Never mind that old ginned-up hot cocoa recipe, here’s a list of winter drinks that make winter worth waiting for! We asked Northern Michigan mixologists from Frankfort to Petoskey for some of their favorite winter drinks. Here are their recipes. (Check out Winter Cocktails Part 1 for even more recipes!)


Chocolate-covered Strawberry Martini
courtesy of Blue Tractor, Traverse City, 231-922-9515

  • 1 shot Stoli Strasberi
  • 1 shot crème de cocoa white
  • 1/2 shot of Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
  • Splash of cream

Put all contents in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass with chocolate syrup swirls inside of it.

Says Blue Tractor’s Kayla M.F. Greilick: “In the cold months, this martini is great—it’ll warm you inside and out!”

Dreamy Clouds Martini
courtesy of Fusion, Frankfort, 231-352-4114

  • 2 ounces soju or Dreamy Clouds Sake
  • 2 ounces Navan vanilla cognac
  • 2 ounces star anise infused simple syrup
  • 1 ounce sambuca
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1 ounce cream or 1/2 and 1/2
  • 1 egg white
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Put all ingredients in a martini shaker filled with cracked ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into two martini glasses that are rimmed with brown sugar. Garnish with 3 anise stars on top. Above ingredients will make two drinks.

Says Fusion’s Bobbiesee Ku: “This licorise delight is perfect for a nightcap by the fireplace and a bowl of hot almond rice pudding.”

Neige Poire (Snow Pear)
courtesy of Phil’s on Front, Traverse City, 231- 929-1710

  • 2 ounce Valentine Vodka
  • 1/2 ounce Black Star Sirius Pear (pear dessert wine)
  • 1/2 ounce poached pear simple syrup
  • 1/2 ounce pear purée
  • L. Mawby Blanc de Blanc

Place Vodka, Sirius Pear, Syrup and Puree in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and serve up in a martini glass. Top with Blanc de Blanc. Garnish with slivered pear.

Says Phil’s on Front’s JoAnna Roe: “This drink is fun and festive without being overly sweet or heavy. Also, I love the fact that it is comprised entirely of Michigan products.”

Snow Fun ReVeeVer
courtesy of Poppycock’s, Traverse City, 231-941-7632

  • 1 1/2 ounce Veev Acai spirits
  • 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 2 ounces cranberry juice
  • Cinnamon sugar for rim

Rim a martini glass with cinnamon sugar. Shake all ingredients well with ice and strain into the rimmed glass. Garnish with Drunken Cherries, recipe below.

 For Drunken Acai Cherries, you will need:

  • 1 cup Veev Acai spirits
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 4 cloves
  • 4 allspice
  • 10 coffee beans
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 bag frozen dark sweet cherries

In a saucepan, bring the water, sugar and spices to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat off and then add Veev liquor. Remove the spice remnants so you have just the liquid left. Fill Mason jar or other sealed containers with the cherries and then pour the liquid over top. Refrigerate immediately, and they are ready in about two to four days to garnish your cocktail.

Says former Poppycocks and current Firefly barman, John Lohner: “This is the perfect cocktail to enjoy after a snowy day on the slopes snowboarding or skiing … or after an exhilarating day of snowshoeing or cross-county skiing.”

Crown Royal and Vernors
courtesy of Chandler’s, Petoskey, 231-347-2981

  • Crown Royal
  • Vernors Ginger Ale

Mix in portions to your liking.

Says Chandler’s barman Christian Colby: “My favorite winter cocktail is Crown Royal and Vernors Giner Ale.  Once hunting season comes around, it’s Crown Royal and Vernors up until springtime—often more Crown than Vernors.  I enjoy this drink at hunting camp and after a day of skiing at Nub’s or Boyne.”

Still thirsty? Get more tasty ideas for winter drinks in the MyNorth recipe directory.


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