Discover why brandy is the perfect addition to holiday cocktails
It’s the start of the holiday season and we have some delicious seasonal brandy cocktail recipes to add to your party menus! Argonaut Brandy has shared some of their holiday favorites with us. Starting with the finest, premium California grapes, Argonaut Brandy is aged in ex-bourbon and French Limousin oak barrels. Master Distiller and Blender, Rita Hansen blends an array of ages, grape varieties, and distillations to create the complex characteristics and unique flavors in our brandies. Ahead of this festive season, we’re sharing several brandy cocktails (including a large format punch) that will make the perfect additions to your upcoming gatherings.
Prospector’s Punch
This big batch punch is ideal for holiday get-togethers when you have a large group. Seasonal flavors like dried cranberries pair perfectly with the brandy and honey. Plus the smell of cinnamon will fill the house before your guests arrive.
Ingredients:
24 oz. Argonaut Brandy
8 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
24 oz. Double Steeped Black Tea
24 oz. Ginger Beer
6 oz. Wildflower Honey (or Honey of Choice)
2 Stick of Cinnamon (Broken)
8 oz. Dried Cranberries
6 oz. Sugar
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, toast 2 sticks of cinnamon until fragrant (2-3 minutes), then cover with 2 cups of water, let simmer covered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add black tea, let steep for 5 minutes then strain. While warm add honey, cranberries and sugar. Stir to combine and let cool to room temperature. Serve in a punch bowl with one large ice block or multiple medium cubes. Add Brandy, black tea infusion, lemon juice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with citrus wheels, cinnamon sticks and fresh herbs.
California Royale
Toast to good cheer and bubbles this holiday season!
Ingredients:
1 oz Argonaut Fat Thumb
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
.5 oz cranberry juice cocktail
2.5 oz dry sparkling wine (suggested J Vineyards California Cuvee)
1 dash vanilla extract
Garnish: Fresh thyme
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin except the sparkling wine. Shake with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a thyme sprig and a fresh cranberry.
Argonaut Alexander
A historically delicious cocktail made better with brandy, the Argonaut Alexander is a simple and festive cocktail that can be whipped up with just three main ingredients.
Ingredients:
1¼ oz. Argonaut brandy of choice
1 oz. crème de cacao
¾ oz. heavy cream
Nutmeg⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Directions:
Shake all the ingredients with ice until well-chilled and frothy. Strain into a chilled glass coupe glass and garnish with grated nutmeg (holiday stencil optional).
Brandy Espresso Martini
Elevate this classic cocktail with Argonaut for a luxurious take on the Espresso Martini.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Argonaut Fat Thumb
1 oz. espresso, cooled
1/2 oz. coffee liqueur
1/2 oz. simple syrup (1:1)
Directions:
Shake all of the ingredients vigorously with ice, strain into a chilled glass, then garnish with three whole coffee beans.
Cheers!
Please drink responsibly.
