Countdown to Cocktails (Recipes!)

Whether you’re vodka connoisseur, tequila enthusiast or rum afficiando, these versatile cocktails are the perfect addition to your New Year’s gathering. —Vita Daily

Smoky Jalisco Sour

2 oz Patron Smoky
0.5 parts pumpkin chai syrup
1 lb pumpkin butter
.75 parts lemon juice
2 dashes Bittermens Xocolatl mole bitters
1 egg white
Freshly grated cinnamon
1 medium coupe or Nick and Nora

For pumpkin chai syrup: using Pumpkin chai tea from David’s Tea, make 8 oz of tea using more tea than normally would to make it stronger. Strain the tea leaves out and add 8 oz of sugar. Blend well. Then, in a mixing tin, add the Patron Smoky, pumpkin chai syrup, pumpkin butter, lemon juice, mole bitters and egg white. Seal the tins and shake well to break down the egg white. Fill the tin with ice and shake again to dilute and chill. Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe and finish with freshly grated cinnamon.

Bacardi Queen’s Punch

2 parts Bacardi Ocho
0.5 parts honey
0.75 parts lemon juice
1 part apple cider (Juice)
1 part Perrier
2 parts dry sparkling apple cider (5%abv) Brickworks
Garnish with cinnamon sticks, optional dehydrated apple slices
In a large wine glass, add the Ocho, honey and lemon juice. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently to mix the ingredients. Top with Perrier and Apple cider. Stir again gently to mix, top with more ice. Garnish and serve.

Ruby Spritzer

1.5 parts Patrón Silver
2 parts sparkling apple cider
1 part pomegranate juice
0.5 parts fresh lemon juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
Lemon twist for garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Strain into a champagne flute. Garnish with a lemon twist.