On Episode 4 of Crafts, Cocktails and Conversation with Carmeon Hamilton,we kept things simple and went with a classic: a Rudolph Sour (Whiskey Sour). The sweet to tart flavored cocktail dates all the way back to the 1800s, and the key to this classic is BALANCE. The ingredients for this iconic sip are pretty straight forward, but you can adjust as needed to taste. Also, use freshly squeezed lemon juice if possible to really bring out the flavor.

Rudolph Sour (Whiskey Sour)

Ingredients

• 2 oz of Whiskey

• 1 oz of Cointreau

• 1/2 oz of Freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/2 oz of simple syrup

• Ginger Beer (to taste)

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.

Strain cocktail into a coupe glass (without ice).

Top with ginger beer

Garnish with dried orange slice, cranberries and thyme sprig.

Hitkidd doesn’t drink, so we made a mocktail version for him that’s just as delicous (and simple the create too!)

Rudolph Sour (Whiskey Sour) Mocktail Version

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cranberry Juice

• 2 oz Orange Juice

• 5 shakes of Angostura bitter

• Squeeze of lemon juice 

• Ginger Beer (to taste)

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.

Strain cocktail into a coupe glass (without ice).

Top with ginger beer

Garnish with dried orange slice, cranberries and thyme sprig.

Enjoy!