Here’s to the Holidays

We could all use some tidings of comfort and joy this holiday season, as we bid adieu to the wild ride of 2020 and look ahead to the new year.

Whether you’re gathering with extended family and friends or keeping the celebrations small and cozy at home, we’ve got you covered — at least when it comes to the cocktail party.

Finger foods are the go-to for cocktail party fare, for one important reason: They ensure that you can keep one hand free to hold a drink while you nibble.

Whiskey Smash

Servings: 1 cocktail

If you don’t have a muddler, the handle of a wooden spoon will do just fine. Crushed ice is crucial to the enjoyment of this drink; you can use a blender if your icemaker doesn’t have a crushed ice option.

• 7 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup*
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig and slice of lemon, for garnish

Place mint leaves, lemon wedges and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle 5–6 times to release the juice from the lemon and the oil from the mint leaves (it will smell fragrant). Add bourbon and a few ice cubes, cover and give it a good shake. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and slice of lemon.

* SIMPLE SYRUP: In a small saucepan, heat one cup of water over medium-high heat. Just before it starts boiling, stir in one cup of granulated sugar, reduce heat to simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let syrup cool and transfer to a glass jar. Store in refrigerator 2–3 weeks.