Cranberry Gin Fizz

Ingredient

For the Cranberry Syrup:

1/2 c. cranberries

3/4 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. water

4 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Cocktail:

2 oz. gin

3/4 oz. Cranberry Syrup 

3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. elderflower liquor

Ice

Club soda

Fresh cranberries, to garnish

2 sprig fresh thyme, to garnish

DIRECTIONS

• Make the Cranberry Syrup: Simmer cranberries, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and cranberries break down, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in 4 sprigs fresh thyme. Cool to room temperature. Strain; discard solids. 
• Make the Cocktail: Combine gin, Cranberry Syrup, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liquor, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled; strain into 2 glasses. Top with ice and club soda. Garnish each drink with fresh cranberries and 1 sprig fresh thyme. 

Old-Fashioned Eggnog

Ingredient

1 c. heavy cream

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 cinnamon sticks, broken

1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for serving

4 c. whole milk, divided

8 large eggs, separated

3/4 c. granulated sugar

Pinch of kosher salt

3/4 c. to 1 cup dark rum, bourbon, or cognac

DIRECTIONS

• Combine heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 cups milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until tiny bubbles begin to appear around the edge of the pot (do not let it boil), 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. 
• Meanwhile, beat egg yolks with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Gradually beat in sugar and salt. Increase speed to high and beat until thick and very pale in color, 2 to 3 minutes. 
• Strain spiced cream mixture, discarding solids; return liquid to pot. Slowly beat 1 cup warm cream mixture into yolk mixture on low speed. Return to pot with cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until mixture coats the back of the spatula, 9 to 10 minutes. 
• Place the pot over a large bowl filled with ice water and let cool, stirring occasionally, until chilled, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in rum, bourbon, or cognac and remaining 2 cups milk. 
• Just before serving, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes; fold into eggnog. Serve topped with grated nutmeg.

Mulled Wine

Ingredient

1 (750-ml.) bottle red wine

1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish

6 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

3 star anise

1/4 c. honey

1/2 c. brandy

DIRECTIONS

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer not a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes. 
• Serve warm and garnish with more citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.