cocktails

There’s something deeply satisfying about the ritual of making eggnog from scratch. It’s creamy and rich, with just the right amount of spice and a silky texture that puts the carton stuff to shame. Whether you spike it or not, it’s a cozy classic worth slowing down for.

The delicate, subtle flavours of this gorgeous Sakura Gimlet by Botanist Bar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver are inspired by B.C.’s cherry blossom season. It’s garnished with a beautiful viola flower. And, because many people are gravitating towards lower-alcohol cocktails, this is an “inverted” drink—that is, there’s more vermouth and wine in it than there is gin.

A festive twist on a classic spritz, this version adds cranberry juice and uses frozen cranberries to both chill and garnish the drink and sprigs of rosemary to add wintry enchantment.

This fresh and vibrant lowball is a great antidote to the mid-winter blues. It combines the floral notes of Ceder’s Pink Rose faux gin with honey and bright pink grapefruit, which, like all citrus, is at its peak in winter.—Christine Sismondo