Joy to the Mouth

Looking for the perfect holiday cocktail to serve your guests? We asked bartenders at two of our favorite watering holes to match the spirit of the season with recipes for quaffs that are warm, bright, and cheery.

From our December 2016 issue.

Tequila Toddy holiday cocktail recipe
Photographed by Lauryn Hottinger

Tequila Toddy

Trey Hughes, bar manager at Portland Hunt + Alpine Club

What I love about this is it’s a real winter warmer that is easy to make at home and can be made in large batches as well. It’s a fun twist on a classic toddy and tastes pretty great!

Makes one cocktail

1½ ounces añejo tequila

¾ ounce lemon juice

¾ ounce agave nectar

2 dashes mole bitters

3 ounces hot water

Mix ingredients together in a warmed mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon twist.


Poached Pear–Rosemary Rum holiday cocktail recipe
Photographed by Benjamin Williamson

Poached Pear–Rosemary Rum

Jessica Duffy, co-owner with husband Patrick of Rockport’s 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill

You’ve got enough to do during the holidays, so I created a holiday cocktail that borrows from the poached-pear recipe you’re making for dessert. That way, you don’t have to go out and buy stuff just for cocktails.

For the poached pears:

1 dozen Bosc pears, peeled, halved, and core and seeds removed

¼ cup grated fresh ginger

freshly squeezed juice of 1 large orange

freshly squeezed juice of 1 large lemon

1 vanilla bean

2 star arise

a few allspice cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

2 cups white wine

2 cups sugar

Makes one cocktail

¼ poached pear

6–8 rosemary leaves, torn

2 ounces poaching liquid

½ ounce allspice dram (or substitute dark honey with a pinch of allspice)

2 ounces spiced rum

club soda

piece of poached pear and rosemary sprig for garnish

To make poached pears, place all ingredients in a saucepan and fill with just enough water to cover. Poach in 150–160-degree water for two hours.

Cut quartered pear in half. In a mixing glass, muddle one piece of pear and rosemary leaves. Fill with ice. Add poaching liquid, allspice dram, and rum, then shake and pour into a 10–12-ounce glass. Top with club soda and garnish with the other piece of poached pear.

Make a little too much cranberry sauce? Click here for Duffy’s Roasted Cranberry Sauce Martini recipe.