Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• The Toast Before the To-Do List

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - Chai Bourbon Flip

• Cocktail Tip: Eggs & Alternatives in Drinks

• Bonus Cocktails

• Mocktail Moment - Orange Clove Sparkler

✨ The Toast Before the To-Do List

The lights are twinkling, the inbox is full, and your brain is a jingle bell away from short-circuiting. Before we all dive into peak holiday mode, this week’s cocktails are here to remind you: you can pause. This is the toast before the to-do list.

Whether you're sipping solo or cozying up with friends, these drinks are made for slowing down, breathing deep, and remembering that stillness is a holiday vibe.

✔️ Drink of the Week: Chai Bourbon Flip
✔️ 2 cozy bonus cocktails
✔️ A mocktail that sparkles without spiking
✔️ A quick guide to eggs in cocktails (and how to skip them)
✔️ Bar cart links, a quote, and a trivia moment to keep you inspired

Trivia Question❓

What popular winter cocktail is traditionally made with butter, dark rum, and spices?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week: Chai Bourbon Flip

A rich, comforting twist on a holiday flip. This one’s creamy and spiced with a velvety finish—like your favorite sweater in cocktail form.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz brewed chai (strong, cooled)

• 0.5 oz maple syrup

• 1 whole egg

• Dash of nutmeg

• Optional: 0.25 oz cream for extra richness

• Garnish: Grated nutmeg or cinnamon stick

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients (except garnish) to a shaker without ice and shake hard to emulsify.

2. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.

3. Strain into a coupe or mug. Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon.

Smooth, warming, and deeply sippable.

🥚 Cocktail Tip: Eggs & Alternatives in Drinks

Cocktails like flips or sours often call for eggs, not for flavor, but for texture. The egg adds richness, silkiness, and that signature foam top.

How to use eggs safely:

• Always use fresh, cold eggs

• If concerned about safety, use pasteurized eggs

• Shake without ice first (dry shake) to emulsify, then shake with ice

Alternative: Aquafaba
→ Use 1 oz of aquafaba (chickpea brine from a can) instead of egg.
It creates nearly identical froth and works well in vegan-friendly cocktails.

🛍️ Bar Cart Helpers

Elegant Coupe Glasses – Elevate your flips & sours
Nutmeg Grater + Garnish Kit – For that perfect finishing touch
Glass Teapot - For Chai or Mulled Cocktails

Bonus Cocktails

1. Mulled Gin Punch (Batch Friendly)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry gin

• 1.5 cups apple cider

• 1 cup cranberry juice

• 0.5 cup honey syrup

• 1 orange (sliced)

• Mulling spices (cloves, cinnamon, star anise)

Directions:
Simmer cider, cranberry juice, honey, orange slices, and spices in a pot for 15–20 mins. Remove from heat, stir in gin, and serve warm in mugs. Garnish with citrus or spice.

2. Vanilla Cranberry Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 0.25 oz vanilla syrup

• Top with ginger beer

• Garnish: sugared cranberries + rosemary

Directions:
Shake vodka, cranberry juice, and vanilla syrup with ice. Strain into a mule mug or rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Garnish and serve.

Mocktail Moment: Orange Clove Sparkler

Ingredients:

• 2 oz fresh orange juice

• 0.5 oz clove syrup (or cinnamon syrup)

• Top with sparkling water

• Garnish: orange wheel + clove or cinnamon stick

Directions:
Shake juice and syrup with ice. Strain into a stemless glass. Top with bubbles. Garnish. Festive, refreshing, and zero proof.