The Winter Bar

So I've been drinking now for a few months and have realized something. Summer cocktails are not for winter. I don't like the idea of a light, citrus-y gin and tonic when it's snowing outside, so I've been doing some research and have come up with some ideas for the winter bar. First off, I tend to be a brown liquor type of person rather than a clear liquor type of person, so right off the bat, my home bar is brimming with winter promise. A few winter staples: blended whiskey, bourbon whiskey, rye, brandy, dark rum, and spiced rum. I don't have all of these but a girl has to dream...

Next we have the liquors. I made apple pie liquor for the holidays, so that is a winner right there. Ginger liquor highlights the spicy holiday notes, and orange liquor is a must have. All nut liquors have a place in the winter bar, like Amaretto, Frangelico, Nocino. I have honey whiskey, but any honey liquor would add a nice flavor dimension to a winter cocktail, and I've been thinking of making gingerbread liquor to really liven things up. Don't forget the peppermint schnapps!

An interesting concept is the wine cocktail. Red wine cocktails rule the abbreviated days and help warm up the bleak winter blues. A full-bodied, oakey red such as Cabernet sauvignon would be a good candidate for a rich winter libation. Port is also nice to have on hand. Here's a nice recipe for a Suburban from a blog called Looka! Definitely one to try!

SUBURBAN

1-1/2 ounces rye whiskey
1/2 ounce dark rum
1/2 ounce ruby port
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters

Combine with cracked ice in a mixing glass and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. No garnish.

Lastly we have the mixers. I have to say, tonic water is out for the time being, though I love the stuff, and have discovered Fever Tree tonic water, akin to the water of life in my opinion. Mmmm. Anyhoo, I'm thinking root beer, ginger ale, ginger beer, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, apple cider/juice, pear nectar, and well, anyone have any other ideas? Anyone? Bueller......