Winter Drinks

June 4, 2018
The editors of Punch magazine have put together an enticing medley of cocktails—classic and modern—to be enjoyed in the winter months. The editors first list the cocktail families, which include the cocktail (“a simple combination of spirit, sweetener, water, and bitters”), the sour (“made with a base spirit, fresh citrus, and a sweetener”), and the Collins (“a sour lengthened with the addition of sparkling water”). “The Essential Winter Classics” section includes recipes for the Manhattan, French 75 (gin, cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, champagne), and hot buttered rum. The authors sometimes winterize summer drinks, such as the mojito, in which they “sub out white rum for rich, brooding black strap and mint for muddled rosemary.” A chapter titled “Herbs, Citrus, Spice” touts the Revolver (bourbon, orange bitters, and a flamed orange twist); and the “Rich, Warming” chapter includes the Amaro Caldo, made with amaro, hot water, and lemon twist. The editors include tips for serving big batches (use ratios rather than multiplying ounces), and suggestions for stocking the pantry. For those looking for ways to celebrate during the dead of winter, this is a smart and handy go-to guide.