Winter Warmers and Cozy Cocktails
By Dianna Stampfler
The first flakes have fallen throughout the Petoskey area, which means it is time for cozy cocktails to warm even the coldest of days. We’ve tapped the local restaurants and pubs for a list of their seasonal offerings that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer.
The Whi-Ski Inn, Boyne Falls
Stop into this classic bourbon-bbq-beer bar on US-131 and try the “Pappy Hour Espresso Old Fashion” featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon blended with Pappy & Co. Expresso Elixir.
Muskrat Distilling, Boyne City
The prohibition vibe is strong in this restored 1890s tasting room. The rum-based “Secret Family Recipe” has all the flavors of your grandmother’s treasured pumpkin pie recipe, but in drink form while “Naughty Chai” is a bourbon-based drink with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and clove.
Provision Lounge, Boyne City
The “Winter Boulevardier” is created with Willet Pot Still Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Domaine de Canton and winter spice bitters while “Frosted Orchard” is a blend of Laird’s apple brandy, almond syrup and Iron Fish Distillery’s Pommeau—Michigan apple cider separately blended with bourbon and vodka, then aged in Calvados Barrels, before being combined for a rich, refined taste.
Travato at Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, Brutus
Open to the public on weekends in December, you’ll find two featured cocktails including a “Cranberry Aperol Spritz” and an “Espresso Martini” garnished with espresso beans.
Vernales, Harbor Springs
They serve more than steaks at this chop house and wine bar, and this seasons try the “Cranberry Bourbon Sour” blended with Traverse City Cherry Whiskey and the “Frostbitten” which is dessert in a glass made with Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequilla, white crème de cacao and white crème de menthe, topped with whipped cream and served in a flute.
Palette Bistro, Petoskey
This autumn, you’ll find a full menu of harvest-centric flavors crafted by cocktail extraordinaire Gus Gutherie. “Golden Pear” features Pilar Dark Rum (named after Ernest Hemingway’s beloved Cuban fishing boat, Pilar) and St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur garnished with a dehydrated pear. The “Autumn Shrub” is a combination of Michigan-made Valentine Vodka, apple chai shrub and other savory ingredients.
High Five Spirits – Gypsy Spirits , Petoskey
Grab your friends and head to the trendy downtown tasting room for the “Club Candy Cane” made with Gypsy Vodka or “Holiday Hot Buttered Rum” featuring Mackinac Island Aged Rum. At the Gypsy Distillery out on US-31 in Bay Harbor, the featured winter drink is the “Chata Cheer” made with Mackinac Island Vanilla Cinnamon Rum.
1911 Restaurant at The Terrace Inn, Petoskey
Make the trek into the heart of Bay View for an “Orchard Glow” deliciously made with Gypsy Apple Pie Vodka, buttershots and apple cider, blended and served in a martini glass with an apple slice garnish.
Chandler’s, Petoskey
Tucked in behind Symon’s General Store, this intimate eatery is a great spot for happy hour, dinner or a nightcap—like the “Awesome Coffee.” As much presentation as it is flavor, this hot cocktail starts with firing Everclear or 151 Rum in a glass mug, then blending Kahlua, Bailey’s, Brandy and Grand Marnier, with a splash of coffee, topped with whipped cream. Be sure to have your phone ready to get photos or videos (best when seated at the bar) and wait for the aromatic gift that this drink provides.