Cocktail Recipe: December Hearth
The December Hearth cocktail is a celebration of winter warmth, blending the boldness of whiskey with the spiced richness of chai and the sweetness of maple. It’s a perfect drink to mark the beginning of the holiday season, bringing coziness and cheer to chilly December nights.
December Hearth
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz spiced chai syrup (see below for recipe
- ½ oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
- Garnish: Orange peel twist and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Spiced Chai Syrup:
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
Simmer the sugar, water, and spices in a small saucepan. Once the sugar dissolves, add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add whiskey, spiced chai syrup, orange juice, maple syrup, and bitters. Stir until well combined.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or serve neat in a warmed glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a festive touch.
