Whether your idea of holiday spirit involves whiskey, gin, tequila or rum, having a festive cocktail to serve them in always makes the season a little merrier. The 17 recipes in this year’s Forbes Holiday Cocktail Guide were created by award-winning bartenders from New York to Norway. With ingredients that celebrate classic winter flavors and scents (and a few that magically transport you to the tropics), many of these drinks are meant to evoke nostalgic memories. And if you mix them up just right, you might even make some new ones.
Simone Caporale (2014’s International Bartender of the Year for his work at Artesian in London’s Langham Hotel) and Marc Álvarez (the former beverage director at Ferran and Albert Adrià’s acclaimed El Barri culinary group) are the new Kings of Cocktails. The pair have been shaking up the Barcelona nightlife scene with Sips, a “drinkery house” that was named World’s Best Bar and Best International Cocktail Bar at the 17th annual Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans—in addition to topping the 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars list. And while Sips prides itself for “couture cocktails at prêt-à-porter prices” Caporale (above, left) and Álvarez (right) kept it simple for the holidays with a three-ingredient 1:1:1 concoction. “For festive seasons there’s nothing better than a cocktail that brings back Christmastime,” Caporale says.
“Creating drinks using spices such as cloves, mace, and rhubarb are key—so Amaro Santoni, infused with 34 botanicals, is perfect for this.”
This holiday season, Giorgio Bargiani, the Italian-born assistant director of mixology at London’s Connaught Bar, is looking to Mexico for inspiration. “The Paloma certainly holds a special place in our hearts because we all love the country and have had the chance to visit quite often,” says Bargiani, who was named International Bartender of the Year at the 2023 Spirited Awards. “It’s part of The Connaught Bar’s mission to elevate cocktails to an experience that’s memorable for our guests—and Kindred Joy is no exception.
On top of adding an extra layer of flavors and carbonation, we designed the cocktail to be served in a magnum bottle, as a nod to celebratory occasions with Champagne. It’s a bright and approachable drink from a taste perspective, but it was conceived to make your memories in the company of your loved ones truly special.”
“The beauty of the Turtledove is in its simplicity,” says McLain Hedges, who along with his wife, Mary Allison Wright, own the acclaimed Yacht Club in Denver, which came in at No. 42 at this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars. “Inspired by the now-famed Jungle Bird, this cocktail is truly greater than the sum of its parts, which is why a version of this drink has
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With the new year just around the corner, these new hotels should be on the travel radar. For some, bucket list travel may be the best holiday present of all. Others enjoy the anticipation of planning the trip together, especially if you can redeem hard-earned loyalty points to make the trip more affordable. A handful will be lucky enough to win a free vacation trip, but for everyone else, these are some of the newest hotels worth exploring in 2024.
Simply saying the word “spa” can conjure memories of pleasurable massages, relaxing music, candlelit soaks, rejuvenating smells, and renewing saunas. They’re places of sanctuary that delight the senses. Giving the spa enthusiast in your life a gift from one of their favorite spas can bring them joy and excitement during the holidays and throughout the coming year. There’s something for every spa lover on this list, so read on to find a last-minute gift for most gift-giving budgets.
Whether you haven't kicked off your Christmas shopping yet, lack inspiration, or simply haven't had a moment to ponder it, fret not. Keep reading for some great Parisian gift ideas crafted by some of the city's most talented creators that are guaranteed to bring some of that seasonal festive cheer to your loved ones and create a reminiscent feeling of travel to the French capital until their next visit.
Picture this: Your first flight is delayed, and your connection time is cut in half. If you’re going to make your next flight, you’ll have to hurry. Thankfully, you packed light and only brought a carry-on. Many savvy frequent flyers know that checking luggage can often bring more stress and hassle than necessary—not only are missed connections a possibility with checked luggage, but also, bags sometimes get lost or damaged. Plus, who wants to wait for luggage to round the carousel at the airport baggage claim? Packing light is simply the quickest way to speed through the airport—either to start your vacation or to get home and in your own bed as soon as possible.
A new piece of luggage is a great gift for the traveler in your life. You may not know where and when they will set off in 2024, but a new suitcase will certainly help them get there.
I recently put caviar on an extra-toasty Cheez-It, and I’m obsessed. I took my inspiration from Alexis Cervasio, proprietor at hip Boston market EBO & Co. and proponent of putting caviar on everything,
Often being off grid myself, traveling deep into Mongolia’s most disconnected corners, I can vouch for the importance of having reliable, tried and tested gear. It doesn’t only make a trip, it can even save your life.
Tourist, transplants and born-and-raised New Yorkers all have one thing in common: They love New York. The city is a trove of inspiration when it comes to gifting, especially with unique items that reflect the exceptionality of The Big Apple in all its glory. Here’s what to gift your favorite New Yorker, current, past or present.
As Cliff Clavin famously said in the series finale of the classic sitcom Cheers, the meaning of life just might be comfortable shoes. At least it certainly feels that way when you need relief from uncomfortable ones. Save the travelers in your life from footwear woes by giving them a gift that can provide comfort well into the new year: a new pair of travel shoes. Whether they like a little sparkle with everything they wear or are looking for practical sneakers, there’s something for everyone in this gift guide.
When shopping for travel and outdoor clothing, keep this golden rule in mind: An article of clothing, be it a shirt, pant, or jacket, must combine four important attributes to make it worthy of a spot in your suitcase or backpack: Versatility, packability, performance/function, and appearance.
From soft knits to plaid PJs, one of these cosy gifts is perfect for the traveler in your life. Our pick of winter-warming accessories are perfect for those traveling to cooler destinations, to use in-transit or in-flight. In fact, these presents will not only keep them warm, but will also keep you close to their hearts.