With the holiday season fast approaching, it's the perfect time to start planning your festive celebrations. To help you get into the holiday spirit, we present two delightful cocktails crafted by Liz Faison, the lead bartender at Eleanor's in Smyrna, a charming speakeasy bar. These cocktails, named "Home Alone?" and "Home Alone, Too?" are perfect for your at-home bar setup and cater to various taste preferences.
The Home Alone?
The Home Alone? is a rich, boozy, and warm cocktail, reminiscent of a delightful encounter between apple cider and a Manhattan. To make it, you'll need:
- Herradura Reposado
- Campari
- Averna
- Lemons (or fresh lemon juice)
- Sugar in the Raw
- Cinnamon sticks
- Oranges
Infused Tequila Preparation:
1. Peel a whole orange and place the peels in a sealable container with your Herradura Reposado (a liter-sized bottle).
2. Add four cinnamon sticks to the container.
3. Let it rest for two days, then strain the infused tequila. You can rebottle it for easy use.
Cocktail Preparation:
1. In a mixing glass, combine 1.5 ounces of your infused tequila, 0.75 ounces of Campari, and 0.5 ounces of Averna.
2. Add ice, stir, and strain into a large rocks glass.
3. Garnish with a fresh orange peel.
Pair this warm and boozy cocktail with a slice of pecan pie for a perfect holiday treat.
The Home Alone, Too?
The Home Alone, Too? offers a lighter, more refreshing option for those who prefer subtler flavors. You'll need:
- Herradura Reposado (infused as per the previous recipe)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Demerara syrup (made with Sugar in the Raw)
Cocktail Preparation:
1. In a shaker (or a lidded mason jar if you lack a traditional shaker), combine 2 ounces of your infused tequila, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce of demerara syrup.
2. Shake until the mixture is very cold, then strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
This light and subtly festive cocktail pairs excellently with a charcuterie board, making it an ideal choice for your holiday gatherings.
Eleanor's, the speakeasy bar where these delightful cocktails were crafted, is a hidden gem known for its warm ambiance and rich history. Since 2012, Eleanor's has been tucked away behind the cooler door at Muss & Turner's, paying tribute to Eleanor Seale, an extraordinary woman whose warmth, care, and love for great food and drinks have left a profound impact on the establishment.
Eleanor's is a place where friends come together to enjoy delicious libations and share laughter. The bar is a tribute to her influence, and these holiday cocktails are a way to say, "Thank you and we love you" to the woman who has played a vital role in shaping the Muss & Turner's family.
This holiday season, raise your glass and enjoy these festive cocktails that capture the spirit of the season. Cheers!