Spirits to Warm the Hearth
Chilly Central Florida nights call for fire pits, friends and hearty cocktails.
When temperatures turn cool, the lanai becomes the hot spot for entertaining. Sweater weather—as we like to call it—is the signal to head outdoors for fresh air sans humidity. It’s also a chance to indulge in drinks that call for stronger spirits, such as bourbon, whiskey and brandy, and ingredients that stir the soul. Here are some of our local bartenders’ favorites to enjoy at home—or when you’re out on the town.
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The Texas Smash The Woods, Downtown Orlando thewoodsorlando.com 2 ounces Bulleit Bourbon 5 mint leaves 1/8 of a lemon 1 ounce jalapeño simple syrup Splash of soda water Jalapeño simple syrup: Dissolve 1 cup of sugar into 1 cup of water. Drop heat to low, add 1 chopped jalapeño and cook for 10 minutes. In a highball glass, muddle mint, lemon and jalapeño simple syrup. Add ice, bourbon and stir. Top with soda water. |
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Hot Irish Coffee Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster, Orlando christnersprimesteakandlobster.com 2 ounces Jameson Irish Whiskey 4 ounces freshly brewed coffee (Christner’s uses illy coffee) Pour coffee and whiskey into a glass coffee mug and top with fresh whipped cream. Drizzle with crème de menthe and finish with a maraschino cherry. |
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Barrel-Aged Manhattan Bösendorfer Lounge, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando grandbohemianhotel.com 2 ounces Basil Hayden’s Bourbon ½ ounce Carpano ”Antica Formula“ sweet vermouth 1.2 ounces Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur 2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec chocolate bitters Blend all ingredients in a shaker with ice and stir for 60 seconds. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry. |
