Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor

I first posted this cocktail two years ago, before beginning the Cocktail of the Week series. We’re reposting it with some updates because it’s simply that good!

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

The original recipe I found online didn’t include simple syrup, so between the lemon and cranberry juices, it came across as a bit too sour; ½ to ¾ ounce of simple syrup fixes that.

Given the intense flavors of the other ingredients, you’ll want a higher-proof, flavorful gin. My go-to in a drink like this is Sipsmith VJOP Gin

This drink calls for egg whites to create the snowy, luscious foam on top. If you’re new to using egg white in cocktails, I recommend reading my February 9, 2022, post about egg white technique. The idea of raw egg white makes some people a little nervous, but it produces a richer, creamier foam and texture throughout the drink compared to pasteurized egg whites or Fee Foam. Raw whites from wisely handled eggs haven’t made me sick, but use pasteurized egg whites if you’re concerned; they’re readily available in good grocery stores, and they’re inexpensive. Fee Foam doesn’t produce as much of a foam, but it avoids real eggs completely, which also makes it a good option for my vegan and vegetarian friends!

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

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
2 oz Sipsmith VJOP Gin (or London Dry Gin of choice)
¾ oz Freshly squeezed Lemon juice
¾ oz Cranberry juice cocktail
½ oz Simple syrup
4 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 Egg white (raw) (OR 1 tbsp pasteurized egg whites, OR 2 tsp Fee Foam)

Combine all ingredients in the base of a cocktail shaker, adding the egg white last (if you’re using it). Cover and shake vigorously (while maintaining a death grip on the shaker lid!) without ice for about one full minute. Add ice and shake for 20-30 more seconds until well chilled. Fine-strain into a frozen cocktail 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.

Fee Foam shortcut: Just add the Fee Foam to the shaker along with the other ingredients and plenty of ice, and shake for 20-30 seconds before fine-straining the drink into your frozen coupe.

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

About our Cocktail of the Week partners—shop local and independent!
Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor are less than a mile from each other, on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton.

Cooks’ World, in business since 1978, is Rochester’s premier retailer of dining, kitchen, and cooking products, including a complete selection of glassware, mixology tools, and accessories for wine and spirits lovers. Follow Cooks’ World on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up here to receive Cooks’ World’s daily email specials and other news. 

Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, in business since 1997, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of spirits and wine from around the world, with a savvy staff to assist in your selection and encourage you along your cocktail and wine journey. Follow Pinnacle on Facebook and Instagram. For the inside track on Pinnacle’s spirits sales, send two text messages to (585)765-7546:
— Text the word “bourbon,” to receive weekly text messages offering the chance to buy rare or allocated whiskies or special prices on popular products.
—Text the word “spirits,” to receive roughly monthly offers on fine spirits other than whiskies.

Shout out to the official supplier of elegant clear ice to the Libation Lounge: My friend Ralph DiTucci of Cristallino Premium Ice and Grace & Disgrace.