Los Angeles Magazine's Big Holiday Event 2018

'Tis the season for cocktails infused with holiday cheer!

Los Angeles Magazine kicked off the December festivities with its annual Big Holiday Party, most notable for its selection of spirits tasting as well as gourmet bites, a decked out desserts table, DJ (plus a live acapella performance!), and photos with a very jolly Santa.

This was the perfect place to pick up a few new cocktail recipes to whip up. Here are a few of my favorites. Try them out at your own holiday parties or home bar get-togethers!

Puerto de Indias – Signature Cocktail

Created with their strawberry flavored gin, made in Spain, this pretty in pink drink will be a hit at any occasion. The palate was soft and subtly sweet with citrus and juniper.

1 ½ oz of Puerto de Indias

Lemon lime soda

Fresh strawberry

Lemon twist

In a rocks glass, add fresh sliced strawberry, ice, Puerto de Indias strawberry gin. Top off with lemon lime soda and stir down. Garnish with lemon.

Maker’s 46 – Cranberry Mule

Maker’s Mark amplified – Maker’s 46 barrels are inserted with seared virgin French oak staves and aged longer for a more intense and complex flavor without the bitterness of longer aged whiskies. Smooth taste of wood mingled with vanilla and caramel that works easily to update this popular holiday drink.

2 parts Maker’s 46

2 parts cranberry juice

3 parts ginger beer

¼ part lime juice

Fresh cranberries & rosemary sprig garnish

Combine all ingredients in a glass filled with ice. Top with fresh cranberries & a sprig of rosemary.

Jardesca White Aperitiva – Jardesca Holiday Spritz

For a lighter take and more festive presentation, Jardesca’s apéritif wine cocktails are the way to go. Their blend of 3 artisanal white wines from California with notes of pink grapefruit, bay leaf, and pink peppercorn is balanced and easy.

3 oz Jardesca White Aperitiva

2 oz Prosecco or Sparkling Wine

1 small spoonful pomegranate syrup (or grenadine)

Garnish with pomegranate seeds and sprig of rosemary