[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With all the stress that can coincide with the impending holidays, few things help smooth over the daunting shopping trips, meal preparations, and steady stream of houseguests like a festive holiday cocktail. But even so, sometimes even timeless classics such as eggnog or Hot Toddys can feel overdone. Luckily, this season, we’ve curated a selection of contemporary holiday cocktails to enliven the festive spirits. From fitting the house with last-minute decorations to putting your feet up beside a roaring fire, these three recipes will act as the perfect companion to your winter festivities.

Craighouse Rocks

Combining an enduring mix of Jura 12 Year Old, oloroso sherry, crème de poire, sugar syrup, and just a dash of chocolate bitters, the Craighouse Rocks is the perfect drink selection for those who enjoy premium whiskey. This old-fashioned twist is meant to highlight the fruity and nutty characteristics of Jura 12 Year Old. With a smooth palette, a sweet core, and a balanced smoky finish, the Craighouse Rocks cocktail is a dynamic take on a classic mix.

• 40ml Jura 12 Year Old
• 10ml Oloroso
• 5ml crème de poire
• 5ml sugar syrup (1;1)
• Dash of chocolate bitters

Stoli Elit Espresso Martini

A twist on a familiar espresso martini, the Stoli Elit Espresso Martini combines the tasteful bitterness of the espresso with the touch of sweetness to create a delicious blend of flavours. Alternatively, substitute traditional Stoli Elit for the specialized Stoli Salted Karamel as the world’s first salted caramel flavoured vodka. Combined with fresh espresso, simple syrup, and coffee liqueur, this blend will indulge your tastebuds with the perfect blend of balanced flavours. Ideal for when you could use a festive cocktail with an energy kick, the Stoli Elit Espresso Martini is sure to become your next holiday staple.

• 1½ parts Stoli Elit or Stoli Salted Karamel​
• ¾ part coffee liqueur​
• 1-part espresso​
• ¼ part simple syrup​
• Shake all ingredients with ice
• Strain into a chilled martini glass

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Montenegro and Lime

When it comes to liqueurs with as rich a heritage as Amaro Montenegro – a bitter-sweet Italian amaro crafted in 1885 by alchemist and explorer, Stanislao Cobianchi – sometimes it’s best to not overthink the recipe. This season, allow Amaro Montenegro’s secret recipe to shine through as it boasts a distinct and balanced flavour drawn from over 40 botanicals collected from around the world. The perfect balance between sweet and bitter, the amaro’s versatility lends itself to an array of festive cocktails. But personally, we think adding a zest of lime to highlight some of the best liqueur Italy has to offer makes for a refreshing cure to any winter malaise.

• 3 parts Amaro Montenegro
• 1-part fresh lime juice
• Lime wedge
• Drink on the rocks or serve over ice

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