Houston bartenders offer 14 delicious holiday cocktail recipes
While my ’60s-era siblings couldn’t wait to open presents, my greatest holiday anticipation was my parents’ cocktail parties that filled our home during Christmas week. It was the best people-watching of the year: ladies with beehive hairdos and Cleopatra eye makeup, men in suede jackets and polished boots. Lots of shiny, happy people.
My mother and her friends would try out “exotic” new cocktails such as Grasshoppers and Salty Dogs. I loved being their errand boy, fetching ice, Cokes and grapefruit Squirt soda.
When it was time for Midnight Mass, most of the elbow-bending husbands were already lit. My parents’ friends and most of our relatives were good guzzlers. The holiday was painted with just as much whiskey and gin as tinsel and tree lights. .
I still get excited about holiday cocktails. I revel in the spice flavors, exotic concoctions, the chocolate, cream and candy-cane garnishes. If Christmas libations thrill you, too, here are some holiday cocktail recipes from some of Houston’s top bartenders, restaurants and bars to try at home this season.
Nocino Old Fashioned from the Chalet at Rosie Cannonball
Roundabout Rickey from Ladies of Libation for Memorial Trail Ice House
Christmas Carol Barrel from Benjamin Mason, Johnny’s Gold Brick
Boot Shootin’ Boogie from Present Company
Holiday Hoodoo from Brennan’s of Houston
Snow White from Tobiuo Sushi & Bar
Spiced Chai Hot Toddy from Musaafer restaurant
Christmas in Kentucky from Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
What Is That, Velvet? from Alli Genoway, Penny Whistle Pub
Japanese Tomagozake Eggnog from Traveler’s Table
Pomme et Poire from Kimberly Paul, Brasserie du Parc and Etoile Cuisine et Bar
Cindy Lou Who from Underbelly Hospitality
Matcha Made in Heaven from Kata Robata
Tighten Up from Relish Restaurant & Bar
