Seasonal Libations
by Brandilyn Mitchell
*Sings* “Brrrrrr! It’s cold out there! It must be Christmas in the atmosphere!” Let ModestoView warm you from the inside out. Whether you want a treat after skating at Modesto on Ice, to take a special someone out to surprise them, or just want to try a new place and needed a good excuse-let these libations open your palate and light your soul. There are so many seasonal cocktail menus out there, it was hard to narrow down our favorites. If you are like me and want easy an New Year’s Resolution, resolve to try one of these drinks and then post about it on social media with #modestoview to tell us about it. You’ll finish your resolution quicker than anyone else and can coast through the rest of the year. Stay warm and sip on, friends!
“T.H.B.R.” – The Hot Buttered Rum from Tresetti’s, 927 11th St, Modesto
It looks like a milkshake, but don’t let it fool you! Sweet butter, brown sugar, “holiday spices”, rum, and vanilla ice cream in the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with whipped cream and cinnamon. This is a downtown favorite and we are so happy it is back again this year! Pictured with it is a Hot Toddy. (A drink created to cure illnesses before modern medicine.) This will ease your heart and soul with its cinnamon spice aroma and relax every cell in your body.
“Hot Apple Cider” from Tapped Apple Cider, 5648 Pirrone Rd, Salida
They use their Scorched Cider as the base, which is a scrumptious cinnamon apple, mulled to perfection with cinnamon sticks and cloves. Grab some with their homemade peanut brittle for an extra special treat! (Note: This is alcoholic cider. Not safe for kiddos to consume.)
“Cookietini”
DoubleTree by HIlton, 1150 9th Street, Modesto
Drink your dessert with this delectable delight: vodka, butterscotch liquor and Bailey’s. Garnished with the famous Doubletree cookie. It’s not actually a seasonal drink, but I feel like it should be mentioned here since ‘tis the season for cookies!
?“x” from Kimoto Sake & Sushi, 1809 McHenry Ave suite B, Modesto
This gorgeous cocktail is made with honey whiskey, orange liquor, cinnamon, ginger and tropical fruit juice. It’s like a toddy but a million times better. Perfect for sipping and curing your winter blues! And heads up: whiskey flights will be served starting December 1st. Two flights to choose from: Kaiyo and Nikka, 4 pours each.
“Egg Nog” from Divine Swine 825 W. Roseburg Ave, Modesto
This is the best hostess/host gift you will find this year. Wow your guests with this dreamy, creamy mix of brandy, rum, spices and of course, eggs. It is homemade and ready to drink-keep it in the fridge! A bottle of delicious eggnog is $30 while supplies last. This nog is truly DIVINE!
Three Fabulous options from Fuzio Universal Bistro,1020 10th St Suite 100, Modesto
“Christmas Cookie Old Fashioned” With bourbon, brown sugar syrup, black walnut bitters, vanilla extract and a toasted cinnamon stick, this is like a s’more without being a s’more. It’s as if you toasted a marshmallow and put it between 2 molasses cookies. Or snickerdoodles. It’s hard to describe because it is just that yummy! You will have to try it yourself! They will also have their famous “Grinchtini” again, made with mozart chocolate liquor, creme de minthe, creme de cacao with a sprinkled rim. Don’t forget to try the “Clausmopolitian” too! A refreshing mix of citrus vodka, pomegranate liquor, triple sec, fresh lime and cranberry.
