Christmas season is here and there is no better time of the year to enjoy a delicious festive cocktail with friends and family. We caught up with Amanda at Blackhearts & Sparrows to get some tips for celebratory drinks for the party season.
Top 5 cocktail recommendations for the holidays
“You can’t go wrong with cocktails,” says Amanda. “There is always something for everyone as every spirit base can make a myriad of choices. But this year there are some favourites:
- Gin Sour: I love whisky sours and I also love gin, so why not put them together? I first tried this combination at a bar in the city called Lily Blacks and it blew my mind how good it tasted! It was sweet and a bit tangy but without the warmth and smokiness that you usually get from whisky and the gin gives the cocktail a hit of freshness.
- Negroni: This is my go-to cocktail and it should be everyone else’s. This bittersweet tasting concoction is great as a digestif or nightcap!
- Penicillin: On my hunt for more whisky-based cocktails, I found a new favourite to add to my list! It is the perfect balance between smoke, ginger and lemon.
- Mezcal Margarita: This isn’t any regular, old margarita…it’s got a hit of smokiness from the Mezcal, so definitely one for those that want to try something new. Read on for my recipe!
- Rum Old fashioned: An old fashioned is usually made with bourbon but rum is a great alternative. The ‘oaky’ notes and sweet spice from the rum acts as a great alternative if whisky is not your thing.”
Pairing food with cocktails
While many enjoy a cocktail before starting a meal, the festive season often means more indulgence and cocktails can definitely be paired with meals. So which dishes does Amanda recommend to pair with the top five cocktails?
“I think the Gin Sour can pair well with Chinese food (lighter dishes, not the numbing spicy dishes) as the sweetness and herbaceous notes from the drink will pair well with delicate flavours.
“But for cocktails on the more earthy, savoury side (such as the Penicillin and Rum Old Fashioned), I would pair these with something equally as heavy, such as a roast dish or something quite meaty such as steak.
“Negronis are ideal to pair with a tasty charcuterie and cheese board. To balance the bitterness, you want to go for strong flavoured foods so salty and mature cheeses are perfect.
“The Mezcal Margarita should go with none other than, Mexican or Spanish food – something with spice to complement the smokiness of the cocktail!“
Other festive drink recommendations
When you have tried your share of cocktails, wines are the perfect festive drink.
“Champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine is definitely a MUST so make sure you always have a bottle of your favourite in the fridge,” says Amanda. “Every celebration warrants a good bottle of bubbles.
“White wines are an essential as well, but to give it a little twist, go for a skin-contact white as this style of wine is great on its own or paired with food so is really versatile.”
Blackhearts and Sparrows also has a selection of non-alcoholic options for those who are being cautious of their alcohol consumption, those wanting a break between drinks or the designated driver.
“I think it’s important to have a wide selection of drinks so that everyone can enjoy and taste different beverages over the holiday season,” says Amanda.
Blackhearts has some great festive selections at the moment and the team is always happy to help with recommendations and advice. Looking for a fresh cocktail to serve on Christmas Day? Try Amanda’s Mezcal Margarita recipe below.
