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3 seasonal cocktails to help you pour some cheer

The Columbian
Published: December 9, 2014, 12:00am
3 Photos
Ginger Fashioned
Ginger Fashioned Photo Gallery

Whether you’re having a quiet night in with family or a larger gathering with friends, holiday celebrations often call for a cocktail — sometimes simply to help you deal with those friends and family! So we’ve got you covered with a trio of easy but delicious cocktails that won’t tax your time or budget.

If there’s a chill in the air, consider starting with the roasted cider, a seasonal hot toddy that combines a classic mulled cider with the toasty flavor of hazelnuts. Or for a fresh take on tradition, try the ginger fashion, a zippy rendition of the reliable old fashioned. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, the ruby spice bubbles offers a fresh — and refreshing — way to enjoy sparkling wine.

Roasted Cider

Start to finish: 10 minutes, Servings: 1

6 ounces cider

1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey

1 ounce hazelnut liqueur (such as Frangelico)

Freshly grated nutmeg

Cinnamon stick, to garnish

In a small saucepan over medium heat or in a mug in the microwave, heat the cider until just steaming. Stir in the whiskey and hazelnut liqueur, then top with grated nutmeg. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Ruby Spice Bubbles

Start to finish: 1 hour (10 minutes active).Servings: 4

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground dry ginger

3 tablespoons water

4 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice, chilled

750-milliliter bottle sparkling white wine, chilled

Brandied or candied cherries

In a microwave-safe bowl or glass, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and water. Stir well, then microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled spice syrup with the cranberry juice. Shake to combine, then divide between 4 cocktail flutes or coupe glasses. Top each with sparkling wine and add 1 cherry to each.

Ginger Fashioned

Start to finish: 5 minutes. Servings: 1

1-inch slice fresh ginger

1 sugar cube

2-inch strip orange peel

2 dashes maple bitters

2 ounces bourbon

Ice

In an old fashioned glass, muddle the ginger, sugar, orange peel and bitters until the sugar is dissolved. Add the bourbon and stir. Add an ice cube and serve.

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