Winter Spice Bourbon Bliss
Introducing the "Winter Spice Bourbon Bliss," a sumptuous cocktail designed to warm your soul during the chilly days of January. This exquisite concoction blends the rich, smooth notes of bourbon with the sweet allure of maple syrup and the refreshing zest of fresh lemon juice. Enhanced with a whisper of ground cinnamon and a couple of dashes of orange bitters, it’s a symphony of winter flavors served in an elegant old-fashioned glass. Each sip offers a burst of warmth, ideal for cozy evenings by the fire. For our friends embracing Dry January, fear not – we've crafted a delightful "Mocktail" version, the "Winter Citrus Spice Delight," ensuring everyone can enjoy the essence of winter's charm in a non-alcoholic variant. Both versions of this drink are not only a treat to the palate but also a visual feast, adorned with a twist of orange peel and a cinnamon stick, embodying the spirit of winter in a glass.
Ingredients:
2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Maple Syrup
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
2 Dashes of Orange Bitters
Sparkling Water
Ice
Orange Peel and Cinnamon Stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and orange bitters.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with a splash of sparkling water.
Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
Mocktail Version: "Winter Citrus Spice Delight"
Ingredients:
2 oz Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Alternative
1/2 oz Maple Syrup
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
2 Dashes of Orange Bitters (non-alcoholic)
Sparkling Water
Ice
Orange Peel and Cinnamon Stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the non-alcoholic bourbon alternative, maple syrup, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and non-alcoholic orange bitters.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with a splash of sparkling water.
Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
As the last notes of the "Winter Spice Bourbon Bliss" and its mocktail counterpart, the "Winter Citrus Spice Delight," linger on your palate, you're left with more than just the memory of a delightful drink. These concoctions encapsulate the essence of January: the warmth of bourbon or its non-alcoholic alternative against the backdrop of winter's chill, the sweetness of maple balanced by the tang of lemon, all brought together with a hint of cinnamon and orange. Whether you're indulging in the bourbon-infused richness or enjoying the alcohol-free version, these drinks offer a perfect way to embrace the season's spirit. They're not just beverages; they're a celebration of winter's unique beauty, a reminder of cozy nights, and a toast to the joys, big and small, that this time of year brings.
Enjoy these warming, spiced drinks perfect for January!
