The weatherman is calling for plenty of snowy days ahead, so get the snow-play party started. Round up some pals, embark on your snow-mode of choice—snowshoes, skis, board, snowmobile, sled—and afterward, share a beverage and tales. We’ve asked our favorite Northern Michigan mixologists to contribute a recipe to keep the glow going. Raise a toast with these winter cocktails. (Check out Winter Cocktails Part 2 for even more recipes!)
The Nut Kraken
Courtesy of Cava, Bay Harbor, 231.439.2282
- 1 ounce Kraken Rum
- 1 ounce RumChata
- 1/2 ounce vanilla vodka
- 1/2 ounce Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
- Sprinkle nutmeg on top when in the glass
Put it all in the shaker with ice, strain and serve in chilled martini glass. (Ice in glass to quick chill the glass or put in fridge).
The Gingerbread Martini
Courtesy of Sleder’s, Traverse City, 231.947.9213
- 1 ounce Stoli Vanil vodka
- 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 ounce Kahlua
- Dash of Hot Damn (or to taste)
Shake and serve up in a martini glass; for the chocolate gurus, rim glass in chocolate.
Says Sleder’s Chris Phillips: “Stop in, sit by the warm fire place and sip this easy-going cocktail before kissing the Moose!”
Cappuccino Espresso Martini
Courtesy of Cafe Santé, Boyne City, 231.582.8800
- 1/2 ounce Botticelli Cappuccino Liqueur
- 1/2 ounce Svedka Vanilla
- 1/2 ounce Tuaca Vanilla Citrus Liqueur
- 1/2 ounce Frangelico
- 1 ounce Fresh Brewed Espresso
Shake over ice, and serve in a martini glass with chocolate syrup drizzled on the inside.
Says Cafe Santé’s Mike Dunlop: “Enjoy the frothy deliciousness après dinner or while taking a break from the ski hill!”
Bananas Foster
Courtesy of Boathouse, Old Mission Peninsula, 231.223.4030
- 1 & 1/2 ounces 99 Bananas
- 1 & 1/2 ounces dark rum (preferably Meyer’s)
- Cream
- 1 banana
- Caramel
- Cinnamon-sugar
Coat the rim of a coffee mug with cinnamon-sugar, and add the two liqueurs. Top with warm cream. Drizzle with caramel, garnish with sliced banana, and brulée the top.
Says the Boathouse’s Ryan McKenney: “This drink will warm you and remind you of being on a tropical island.”
Gingerbread Coffee
Courtesy of Knot Just a Bar, Omena, 231.386.7393
- 2 parts Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 part Stoli Vanilla Vodka
- 1/2 part Hiram Walker Gingerbread Liqueur
Add freshly brewed coffee. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Says former Knot Just a Bar and current Filling Station barman Todd Klepper: “It is the perfect way to warm up after a day of visiting Leelanau Peninsula wineries and snowshoeing around the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Leelanau State Park.”
“Runner Plank”
Courtesy of the Bluebird, Leland, 231.256.9081
- 1 cup soft butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups Breyers Vanilla Bean ice cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 shots good rum (per drink)
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in softened ice cream and spices. Cover, and re-freeze. For each serving, place a 1/2 cup of the mixture in a mug, add 1/2 cup to a cup of boiling water to dissolve, stir in a shot of rum, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and dust with nutmeg. Enjoy!
Still thirsty? Get more tasty ideas for winter drinks in the MyNorth recipe directory.