Today on the blog, our Ethical Style Director Janelle shares her favorite winter cocktail recipes, round up style, for your next shindig:
Welcome to the first edition of Simple Styling, a blog series dedicated to helping you throw the best dang P&C Parties. Pinteresters will love you, and your friends will Instagram all the things. Well, maybe that's wishful thinking. But either way, we'll help you plan a #PandCParty in no time.
Ah, winter. I don’t know where you live, but Austin likes to pretend we have a winter for one or two days, and then we all “celebrate” the return of the warmth two days later. Yesterday, I flew from Austin to Washington, D.C., and there was literally a 40 degree change from when I left to when I landed. Friends in the North: I’m so sorry for ever complaining about the cold.
But all this is beside the point. I braved the cold last night to go to a friend’s favorite neighborhood restaurant and was inspired to share my absolute favorite wintertime cocktails, to warm your spirits and fingers at your next party. And if you’re a Texan, you can turn on Netflix Fireplace and pretend the weather is frosty while you sip on these delicious snow and sweater inspired cocktails. (May we suggest how well these drinks pair with shopping for gorgeous handbags? We happen to know know of a way that could happen…)
Earl Grey Hot Toddy
Photo Credit: Carolina Girl Cooks
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a bourbon girl through and through. There’s just something sweet and welcoming about bourbon that makes a perfect winter drink. So we’ll start here: A classic with a twist, the Earl Grey Hot Toddy. Love earl grey? Good. Me too. The lemon and honey in this are perfect complements to the subtle citrus undertones in the tea, and it rounds out your favorite bourbon with perfect balance. (For what it’s worth, I made mine with Red-Handed Bourbon by Treaty Oak, because, well, Austin.) Pairing suggestions: Mittens, cute crocheted blankets, gingersnaps, and a whole lot of charm. Click through here to see the full recipe.
Cranberry Mimosa:
Photo Credit: Lauren Kelp
Next up is a yummy (and super photogenic) cocktail that is made better by the fact that there’s 3 ingredients and almost no need for a recipe. Got white cranberry juice? Got champagne? Perfect. Let’s make a drink.
It’s served chilled, but feels just like Christmas and snow flurries. If you want to get real fancy, garnish with sugared cranberries rather than normal ones. It’s makes the drink really sparkle! Turn on some Ella, scatter some gold confetti, set these on a shimmery platter, and you’ve nailed a glittery, glitzy soiree.
Check it out on one of my all-time favorite blogs, Lauren Kelp. (And for more party tips, check out the Table Makers series that she does alongside my sweet friend Constance, which brings you ideas for some of loveliest tablescapes for dining and entertaining you’ve ever seen.)
Apple Cider Mocktail Mule:
Photo credit: Lauren Kelp
Because everything they post is so swoon-worthy, next up is another little treat from Lauren Kelp -- The Apple Cider Mocktail Mule. Warm and toasty cinnamon, meet your match in the bright tones of apple and lime. It’s served cold, but throw your leftover cinnamon sticks, apple, and cider on the stove to make your house smell like a cozy cabin in the woods.
Plus, there’s no alcohol, so it’s a killer recipe for a kid-friendly get-together, for serving mamas-to-be, or just as a fancy non-alcoholic option for any night! I love anything cinnamon-y, and when served in those lush copper mugs, I just can’t say no. Recipe here, you apple-a-holics.
Mezcal Hot Chocolate:
Photo credit: A Practical Wedding
Alright, alright. This one might turn a few of you away. And, to be honest, I wasn’t so sold on it at first. I mean, why mess with something already great? But y’all. There’s nothing Austinites love more than Mezcal. Except maybe Topo Chico, but that’s not the point. And, you can be real here, who doesn’t perk up at the idea of spiked hot cocoa?
Got a great go-to recipe for hot chocolate? Perfect. Feel free to use that, or you can go the easy route, as I did, and just grab your fave hot cocoa mix. (Hint: I’m LOVING the Equal Exchange cocoa mix you can find at Ten Thousand Villages!) This recipe doubles the amount of cocoa, and even includes chocolate bitters, so you know you’re in for some goodness.
We love the idea of sipping this while oohing-and-ahhing over this stunning Envelope Clutch or picking out a present for your best friend’s birthday. The recipe can be found at the bottom of the page when you click through here!
So there you have it, ladies, four gorgeous cocktail ideas. Warm up your next gathering or simply treat yourself to a good Friday relaxation sesh. Did I miss your favorite winter sipper? Tell me all about it in the comments, and I’ll be sure to try it out ASAP.
Interested in using one of these bad boys at a P&C Party but don’t already have one on the calendar? No worries… we’ve got you covered. Check out more info on hosting a party here. Invite some friends, whip up a batch of your number one drink and shop our newest collection of bags! We’ll be in contact soon, loves. Until then, happy Fri-yay and adventure on!
Make sure to tag us on social media using #PandCParty so we can see all your fun photos! Who knows, maybe I'll have you write the next edition of Simple Styling!
