As the holidays approach Drink Me has partnered with Heering Liqueur to find the 12 Best Holiday Cocktails in America. There was a deluge of contenders but these ones topped the tree when it came to appearance/presentation, inspiration, creativity and composition/balance.

DAY 2

On the second day Moses Laboy, NYC Bar Expert gave us a Smoke Signal. Here’s how it goes.

Smoke Signal

Inspiration:

“It’s winter with dreams of warmer weather. Bringing the flavors of cherry with seasonal apple and the warmth of bourbon. All brought together with a magical presentation of a cinnamon smoked bath.” — Moses Laboy.

Recipe: Smoke Signal

  • 1 oz Cherry Heering
  • 2 oz Four Roses Bourbon
  • .75 Apple Cider
  • .5 oz Simple (50/50)
  • .75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Cinnamon Smoke Bath
  • Brandied Cherry Garnish

Add all ingredients to shaking tin. Add ice, shake till cold. Strain over fresh ice. Bathe entire cocktail in cinnamon smoke and garnish.

DAY 1

On the first day of Christmas my dear Jerry Glover gave to me A One Way Ticket to sublime libation. Jerry is the Bartender at The Federal Grill in Houston, Texas and has created this Heering Cherry Liqueur-inspired holiday cocktail to kick off Heering’s 12 Days of Cocktails.

One Way Ticket

Capturing the flavors of the holidays is essential when creating a cocktail that not only looks and tastes great but also evokes memories of holidays past. That means tapping into the flavors that people expect from holiday foods as well as the smells they’re used to this time of year, as far back as their childhoods. Spiced plum, cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar all deliver that familiarity. Heering Chery Liqueur is probably one of the best products out there that can tie all of those flavors together without overwhelming the palate. This cocktail is balanced but still well-layered with holiday favorites. Put it on your menu; your customers will love it.

— Jerry Glover.

Recipe: One Way Ticket

  • 2 oz Willett 3 Year Rye
  • 1 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur
  • 1 oz Spiced Plum Syrup*
  • 1 Egg White

Build: Shake with hawthorn spring. Remove spring. Fill with ice. Shake extra hard.  Strain into coupe glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

*Recipe: Spiced Plum Syrup

  • 6 Red Plums Cubed
  • 5 Cups Sugar
  • 5 Cups Water
  • 1 tsp Nutmeg
  • 4 Cinnamon Sticks

Build: Boil 20 minutes.  Strain and let cool. Keep in fridge up to 10 days.