Winter in Alaska can be long, but these cocktails make us feel warm and cozy even on the snowiest of days. While the weather outside is frightful, the drinks are always delightful!
First up, we have a Westmark classic available at the Westmark Fairbanks’ Red Lantern Steak & Spirits. Fireball Whiskey gives this drink a touch of cinnamon, and freshly squeezed lemon and simple syrup deliver the perfect balance for a snowy day. Top it off with a float of Malbec wine and a twist of lemon for a drink you can sip on all afternoon.
Gin often makes us think of refreshing summertime tonics, but we’ve also discovered that we love to enjoy it in our winter drinks! Gin is made with berries from the juniper tree, which is an evergreen, so it’s no wonder we always get a touch of festivity when we drink it. This punch is extra “wintry” because of the pomegranate seeds, which, according to Greek mythology, caused winter. Check out the recipe below to make it on your own.
2 oz. gin
.75 oz. pomegranate juice
.25 oz. lemon juice
.5 oz. sumac syrup
1 dash grapefruit bitters
Shake vigorously and pour over ice with a dash of club soda. Garnish with a lemon peel.
This drink has everything you need on a cold day. It’s warm, it’s chocolaty and it’s minty with a hint of tequila that warms us up before we’ve even taken the first drink.
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 pinch kosher salt
3 cups whole milk
4 oz. milk chocolate chips
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips
4 oz. tequila
2 oz. peppermint schnapps
Mix the chocolate ingredients and milk over heat until all components are melted and warm. Add the tequila and schnapps. Divide into four glasses and top with whipped cream and mint for an extra treat. (If you want to save time, you can always start with your favorite hot chocolate mix as a base.)
The Boulevardier: it’s comforting, it’s warming, it sounds exotic and it’s strong. This drink is perfect for winter and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a warm-up that packs a punch but isn’t so heavy.
1 oz. bourbon
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Lemon twist
Shake ingredients with ice until the shaker is frosty and strain into a cold glass, then garnish with lemon twist.
