Alright Cakies, for our last post before Christmas (can this really be true?!), we’ve got ideas for one of the most important holiday party elements of all… The cocktail. (What else?) Marie Buck documented this popup cocktail party called The Harvest that cocktail pros The Whaling Club threw in their LA studio this month. And you knew we just had to slip one more holiday cocktail recipe in there somewhere too, right? Keep scrolling…
Nutcracker Holiday Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
.5 oz lemon juice
.5 oz walnut orgeat (recipe below)
.5 oz apple cider (pressed apple juice)
1 oz amontillado sherry
1.5 oz bourbon
Combine ingredients in a shaking tin. Dry shake (without ice), pour into a chilled goblet and mound with crushed ice. Garnish with grated cinnamon and an apple fan. Enjoy!
Walnut Orgeat
Combine 2 cups water and 1 cup walnuts in a food processor. Blend on high until walnuts are finely chopped. Strain through fine mesh strainer. Combine equal parts ‘walnut milk’ and sugar in a small pot over low heat for 10 minutes. Bottle and refrigerate.
A bit about what The Whaling Club served up… Los Angeles is home to some of the greatest seasonal markets that are full of culinary inspiration. We sourced local fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, roots, and citrus for our cocktails. Our Nutcracker cocktail starts with a base of bourbon and amontillado sherry. The pair alone is nutty, with notes of ripe fruit and rich oak. We took everything we loved about that profile and enhanced it with lemon juice, fresh pressed pink lady apple juice, and our house-made walnut orgeat. The combination is nutty, tart, and crisp. This one was definitely a fan favorite and we’re sharing the recipe below for your own holiday party.
They went for a speakeasy vibe with the help of Circa Vintage Rentals to emulate an intimate cocktail den. Can’t go wrong there!
Inessa Nichols added seasonal pops of color with her beautiful florals and stunning garlands that lined the room. Guests made three selections each from the six cocktail menu allowing couples to try the entire flight or go back for their favorites. Marie captured all of the details as well as a few live shots from the evening.
If you don’t have a seasonal cocktail on lock for the weekend, why not give this a try? Wishing you all the bestest Christmas weekends!
Photographer: Marie Buck Photography / Florals: Inessa Nichols Design / Location & Cocktails: The Whaling Club / Rentals: Circa Vintage Rentals
