Holiday Cocktails to Celebrate with Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey, with its bold, spicy character, is a perfect base for festive holiday cocktails. Whether hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these rye-based creations bring warmth and cheer to the season. Here are a few holiday-inspired recipes to elevate your celebrations.
Spiced Rye Old Fashioned
Put a seasonal spin on the classic Old Fashioned by incorporating warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg infused)
- 2 dashes Aromatic bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine rye, spiced simple syrup, and bitters in a glass with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick for extra holiday flair.
Rye Gingerbread Flip
This creamy cocktail is like a liquid gingerbread cookie, perfect for dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Gingerbread Syrup
- 1/2 oz Heavy Cream
- 1 whole egg
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions:
Add rye, gingerbread syrup, heavy cream, and egg to a shaker without ice. Dry shake vigorously to emulsify, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Winter Rye Manhattan
A festive take on the Manhattan, this version adds cranberry notes for a tart holiday twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Cranberry Liqueur
- 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
Combine rye, cranberry liqueur, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a skewer of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Hot Rye Apple Cider
Warm up with this simple, crowd-pleasing cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 6 oz Hot Apple Cider
- 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
In a mug, combine hot apple cider, rye whiskey, and maple syrup. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Rye Chocolate Espresso Martini
For a rich and indulgent cocktail, rye meets chocolate and coffee in this decadent drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Espresso
- 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1/2 oz Chocolate Syrup
- Whipped cream and cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions:
Shake rye, espresso, coffee liqueur, and chocolate syrup with ice until chilled. Strain into a martini glass and top with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Celebrate the Season with Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey’s depth and versatility make it a fantastic choice for holiday cocktails. Whether you prefer warm and comforting or bright and festive, these recipes are sure to add a bit of spirit to your celebrations. So grab a bottle of Eight Oaks’ rye and toast to a joyful holiday season!
