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Sleigh Your Holiday Menu: The Nutcracker Cocktail - A Festive Winter Classic

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/16 .. utcracker-cocktail-a-festive-winter-classic.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 13:02 GMT by ABC15 Arizona

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Sleigh Your Holiday Menu: The Nutcracker Cocktail – A Festive Winter Classic

When the holiday season rolls around, the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, pine, and the clinking of glasses. ABC 15’s “Sleigh Your Holiday Menu” segment on its Sacramento‑based news website takes a special tour of one particular cocktail that has quickly become a staple of the season: the Nutcracker. While the name evokes images of a ballet‑filled evening and a nut‑filled treat, the drink itself is a warm, spiced concoction that brings nutty flavor, sweet maple notes, and a gentle kick of bourbon into a glass.

The article opens by setting the scene for the holidays—highlighting how a signature cocktail can transform a simple family gathering into a memorable celebration. Viewers are encouraged to think of their own “signature” drinks that make a statement, and the Nutcracker is presented as a drink that’s “both elegant and comforting.” The creators of the segment explain that the cocktail’s name was chosen to echo the classic holiday ballet, and that the nutty flavor profile mirrors the “nutcracker” dance’s tradition of sugar‑spiced storytelling.

Ingredients in a Nutshell

ABC 15’s recipe is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to create a holiday beverage with minimal fuss. The drink uses:

• Bourbon – the base spirit, offering warmth and depth.
• Maple syrup – to balance the bourbon’s burn and introduce natural sweetness.
• Fresh orange juice – adding a bright, citrusy note.
• Fresh lemon juice – for a tart counterpoint that prevents the cocktail from feeling too sweet.
• Ground cinnamon – to deliver the quintessential holiday spice.
• Ground cloves – for a warm, slightly peppery undertone.
• Nutmeg – the true “nut” component, sprinkled fresh to provide a fragrant finish.
• Egg white – optional but recommended for a silky, frothy texture.
• Garnishes – a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a visually striking presentation.

While the article lists all of these ingredients, it also offers a practical substitution for those who prefer a lighter version: use a low‑alcohol spiced rum instead of bourbon or replace maple syrup with agave nectar.

Method and Presentation

ABC 15 walks viewers through a simple process:

1. In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and a handful of ground cinnamon and cloves.
2. Warm the mixture gently until it’s just about to simmer; avoid a full boil, which can evaporate the alcohol and reduce flavor.
3. In a separate shaker, add the egg white (if using) with ice and give it a vigorous shake to create a frothy head.
4. Pour the warmed mixture into the shaker, then re‑shake briefly.
5. Strain into a pre‑heated glass or mug to keep the drink warm.
6. Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg, a sprig of rosemary, or a cinnamon stick, depending on the desired visual effect.

The segment emphasizes the importance of the garnish, explaining that a simple twist of orange peel or a single nutmeg seed can turn an ordinary drink into a polished centerpiece. In addition, the host suggests serving the cocktail in “classic crystal” glasses to give the drink an extra touch of holiday elegance.

Tips for Perfecting the Nutcracker

The ABC 15 article doesn’t just list steps; it also offers insider tips to help readers master the drink:

• Fresh Spices: Using fresh‑ground spices (especially nutmeg and cinnamon) yields a more vibrant aroma and flavor.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or orange juice to suit your taste—some viewers prefer a sweeter drink, while others want the bourbon to shine.
• Egg White Optional: For a silky mouthfeel, the egg white creates a frothy top that makes the drink feel more indulgent.
• Temperature: While the drink can be served warm, some guests enjoy it over ice. If served cold, the flavors become more nuanced.

The host also mentions that the Nutcracker is versatile: it can be turned into a non‑alcoholic mock‑tail by omitting the bourbon and using a sparkling, fruit‑based beverage as a base.

Connections to Other Holiday Recipes

ABC 15’s page does more than just present a cocktail—it serves as a hub for holiday cooking ideas. The article includes links to other seasonal drinks such as a “Gingerbread Mule,” a “Cranberry Margarita,” and a “Hot Apple Cider” recipe, providing readers with an entire cocktail lineup for their holiday parties.

There’s also a link to a classic holiday dessert that shares the “Nutcracker” name: the Nutcracker cake—a layered, buttery dessert with a hint of almond. By offering both a sweet and a savory option, the article demonstrates how the Nutcracker theme can be carried across a holiday menu.

A Closing Note

In the final section, ABC 15’s segment emphasizes that the Nutcracker cocktail is not merely a drink but a storytelling experience. Its warm spices echo holiday lights, its nutty flavor harks back to the classic “Nutcracker” ballet, and its comforting sweetness brings family members together over a shared glass. The article invites readers to experiment, tweak, and personalize the recipe, reminding them that the most memorable holiday moments come from the little details—like the perfect garnish or the right amount of spice.

With a clear, step‑by‑step guide, a concise list of ingredients, and helpful variations, ABC 15’s “Sleigh Your Holiday Menu” piece offers a reliable roadmap for anyone looking to add a little extra sparkle to their holiday festivities. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a first‑time home bartender, the Nutcracker cocktail is sure to become a winter classic on your holiday table.