I N T H E K I T C H E N | L O C A L H A U N T S F O R H O L I D AY C O C K T A I L S
Yuletide
What’s in your glass?
By Chef Clyde Van Arsdall IV
A
s you crest the top of the bridge heading into Coronado, the first thing that grabs your eye is the Hotel Del: all lit up, framed in seasonal lights. It is like a beacon welcoming us home for the holidays. Turning on to Orange Avenue with all the pines decked out in Christmas lights never gets old. In fact, the older I get the less I take it for granted. This is the time of year to reflect. Have friends and family over for cocktails and share some laughs. This is also the time when some of us have children coming home from college — for this, I am indeed thankful. Grab your Ugg boots, dig out that sweater you seldom need, and walk uptown to enjoy the lights. Maybe pop into your favorite spot for some holiday cheer. There will be ice-skating at the Hotel Del and Santa will once again ride up the avenue to light the tree. A toast is in order... What should we put in our glasses? Time to pull out some seasonal favorites: really good, boozy eggnog, bourbon-spiked apple cider, or a splash of champagne. Holiday drinks have a rich history; they bring both warmth and cheer. Cinnamon, nutmeg and mulling spice abound. For me, a pumpkin spice latte is not going to do the trick — this guy needs an adult beverage. 34
CROWN CITY MAGAZINE
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DECEMBER 2021
When it comes to holiday drinks at home, three things come to mind: eggnog, mulled cider and champagne. When evenings cool off and you find yourself outdoors cider is always a good choice and who doesn’t like adding a little kick to theirs? Eggnog is something most of us can only do in moderation, but it is a must for Christmas eve in our house. Champagne? Yes, please. Bubbles make everything festive, especially this time of year. I will pull out my grandfather’s recipe for eggnog and share with you my version of a bourbon-spiked apple cider. Good champagne doesn’t need any help but if you want to take it up a notch there is a simple way to do that. Want to get out of the house? I asked around and there are several fun holiday-themed cocktails that can be found right here in town. If you are out shopping off-island and you want some holiday cheer, you need to check out Polite Provisions during “Miracle on 30th,” a seasonal holiday cocktail pop-up that runs from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Polite Provisions goes all out with the decorations; it really has to be seen to be believed. We have cider to mull, egg whites to beat, corks to pop and a host of local holiday cocktails to go over, so let's get started.
