This isn’t exactly a beginner’s drink, but it’s completely delicious, gorgeous to look at, and in tune with the December holiday season. 

It took several attempts to make it the way I like it. The original recipe, which I found online, didn’t include simple syrup, so between the lemon and cranberry juices it came across as a bit too sour—but ½ to ¾ ounce of simple syrup (1:1) fixes that.

Also, this drink calls for egg whites to create that snowy, luscious foam on top, so if you’re new to using egg whites, I recommend reading my previous post about egg white technique. I realize that the idea of raw egg whites makes some people a little nervous, but they do produce a richer, creamier foam and texture throughout the drink, compared to pasteurized egg whites—and raw whites from wisely handled eggs haven’t made me sick.

I love, love, love this drink—the making as well as the sipping!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
2 oz London Dry Gin of choice
¾ oz Fresh Lemon juice
¾ oz Cranberry juice
½ oz Simple syrup
4 dashes Angostura bitters
1 Egg white (raw) or 1 tbsp pasteurized egg whites

Combine all ingredients in the base of a cocktail shaker, adding the egg white last. Cover and shake vigorously without ice for at least one full minute. Add ice and shake for 30-60 more seconds until well chilled. Strain into a coupe, allow a couple of minutes for the foam to separate and rise to the surface, then garnish with a single clove dropped in the center of the foam to light up your nose every time you take a sip.

Now you are officially home for the holidays. Merry Christmas!