Holidaze in Three Equal Parts
Ah, the holidays. A time to cuddle with family and friends in matching festive pajamas. But sadly, the holidays can also be the “holidaze.” A time for potentially more stress in our busy lives. Martinis to the rescue! A little nip to soften Aunt Glady’s edges. And a little nip to keep the smile on your hosting face.
Holiday gatherings come with a lot of moving parts. Potatoes to mash. Gravy to de-lump. So this time of year I’m drawn to easy drinks made with only three ingredients in three equal parts.
What does equal parts mean? Exactly as it sounds. If you measure your first ingredient as two ounces, then the next two ingredients are also two ounces each. Because the parts are equal, the amounts can be easily multiplied even when you find yourself a little tipsy.
I attended a mixology class a long time ago. Several of the concepts stuck with me ever since. First, making drinks is like baking. Exact measurements matter. Change even one ingredient by a tablespoon or two, and you have a completely different drink. So resist the urge to wow your guests, tossing bottles over your shoulder, and pouring willy-nilly like Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail. Grab a measuring glass!
Second, martinis are mostly alcohol. They are strong. And getting drunk should not be the goal. A good martini should be at least 20 percent water. And that water comes from melting the ice as you shake. Shake these drinks for a long time, longer than you think. This smooths the drinks out, allowing you to taste the ingredients, not something resembling gasoline.
Plus, when drinks are icy cold they’re just plain better. There’s nothing more disappointing than a tepid cocktail. When we’re out, we always order our martinis “bruised,” meaning shaken really hard. When the bartender is really good, we’ll see ice shards floating on the surface.
Lastly, buy the best ingredients you can afford. If sipped individually, the taste of each component should be agreeable. A bad ingredient doesn’t get masked by the others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help finding good tasting, reasonably priced items at the liquor store.
Shall we get started?
⊲ Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it about two-thirds full of ice. Use crushed ice if you want those elusive ice crystals.
⊲ Measure and pour the ingredients from one of the drinks below.
⊲ Start shaking. About 30 seconds at least. A little less if you’re using crushed ice, or a little more if that suits your taste.
⊲ Strain the drink into martini glasses.
⊲ If you want to mellow these drinks even further, strain instead into rocks glasses filled with fresh ice.
⊲ For extra credit, chill your glasses beforehand in the freezer. This gives them a frosted look and helps keep the drinks extra cold.
Candy Cane
Equal parts vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur (such as Godiva). Garnish with a small candy cane.
Pilgrim’s Kiss
Equal parts amaretto, bourbon (we love Elijah Craig), and whiskey flavored with honey (like Wild Turkey). Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Because this drink is bourbon and whiskey, I shake it even longer, shooting for an even smoother 25 percent water.
Harvest Pear
This one has one less alcoholic ingredient. Equal parts pear vodka (such as Grey Goose), pear sake (yes, there is such a thing), and pear nectar or puree. Garnish with a thinly cut pear wedge. You can swap pear liqueur for the sake, but the drink will be sweeter.
Now go, enjoy your family and friends. It’s the holidaze, after all. ▼
Ed and his husband, Jerry, split their time between homes near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Bethany Beach. Ed builds websites to pay the bills but loves to cook, garden, hike, and dote on their dog, Atticus.