By Jennifer Jett Prezkop
The holiday season is one of gathering with family and friends to celebrate traditions and blessings. In honor of the many Thanksgiving get-togethers, Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve countdowns that will take place in the coming months, West Virginia Executive magazine reached out to The Junction Restaurant and Saloon, Snowshoe Mountain’s most unique dining experience, for some seasonal cocktails that will give your upcoming event an extra special dose of holiday cheer.
Kathleen Shaw, a bartender who has been with The Junction since 1989, created three special drinks for the upcoming holiday season to share with our readers: the Apple-Cran Mule for Thanksgiving, the Monongahela Forest Cake for a cozy Christmas Eve and the Honey Badger to bring in the new year.
“Seasonal drinks are just as important as seasonal foods,” she says. “They help you taste the holidays.”
Whether you are hosting an event this winter or are in search of something unique to take to a party, these one-of-a-kind cocktails have something for everyone.
Apple-Cran Mule
Serves 2
2 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice
2 oz sparkling apple juice
Barritt’s Ginger Beer
Red and green apple slices
4 cinnamon sticks
Lemon twist
Fresh cranberries, optional
Fill two large glasses with ice. Add the vodka and cranberry juice, then the sparkling apple juice. Top with ginger beer, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks and lemon twist. Add fresh cranberries if desired. Serve immediately.
Monongahela Forest Cake
Serves 1
¾ oz cherry vodka
½ oz crème de cacao
½ oz Godiva chocolate liqueur
Hot chocolate
Whipped cream
Mini chocolate chips
Maraschino cherries
Mix the cherry vodka, crème de cacao and Godiva chocolate liquor in a glass. Fill the rest of the glass with hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips and a maraschino cherry.
Honey Badger
Serves 1
3 oz Brut Bubbles champagne
½ oz St-Germain liqueur
Lemon twist or seasonal berries
Pour a glass of champagne and add the St-Germain liqueur. Garnish with lemon twist or fresh seasonal berries.
