Taste and fragrance team up to create a unique sensation with this cocktail from Bridges and Bourbon, a restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh. Their mixologists came to the studio to concoct the brew and fire up the woodchips. While this cocktail is chilled, the smoke and fire had us all warmed up, so we had to add it to our hot drinks assortment since it still makes a great cold weather cocktail.
What Makes a Good Cold Weather Cocktail?
A good cold weather cocktail is all about warmth, comfort, and a bit of indulgence. The key ingredients tend to be rich, warming spirits like whiskey, rum, and brandy, which complement the colder months perfectly. Additionally, the use of spices and citrus helps balance the heaviness of the alcohol, while enhancing the cozy, festive vibe. Citrus, spices, and warming spirits like tequila or bourbon make a cocktail better for the colder months. For cold weather, you want cocktails that have depth—drinks that aren’t just refreshing but full of warmth and complexity. Dark rum, bourbon, dark beer, or even sherry can bring layers of flavor that are perfect for sipping slowly on a cold evening.
The Appalachian Trail, a Cold Weather Cocktail
Description
If you don’t have a birch log, just get creative with the garnish and presentation!
Ingredients
- Cognac
- Rye
- Bourbon
- Calvados
- Apple Cinnamon Syrup
Instructions
- Mix equal parts cognac, rye, bourbon, calvados, and apple cinnamon syrup. Put 2 ½ ounces of your batch in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well diluted and roll the contents into a cognac glass.
- Fill hollowed birch log with apple woodchips and torch the chips to ignite a little flame and produce a lovely smoke.
- Place glass on top of log and serve.
Notes
This recipe calls for “equal parts” of each ingredient, adjust based on how many drinks you’re making.
Recipe courtesy of Bridges and Bourbon / Styling by Ana Kelly / Photography by Adam Milliron
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