Dynamic Duos
Every good get-together these days features a cheese and charcuterie setup. This can range from a couple of cheeses and sliced salumi to a full-on grazing board. During the holiday season, I lean more towards the extravagant side. If you want to elevate the experience even further, consider pairing holiday cocktails with the entire setup. Hosting a large group? Setting up stations allows your guests to pick and choose as they please.
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
FREEZER MARTINI + PICKLED BOARD
Serves 8
The Martini, with all its variations, is making a significant comeback. To avoid stirring (not shaking!) individual orders throughout the night, pre-make a few rounds of this classic drink and store them in your freezer. A quick note on the recipe: the water approximates the dilution you'd achieve from stirring with ice.
For the board: Draw inspiration from classic martini variations, such as the Gibson (a martini with a pickled onion) or the Dirty Martini (a martini with olive juice). What a martini craves is a briny, pickle-heavy spread. Prioritize olives and pickled veggies (like carrots, cauliflower, green beans), and incorporate cheeses such as Jasper Hill’s Harbison and marinated Greek feta. Round it out with peppered salami and gravlax.
Ingredients:
• 16 ounces London dry gin
• 8 ounces dry vermouth, such as Dolin’s
• 1 cup water
• 8 dashes of orange bitters
Garnish: Orange twist
Glassware: Martini or Nick & Nora glass
Combine all the ingredients in a clean liter bottle and seal. Freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours. To serve, pour one serving (around ½ cup) into a martini glass and garnish with an orange twist.
NEGRONI SBAGLIATO + APERITIVO SPREAD
Serves 8
The Negroni's sparkling cousin, with its iconic red hue and effervescent flavor, is tailor-made for holiday festivities. It’s straightforward to mix, and using a punch bowl makes it even easier. With a 1:1:1 ratio, you don’t have to fuss with measurements.
For the board: Embrace the Italian theme with grissini, marinated artichoke hearts, green olives, Marcona almonds, crostini, potato chips and prosciutto. Pair with bold cheeses, like aged Parmesan and Gorgonzola, to complement the drink's robust flavors.
Ingredients:
• One 750 mL bottle Campari, chilled
• One 750 mL bottle Sweet Vermouth, such as Carpano Antica, chilled
• One 750 mL bottle Prosecco, chilled
Garnish: Orange twist
Glassware: Rocks
Combine all the ingredients in an ice-filled bowl. Stir and serve in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
HOLIDAY MARGARITA + COMFORT SNACKS
Serves 8
While a traditional margarita might not shout “holiday spirit,” its widespread appeal is undeniable. A few tweaks, like adding cranberry juice, can transform this staple into a holiday delight. Plus, this recipe is easy to batch, ensuring a fruity and festive drink for all.
For the board: Pair with fresh-cut veggies such as radishes and colorful carrots, complemented by an assortment of grapes. The drink's citrus notes also make pairing cheese a breeze — opt for a light fresh goat cheese or a mild brie. For a heartier addition, bacon-wrapped dates or pulled pork sliders match the drink’s fruity profile beautifully.
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups blanco tequila
• ¾ cup Cointreau
• ¾ cup lime juice
• 4 cups cranberry juice (not cocktail)
Garnish: Cranberries
Glassware: Rocks
Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher filled with ice. Serve immediately in rocks glasses, garnished with cranberries.