Usually, at this time of year, I’ve gathered together a list of my favorite Christmas cocktails served in bars throughout London. Hopping from bar to bar to try their cinnamony, gingery, gingerbready concoctions is always my late November treat. Alas, as we are all very well aware, this year is unlike any other, but that hasn’t stopped me.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Hotels, restaurants, and bars have been shut for four weeks, and they are due to open tomorrow - at least in London. Still, Christmas cocktail creation is happening all over the country! 

On today’s show, I’ll be joined by my friend and former Lush Lifer Benoit Provost and Salvatore Megna of the American Bar at the Stafford here in London and also Jonny Stuchberry and Harry Morris from the Bar at Northcote up in Lancashire as they reveal what Christmas flavors they are drawn to, what’s on their cocktail menu this year, and their top tips for the home bartender.

Also, check out my favorite Christmas spirits, cocktail books, and gifts for the year at alushlifemanual.com. Hang on until the end to discover what American Whiskey I found when I opened the first door of my boozy advent calendar!

Our Cocktail of the week is the American Bar at the Stafford’s Candy Cane:

INGREDIENTS 

• 35ml Plymouth gin
• 10ml Lillet Blanc
• 5ml St Germain liqueur
• 15ml Sassy Cider reduction with prickly pear and pomelo
• Champagne

METHOD

• Make the reduction first by adding 200ml of Sassy Cider, 30gr of sugar, 1 prickly pear, and one large slice of pomelo
• Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes
• Add a splash of lime juice at the end
• Leave the reduction to cool down.
• In a cocktail shaker full of ice, add the Gin, the Lillet blanc, the St Germain liqueur, and the cider reduction.
• Shake well
• Strain in a flute glass
• Top up with Champagne

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-your-spirits-bright

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