Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and 2018 we’re celebrating the Year of the Dog! The dog happens to be my zodiac sign, which according to tradition means I’m in for 12 long months of bad luck….Well to drown my sorrows, I guess it’s time to drum up some cocktails that celebrate the momentous occasion before something bad happens to me!
The Great Dane
It’s the year of the dog, so it’s only fitting to have a cocktail named after one of the most audacious canines out there. Bonus points for also being red.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz akvavit (or you can substitute with 2oz gin)
- 1/2 oz Cherry brandy
- 1/2 oz Cranberry juice
- 1 dash Orange bitters
Method: Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry or an orange peel.
The Firecracker
Because no Chinese New Year is complete without a little fireworks display. Make a pitcher of this ahead of time so you aren’t playing bartender all night
Ingredients:
- 16 oz London dry gin
- 1 bottle Dry rose wine
- 3/4 cups Sugar
- 1 cup fresh sour cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
Method: Bring sugar and 3/4 cup of water to a boil in a small pot. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Combine simple syrup, cherries and gin into a pitcher and refrigerate for about two to three hours. Stir in lemon juice and wine. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
Red Lotus
Utilizing lychee, this cocktail brings out some creative flavours that makes it incredibly smooth to drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Vodka
- 1 1/2 oz Lychee liqueur
- 1 oz Cranberry juice
Method: Combine all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, top with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled old fashioned glass and add a large ice cube. Garnish with fresh lychee berry.
Summer at the Bund
If you happen to have some Baijiu around the house, and let’s face it who doesn’t, then cut down on the harshness of the spirit with this lovely cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 oz. Mianzhu Daqu Laohao baijiu
- 1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
- 3 1/2 oz. Guava juice
- Orange wedge and a cherry for garnish
Method: Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake well. Pour contents, with ice, into a highball glass. Garnish with orange wedge and cherry.
Sidecar
Cognac is a great gift for Chinese New Year, and oranges are good luck. So a sidecar is a perfect cocktail choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 1 splash lime juice
Method: Combine all ingredients with ice, shake, and strain into a cocktail glass. For an extra flair, sugar half the martini glass rim prior to pouring in.
Ale/Sessions 