Experimental Mixology: The Christmas Edition

I’ve been talking to Simon, one of my favourite bartenders at Voya a lot recently about their (and my) upcoming “12 Drinks of Christmas” specials and features. I’ve been thinking about playing around with mint and creamy flavours and so far, although we haven’t been “into the lab” yet, (but we’re hoping to go play sometime this week) here’s a few of the things that I’ve been talking about and thinking aout.

Peppermint Twist Candy Cane Martini

Vanilla ice cream
White Creme de Menthe
Giffard Vanilla Syrup

Blend and serve in a chilled martini glass with either a crushed candy cane rim, or just float some crushed candy cane on top. The idea is to keep this drink pristine and white like new snow. Garnish with a mint leaf. We might also try adding a touch of white creme de cacao in here as well. We’ll see.

Holiday ‘Hopper

Consider the Holiday Hopper a Grasshopper with a twist (everything’s got a twist this season!).  Midori has taken one of the more popular Christmas ‘martinis’ and added their liqueur for this melon background that is really quite interesting and makes, in my opinion, a far better cocktail. As with the Grasshopper, use white creme de cacao because the brown makes the finished drink look like some sort of sludge, which is rather unappealing.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Midori melon liqueur
• 1/2 oz green creme de menthe
• 1/2 oz white creme de cacao
• 2 oz half and half
• mint leaves for garnish
• raspberry for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a mint leaves and a raspberry.

That’s our start at least – what’s your favourite holiday drink?

(image source: Midori; image for Peppermint Twist coming soon)