Fabulous & Easy Craft Cocktails for a Feel-Good Winter
The majesty of ice clinging to the evergreens…the blanket of thick snow covering the earth…the calm and simplicity that comes with frigid days. Winter up here in the Northwoods is breathtakingly beautiful and particularly peaceful. As blissful as that all sounds, however, we are well aware that by the time February rolls around, the days seem to drag on and on and on…
The festive spirit of the holiday season has long passed. The allure of snowy outdoor activities has faded. Cabin fever has set in as visions of summer days, boat rides, and warm sunshine surface.
While we, too, are daydreaming of resuming our favorite lakeside activities and looking forward to all that is to come in 2021, we also have a solution for those winter blues that will cheer you up right here, right now.
A brand new line of craft cocktails that will warm you from the inside out, add excitement to your cozy evenings in, and help you transform your current dreariness into a feel-good winter. (Yes, we now carry these in our showroom! Seriously…stop by anytime. You need at least one of these in your life.)
So, Who Are They?
A dynamic duo from northern Florida, Rhonda and Suzanah of Camp Craft Cocktails, set out to share the two things they are most passionate about…cocktails and community.
In order to do so, they’ve created a line of pre-made cocktail kits (in Mason jars, no less) that help instill cocktail confidence into any home bartender… and infuse a bit of fun along the way. The type of alcohol varies from cocktail to cocktail, and yes, there are non-alcoholic substitutes for all of these, making them perfect for anyone and everyone!
Each jar comes with 4 easy-to-follow instructions:
- Add 12 oz. of alcohol or other mixer of choice
- Refrigerate for 3 days.
- Shake before serving.
- Share this delicious and oh-so-easy-to-make cocktail with your family and friends.
Now, let’s meet the Lakeside Living Team’s favorites in the Camp Craft Cocktails lineup, shall we…
1. Sweet and Subtly Spicy: “Sweater Weather”
Perfect For…
Chilly winter days when you’re craving both a hint of those beloved holiday flavors AND a taste of your favorite campfire treats.
Includes…
An adorable glass jar filled with ginger root, vegan marshmallows, whole cinnamon, and citrus-infused non-GMO vegan cane sugar. (Alcohol not included.)
Directions For Our Favorite Recipe: Fuego y Amor
- Infuse the jar with 12 oz. of Reposado or Añejo Tequila. (For a non-alcoholic take on this, infuse with agave juice.)
- Refrigerate 3 days, then strain.
- Make your favorite hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and pour that into mugs.
- Add 1-2 oz. of the infused Camp Sweater Weather cocktail and stir.
- Top with whipped cream (plus a dash of cocoa and chili powder, if you like some spice).
- And as the website suggests: “Sip, snuggle, and enjoy!”
2. Cinnamon-y and Citrusy: “Hot Toddy”
Perfect For…
Warming up next to the hearth with a roaring fire, ambient music, and the laughter of friends and family surrounding you.
Includes…
A mason jar filled with dried apple slices, cinnamon, whole star anise, cloves, dried lemon slices, and bitters-infused non-GMO vegan cane sugar. (Alcohol not included.)
Directions For Our Favorite Recipe: Hot Toddy
- Infuse the jar with 12 oz. of whiskey or bourbon. (For a non-alcoholic twist, infuse with vanilla extract and water…one part vanilla for every two parts water.)
- Refrigerate 3 days, then strain.
- Sip chilled, as-is, OR add the infusion to 4 oz. of your favorite hot tea or hot apple cider for extra warmth.
3. Fresh and Fruity: “Cranberry Martini”
Perfect For…
Livening up an intimate dinner party or family game night with refreshing citrus flavors and an effervescent finish.
Includes…
A ready-to-infuse glass jar filled with dried cranberries, dried lemon slices, dried orange slices, and citrus-infused non-GMO vegan cane sugar. (Alcohol not included.)
Directions For Our Favorite Recipe: Cranberry Martini
- Infuse the jar with 12 oz. of gin, vodka, vermouth, or a combination of them. (For a non-alcoholic take on this, infuse with white grape juice.)
- Refrigerate 3 days, then strain.
- Shake well before pouring into serving glasses.
- Add 4 oz. of clear soda or tonic and enjoy!
4. Tangy with a Touch of Thyme: “Mountain Pass”
Perfect For…
Cozying up with a good book in your favorite chair with that gorgeous chunky knit throw you were given for the holidays…savoring the snowy season.
Includes…
A reusable glass jar filled with dried thyme, dried apple slices, dried orange slices, and bitters-infused non-GMO vegan cane sugar. (Alcohol not included.)
Directions For Our Favorite Recipe: The Mellow Season
- Infuse the jar with 12 oz. of gin. (For a non-alcoholic twist, infuse with apple juice.)
- Refrigerate 3 days, then strain.
- Combine 2 oz. of the infused gin, 2 oz. apple cider, 1 oz. lemon juice, and a dash of ground cinnamon in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
- Enjoy the inner warmth that washes over you!
If you’re ready to beat the winter blues with any of these craft cocktail kits, please stop by or give us a call to make a safe, private appointment to visit our showroom.
While you’re here, we’d also love to help you select some gorgeous serving glasses or cozy mugs that will further liven up these long, snowy, February days.
Let us help you say farewell to cabin fever and hello to a feel-good winter with great drinks, fun servingware, and lots of Northwoods living home inspiration.
Until next month,
The Lakeside Living Team
