All jokes aside, cocktail time is indeed one of those moments of bliss when you get to stop for a second and reflect, all while treating your senses to a combination of fantastic textures, tastes and aromas. Sit for a glass of Ponche in a cooler day or a Pick-Me-Up on a quick break between meetings; indulge in a Brandy Alexander after lunch or a sensual Gibson before dinner. Each time of day, every occasion and virtually every mood have their signature cocktails and it’s up to you to find one that sits right with you.
If you are a sucker for a delicious liquid thrill as much as we are, read the list of our favorite 2017 cocktail recipes below and get inspired to make your favorite one in the privacy of your own home, yacht, cabin, yard party or else.
Toby’s Toddy
An ideal treat for the days with a hint of moody nostalgia and heavy romance in the air, Toby’s Toddy is a delicate drink perfect for colder days. With a split base of cognac and just a little rum, the cocktail instantly gets a depth of flavor, although not in a sense that it would beat you over the head. It’s delicious, sippable and warm. If strong cocktails are your thing, you’ll love this one.
HOW TO MAKE:
Use 1 oz of cognac and 1 oz of aged rum; add 1 oz of simple syrup and lemon juice. Add 5 dashes of bitters. Boil 3 ounces of water in a mug and add the cocktail mixture to it. Once mixed together, garnish it with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.
Da Vinci Automatic 36 Moonphase
Now, this is what we call exquisite; signed by Igor Zukowiec, mixologist, the founder and caterer of ALCHEMIQ, Da Vinci Automatic 36 Moonphase is a cocktail that was designed specifically for a presentation of the Da Vinci watch collection held in NYC, May 18. The idea was to come up with a cocktail that would use the watches as inspiration.
HOW TO MAKE
We are not really sure (yet!). But, we’ll tell you this – as Da Vinci Automatic 36 Moonphase features a dark blue leather strap and a moon phase complication, Zukowiec found the perfect solution for it in terms of taste and presentation. Made with Absolut Elyx, butterfly pea flower tea and fresh blueberries, this incredibly talented mixologist managed to create a fabulous cocktail without using artificial colors or ingredients. Igor relied on an elderberry tincture for a distinguished taste and topped the presentation off with molecular citrusy foam. We were there and tried it – blew our minds completely! The incredibly polite caterers added to the extraordinary ambiance of the event by serving the cocktail with a “flower of life” symbol stencil-sprayed on the cocktail foam as the same symbol was engraved on the watch’s back. Not that we’d ever expect anything less from the usually fantastic bartending service in NYC, but this one topped all other. Since we didn’t manage to get the full recipe of the cocktail, we wouldn’t suggest you tried making it at home based on our vague observations. Still, had to mention it, sorry (it was delicious)!
Good Tidings
Similar in taste to Collins but way more subtle, Good Tidings is the kind of cocktail you want to put on your radar in 2017. Its cranberry base mixed with an allspice taste will get you in that adorable, snugly, winterish mood. It’s designed specifically for cold nights and hot talks, so – if you’ve got a dirty thought (or two) in mind, serve it with a tall glass of Good Tidings.
HOW TO MAKE
Mix 1.5 oz of vodka with 1 oz of cointreau. Add 1 oz of lemon juice and the same amount of cranberry juice. As a finish, add 1 bar spoon of allspice dram and shake all the ingredients together with ice. We like this cocktail in a Collins glass, topped with soda. Add extra lemon if you prefer a more sour taste.
Boulevardier
A negroni with a twist, that’s what describes this cocktail best. It uses rye whiskey instead of gin and it gives the drink a hint of something dark but very exciting. It’s a perfect drink for all-year-round.
HOW TO MAKE
Stir 1.4 oz rye whiskey, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth and 0.75 oz Campari with ice and poor into a coupe glass. The cocktail is perfect in taste when served with an orange twist.
Aged Rum Daiquiri
The absolute hit of 2017, Aged Rum Daiquiri is a caramel-based cocktail with subtle spicy undertones to it. What makes this cocktail different to any other Rum variant is that this one is made with aged rum with caramel notes. We love the light fizzy taste of it.
HOW TO MAKE
Take 2 oz aged rum, 0.75 oz simple syrup and 1 oz fresh lime juice; shake everything with ice and serve in a coupe glass. No garnish needed with this one.
