Corrine Arnell

I love a good cocktail. When my friends and I get together, we mix up some drinks and try them. In the spirit of the new year, we’re trying some new ones. Here are the drinks that I will be making this January. Cheers! 

Hot Toddy 

Although I am more of a light liquor girl, I do have some Sir Davis whiskey on my bar cart. Yes, I am a Beyoncé fan and yes, I bought a bottle. And I’ll do it again! I have been looking for creative ways to enjoy and I can’t wait to try this recipe. It’s also a warm drink, which pairs well with the cold January that always hits New York. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 ½ oz bourbon (or whiskey) 

• 1 tablespoon honey 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

• 1 cinnamon stick 

• Hot water 

• Lemon slice and cloves for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Combine the bourbon, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a mug. 

2. Pour in hot water (about 6 oz). 

3. Stir well and garnish with a lemon slice studded with cloves. 

Spiced Pear Margarita 

Who doesn’t love a margarita? I am still in my tequila era so a good marg is always a perfect cocktail choice. This is a twist on the classic margarita using seasonal pear and spice. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz reposado tequila 

• 1 oz pear liqueur (or pear brandy) 

• 1 oz lime juice 

• ½ oz agave syrup 

• 2 dashes cinnamon or ginger 

• Pear slice for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. 

2. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. 

3. Garnish with a pear slice. 

Cranberry Mule 

You know what’s great about vodka? It’s fairly low in calories. Here’s another classic cocktail, this time with a cranberry twist to feel festive. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz vodka 

• ½ oz lime juice 

• 2 oz cranberry juice 

• Ginger beer 

• Fresh cranberries and lime wheel for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Fill a mule mug or glass with ice. 

2. Pour in the vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice. 

3. Top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel. 

Mulled Wine 

I usually go for a white wine, but this spiced and served warm red wine is perfect for a cozy evening. Mulled wine just gives festive to me. It’s perfect for winter! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml) 

• 1 orange, sliced 

• 1 cinnamon stick 

• 4 cloves 

• 2-3 star anise 

• 1/4 cup brandy (optional) 

• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (to taste) 

Instructions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot over low heat. 

2. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t boil. 

3. Strain and serve warm, garnished with orange slices. 

Pineapple Ginger Fizz 

Rum is always fun. This drink has a tropical feel, but the ginger makes it cozy for the winter. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz rum (white or spiced) 

• 2 oz pineapple juice 

• ½ oz lime juice 

• Ginger beer 

• Pineapple wedge and mint for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Add rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice to a shaker with ice. 

2. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. 

3. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig.