There’s much to love about the alleged most wonderful time of the year, but for us, it’s the simple things. Like bourbon. And how it’s so good at keeping you cheery and warm, even when you maybe have a few holes in your sweatpants because they’ve been doing a lot of work this year.
In addition to being our go-to for sipping bourbon neat or on the rocks, Maker’s Mark shines bright in holiday cocktails, whether it’s a tried-and-true classic or an inventive spin on an old favorite. Behold:
Rosemary Maple Sour
1.5 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
3/4 oz. Fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. Maple syrup (or to taste)
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Lemon slice for garnish
Slap the sprig of rosemary around in your hands (yes, really! It helps release the oils and thus, the rosemary flavor). Put the rosemary in a cocktail shaker along with some ice and add the rest of the ingredients. Shake, shake, shake. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish with your lemon wedge.
Old Fashioned
1.5 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
Splash of water
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 tsp. sugar
Orange peel for garnish
Cherry for garnish
Dissolve or muddle the sugar with a splash of water in your Old Fashioned glass. Fill with ice. Add your bourbon and your bitters and give it a stir. Garnish with an orange peel twist and cherry. Easiest masterpiece ever.
Hot Toddy
2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
1/4 oz. honey
2 dashes Angostura® Bitters
Top with hot water
Lemon wheel and cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a mug and give it a good stir (pro tip: pre-heat the mug with hot water first, so it doesn’t cool your cocktail down). Garnish with a lemon, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Or all three.
Eggnog
1 liter Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 qt. 2% milk
1 qt. heavy cream
2 dozen eggs, yolks and whites separated
1.5 cups sugar
Nutmeg for garnish
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Slowly add 1 cup sugar (heads up that you’re still saving that extra ½ cup for later). Keep whipping until the sugar is dissolved. Add in the heavy cream, milk and bourbon. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they stand in soft peaks. Gradually add in 1/2 cup of remaining sugar until stiff peaks form (snowy mountains, cute). Whisk both egg mixtures together in a large punch or serving bowl. Chill, and when it’s time to party, garnish with nutmeg.
Merry Berry Buck
1.5 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1.5 oz. cranberry juice
Cold ginger beer
Fresh cranberries and lemon wheel for garnish
Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and cranberry juice in a shaker over ice. Shake, shake, shake, and then strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of ginger beer and add your garnishes.
