By Jay Ledbetter

As the holiday season approaches, every host is beginning their annual search for that perfect seasonal drink to wow their friends and family with each sip. If you’re the family bartender looking for something special, these drinks have you covered!

North Pole Sour

For mixology fans, the New York Sour takes a classic cocktail (the Whiskey Sour) and elevates it into something special by floating red wine on top. This cocktail brings that concept some festive flair by incorporating mulled wine instead!

In a shaker, combine:

•  1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
•  .75 oz Lemon Juice
•  .5 oz Triple Sec
•  .25 oz Rich Honey Syrup (3 parts honey, 1 part water)

Shake, then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass with a large ice cube

Using a bar spoon, float 1 oz of Mulled Wine on top of the cocktail

Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange peel, and enjoy!

Mistletoe Tonic

This Gin & Tonic riff incorporates fresh herbs and cranberries to bring festive flavors to a refreshing classic! It can be easily scaled up to make a large batch and allow guests to serve themselves; just be sure to leave a garnish tray out so each drink can still have that personal touch!

In a Collins glass, muddle for 10 seconds:

• A pinch of rosemary leaves
• 4 mint leaves
• 4 cranberries

Pour .5 oz of cranberry juice and 2 oz of your favorite gin

Add ice into the glass and give the mixture a quick stir

Then, top with soda water, garnish with 2 cranberries and a sprig of mint, and you’re done!

New Year’s Eve in Times Square

For your high-proof houseguests, this Manhattan riff brings the heat while still adding in a taste of the season. The drink is best served in a frozen coupe glass and best enjoyed as the first sip of the new year.

In a stirring glass, combine:

•  1.5 oz Bourbon
•  .5 oz Mezcal
•  1 dash of orange bitters
•  1 dash of chocolate bitters
•  A pinch of edible gold flakes
•  A pinch of salt

Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into a coupe glass

Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice topped with gold flakes, and your creation is complete!