In charge of this year's holiday cheer? Here are some drink suggestions and recipes

Marlayna Scire, The Herald-Mail
·4 min read

It's the holiday season, and soon you'll be expected to host gatherings. And likely, you'll want adult beverages to share with your of-age guests.

We've compiled a few suggestions after talking to local cocktail crafters and spirits sales experts in Hagerstown and Chambersburg, Pa.

These suggestions — from the premixed to the complicated — are sure to warm you up on a cold winter's night and help you spread some holiday cheer.

What if you don't have time to stand and mix drinks?

Chris Patel, owner of Liquor Locker on Dual Highway in Hagerstown, recommends ready-to-drink cocktails. They come premixed and ready to pour.

Some examples he gave were Crown Royal canned cocktails, Simply Spiked Lemonade and Malibu Carbonated Rum.

You might also want to squirrel away a few holiday-themed items to be used as host or hostess gifts. Flavors of vodka and eggnog are good options for a seasonal taste, such as mint chocolate chip, peppermint and salted caramel.

"Alot of fun packaging and bright colors with great pictures on the labels," Barber said.
"Alot of fun packaging and bright colors with great pictures on the labels," Barber said.

Cecily Barber, retail wine specialist at Fine Wine and Good Spirits in Chambersburg, recommends cranberry sparkling wine.

"Sparkling wine is always a good option because its festive," she said.

Thanksgiving food is sweet, considering the cranberry, apple and pumpkin additions to the menu. So, if you're in charge of picking the wine for the meal, Barber suggests a lighter red option.

Liquor Locker on Dual Hwy. Hagerstown is offering six bottles of random wine in a pack cheaper than what they would cost if you bought them individually.
Liquor Locker on Dual Hwy. Hagerstown is offering six bottles of random wine in a pack cheaper than what they would cost if you bought them individually.

What's something simple that will give you more bang for you buck?

Patel offers what he calls a "wine box" that's available for store club members. These are assorted, random bottles of wine put into groups of six and sold for a fraction of the price.

At the PA Wine and Spirits in Chambersburg, there is a deal that started Oct. 30 that runs until after Thanksgiving perfect for family gatherings, Barber said. You can fill a tote and receive 10% off all of the mix and match wines selected, and you get the free reusable tote.

Wine deal brought to you by Fine Wine and Good Spirits in Chambersburg PA
Wine deal brought to you by Fine Wine and Good Spirits in Chambersburg PA

How about a holiday craft brew or two?

John Burdette, owner of Galaxy Liquors on Oak Ridge Drive in Hagerstown, said he has a wide selection of craft beer for the holidays. These craft beers come from a variety of breweries including, Southern Tier, Bell's, and Great Lakes Brewing Co.

"We have a dozen of selections of holiday beer with a Christmas blend as well as holiday eggnog," Burdette said.

Burdette recommends Mad Elf by Troeg's Brewing Co., which is based in Hershey, Pa. The beer is brewed with cherries and is a holiday favorite.

I've got the time to make a mixed drink. What are some recipes?

The Pomegranate Bourbon Sour from The Broad Axe

Kat Lash, shift leader and bartender at The Broad Axe on West Franklin Street in Hagerstown, shared a popular holiday drink, the Pomegranate Bourbon Sour.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce, Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

  • 1 ounce, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur

  • 2 ounces, sour mix

Directions:

  • Combine the bourbon, pomegranate liqueur and sour mix in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.

  • Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice to not water down the cocktail.

  • Garnish with with an orange wedge or peel and maraschino cherry.

Gingerbread eggnog recipe from the PA Fine Wine and Good Spirits

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

  • 4 ounces, eggnog

  • 1 ounce, gingerbread syrup*

  • Garnish with ground cinnamon, gingersnap cookie — whole and crushed, and whipped cream

Directions:

  • Rim a cocktail glass with gingerbread syrup, ground cinnamon and crushed gingersnap cookie; set aside.

  • Combine all ingredients, except for garnishes, in a shaker filled with ice.

  • Shake vigorously and strain into a prepared glass.

  • Garnish with whipped cream, a pinch of ground cinnamon and whole gingersnap cookie.

* Gingerbread Syrup:

Combine 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons molasses, 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to container and chill. Shake well to redistribute spices before using. Refrigerate leftover syrup.

Winter Wonderland Margarita recipe from the PA Fine Wine and Good Spirits

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup, unsweetened coconut milk

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons, granulated sugar

  • 2 ounces, 181 Tequila Blanco

  • 1/2 ounce, Malibu Coconut Rum

  • 1/2 ounce, Combier d'Orange Liqueur

  • 1/2 ounce, fresh lime juice

  • Garnish with rosemary sprig, cranberries and white sanding sugar

Directions:

  • Add the first two ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 1 minute; set aside to cool.

  • Rim a coupe glass with sanding sugar and set aside.

  • Combine all ingredients, expect for garnishes, in a shaker filled with ice.

  • Shake and strain into glass rimmed with white sanding sugar.

  • Garnish with rosemary sprig and cranberries.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown, Chambersburg drink experts offer holiday suggestions