Chai tea blend
• Organic cocoa powder, for garnish

Directions:

Combine the coconut milk, mezcal, agave nectar, bitters, and Masala Chai tea blend in a shaker (without ice) and do a dry shake. Add ice and shake hard.

Strain into a coupe. Dust the top with some cocoa powder before serving.

A few tools you'll need:

Crafthouse Stainless Boston Shaker via the Samson collection ($50)

Crafthouse Stainless Hawthorne Strainer via the Samson collection ($15)

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Homemade Eggnog

Photo and recipe courtesy of W&P

Eggnog is the quintessential Christmas cocktail. Unfortunately, more so than perhaps any other cocktail, eggnog has been bastardized beyond all recognition. Even in this highly artisanal, DIY era, people are just not making their own nog often enough — instead, they simply buy a quart at the store and spike it themselves. Sad.

Fresh eggnog is easier to make than you'd think, far more delicious than seems possible, and incredibly impressive when served to a crowd. It will be a little messy however. You're also going to need a giant bowl — a gorgeous punch bowl preferably — but you could probably use a Dutch oven or a lobster pot in a pinch. 

My eggnog is fairly traditional, other than the fact that I use three different alcohols for added complexity. So long as you know the basic ingredients and techniques, this eggnog is easy to fine-tune to your preferences.

Ingredients:

• 12 eggs
• 6 cups whole milk
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 ounces bourbon (opt for a sweeter one like Maker's Mark)
• 6 ounces dark rum (but not "spiced" like Captain Morgan)
• 6 ounces cognac or apple brandy
• Whole nutmeg, for garnish

Directions:

Separate the yolks from the egg whites. In a stand mixer, beat the whites on high speed until transformed into a fluffy meringue-like consistency with soft peaks.

Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, whisk the yolks with the milk, cream, sugar, bourbon, rum, and cognac, until you get a smooth texture. Transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl, like a punch bowl or a Dutch oven. Gently fold in the beaten whites until just combined. Taste to make sure you're happy with the sweetness and booziness and tweak as needed. Chill it for a bit in the fridge before serving.

To serve, ladle a few ounces into a festive mug or glass, and using a microplane, grate fresh nutmeg over each serving.

A few tools you'll need:

Craft 5-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set with Crock in Cerise by Le Creuset ($60)

Signature 7.25-Qt. Round Dutch Oven, $410

Crafthouse SZ Tritan Martini Glasses, $60

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Shop our Barware Collection here for more bar tools and serving essentials.

Introduction written by Paige Alexus Yau; Recipes by Aaron Goldfarb, courtesy of W&P

We donate 1% of Kaufmann Mercantile shop sales to charities or entities that promote social justice and reform or provide relief. Read the Kaufmann Mercantile Mission for our commitment to donations, diversity, equity, and anti-racism action.