Hotel Holiday Cocktails
If you’ll be in Kodiak for the holidays, try one of these easy cocktail recipes during a relaxing evening in your room!
Stinger
If you celebrate Kwanzaa, a stinger is the cocktail for you. Invented in the early 1900s by African-American Tom Bullock, it’s a great way to pay tribute to the unity of African-American culture in the states. The recipe is simple – blend a two to one ratio of brandy and creme de menthe, shake well, and serve over ice. The brandy will warm you up, while the minty flavor is reminiscent of crisp, fresh snow.
Manischewitz Sangria
For people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, this sangria may be a better fit. Combine a bottle of the traditional Manischewitz wine with one cup orange juice, one cup potato vodka, and two cups apple juice. Add in a handful of red grapes, some freshly diced apple, and some orange slices, then let it sit in your room’s refrigerator for a few hours for the fruit and sangria to blend their flavors. The result? A kosher, crisp, hearty drink that can warm you up in the Alaskan winter.
Yule Martini
The pagan holiday of Yule is associated with a number of the flavors in this martini. Combine 2 ounces of gin with 1 oz of vermouth and 2 ounces of apple cider. Shake well with ice and strain to serve. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. The gin provides a crisp juniper evergreen taste to the warmth of the cider and cinnamon, hitting all the notes for a perfect drink.
Panettone Cocktail
Christmas is probably the most famous of the winter holidays, and this cocktail, inspired by the classic Italian holiday cake, brings out the best citrus flavors with a hint of warmth. Gently stir together 2 oz whisky with 1 oz cognac, 1 oz Cointreau, and 2 oz grape juice. Garnish with a couple of Bing cherries and enjoy with your favorite holiday movie!