Hey, life can be tough, yes? I mean, it’s fairly redundant to state the obvious (i.e – the sky remains blue, water remains wet), but like many things (advice from a trusted friend, a therapist echoing your own self-guided realizations) sometimes it just helps to have something reaffirmed. We all cope in our own ways. While anything, healthy or otherwise, should be taken in moderation, a nice cocktail can smooth out the sharper edges of the relentless daily grind.

We’ve collectively ‘made it’ to the end of 2023, and now the holidays as well. According to statistical data, people that do imbibe increase their consumption of alcohol approximately 33% (some nearly twice as much) as any other time of the year. Nearly $1.6 trillion was spent on liquor around the world over the past year, with the U.S. market accounting for approximately $200 million of it. As many continue to navigate the post COVID-19 environments around them, an uptick in alcohol sales seems to be a lingering and continuing societal trend.

Here’s a tailored list of seasonally geared spirits and cocktails, semi-haphazardly but astutely assembled by a relatively seasoned bartender. May they help not only refresh your life in general, but revitalize and play with your palate well into 2025 (you know…the year Joaquin Phoenix will fall in love with an A.I. companion).

January – Brandy/Cognac

Just in case you didn’t get your eggnog fix through the holiday onslaught, we humbly suggest one of the oldest and time-honored cocktails there is (originating in Scotland circa 1688 in Scotland, recorded by Benjamin Franklin in 1763). Popularized by many a brunch spot throughout New Orleans, the creamy, cool milk plays exceptionally well against the spice of brandy and the subtle sweetness of vanilla. Think big kid milkshake in the best way possible.

Recommended cocktail – Perfect Milk Punch

February – Chartreuse

This mysterious neon French liqueur has remained a staple in cocktail culture, both in and outside of its native home of France. Beloved by hospitality workers across the globe, it’s made for no shortage of creative applications. The spirit itself is produced from a recipe passed down by Carthusian Monks dating to 1737. You’ve most likely seen both varieties out in the world, with green Chartreuse originating sugar beet-based, while yellow Chartreuse is grape-based. Given the rapid approach of Valentine’s Day, try this complex yet balanced offering (originating from Porchlight in New York City), with it’s slightly higher ABV (55% along with Campari’s 24%, respectively) should help loosen up even the most potentially awkward date night or Hinge meet-up.

Recommended cocktail – Love & Murder

March – Whiskey

Ahhh…Ireland. What hasn’t it given the world? The submarine. Color photography. “Dracula.” But while many an author fancies himself an aficionado in the art of the corn, wheat or rye varietal, it was quite possibly Oscar Wilde who encapsulated its true value best: “There can be nothing more frequent than an occasional drink.” With that in mind, this classic Irish cocktail deftly balances bright tartness with the enveloping smoothness of the whiskey, or as it’s known in the original Gaelic translation: “water of life.”

Recommended cocktail – The Irish Maid

April – Limoncello

The rich and diverse culture spread across mainland Italy knows no bounds: immaculate historical art and architecture, impeccable to heavenly quality pasta, operatic arias, the list goes on. But as far as the drinkable variety, one would be hard-pressed (…truly wasn’t trying to make a lemon pun there) to find a more enjoyable selection than Limoncello. While simplistic in its construction (lemon zest, water, alcohol, and sugar), it’s naturally medium-bodied acidity and sweetness couples with subtle herbal notes of pine and eucalyptus. This cocktail, inspired by the prized variety of lemon that grows off the Amalfi coast, helps to compliment the rebirth associated with Spring, while it’s just as enjoyable if stuck inside on a rainy day all the same.

Recommended cocktail – Amalfi Martini

May – Tequila

Commonly paired with salt, lime and ill-advisedly consumed en masse by college students and tourists everywhere, this agave spirit has stood the test of time, and regarded by professional bartenders as highly as bourbon and scotch. Hell, even George Clooney made a mint off the stuff, and is so exceptionally enjoyable that the Mexican government declared the term as its own intellectual property in 1974. While there’s no shortage of popular avenues (i.e.- the margarita, Paloma, Sunrise, etc.), this particular take tackles the zesty, robust flavors of a Bloody Mary. Originating from Superfrico (at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas), a good Bloody Mary can cure even a casino-sized hangover (only when applicable, of course).

Recommended cocktail – Here Comes The Sun King

June – Gin

While a more personal anecdote recalls memories of the lush, piney sprigs of juniper bushes endlessly dotting many a suburban lawn, far more important is the vibrant and fragrant alcohol that is derived from its berries. With no shortage of interesting historical precedent, it was at one time believed to ward off the Bubonic Plague, but nowadays is simply refreshing when paired with soda, tonic and citrus. This suggested cocktail takes on sweeter and savory notes, incepted by South African-inspired beef jerky bar Biltong in Atlanta. It puts an enjoyable spin on your favorite egg white cocktail, but with a more worldly “zip.”

Recommended cocktail – Celery Sour

July – Vodka

What can be said about vodka that hasn’t already been espoused by a well-worn Eastern European, or your favorite semi-functional office manager? All kidding aside, the cleanness of the spirit allows for and endless stream of options when choosing an approach to assembling your favorite cocktail. Depending on your geography of course, given that it’s generally the hottest month of the year, and prone to backyard cookouts or poolside gatherings, this batch recipe (which of course can be stored in less social circumstances) will be sure to hit the spot.

Recommended cocktail – Summerthyme Screwdriver

August – Malört

Okay…okay, hear this out. If you’re unfamiliar, the longtime yet often maligned wormwood-based alcohol has remained a staple of Chicago since being introduced by Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson in the 1920s. While it dates back as far as the Middle Ages as a medicinal tonic, it has been ushered by CH Distillery in more modern times. The bitterness of the elixir elicits everything from enthusiasm to horror stories (Google “Malort Face,”…it’s “a thing.”). However, it proves to be the foundation for building many a refreshing cocktail (similar to Campari or Aperol. This citrus cooler (developed in partnership with neighborhood cornerstone Maria’s Packaged Goods) will help to refresh and revitalize anyone through the final (potential) dog days of summer.

Recommended cocktail – Citrus Cooler

September – Sake

As much history can be associated with most alcoholic beverages (for example: beer dating back to ancient Egypt as far as 5550 B.C.), few can rival sake: a fermented wine that sprouted when rice cultivation was first brought to the region (circa 300 B.C.) and has been integrated as a vital part of Japanese culture and cuisine. With fall rapidly approaching, this drink pays homage to Japan’s winter solstice, which is traditionally observed by sitting in yuzu-infused baths and eating red beans and lotus root. The cocktail itself (conceived by a bartender at Blend Lounge in Pensacola, Florida) combines the cloudy appearance and velvety mouthfeel of Nigori sake, bold herbaceousness of Benedictine perfectly with the tart, bitter essence of yuzu and nutty complexity of the red bean syrup (recipe included below, but you can substitute demerara syrup or raw sugar syrup if desired).

Recommended cocktail – Tōji Moon

October – Bourbon

The natural rounded caramel and subtle smokiness of (what many consider to be the defining American spirit) make it a natural selection given the inevitable candy consumption later in the month. There’s no shortage of classic (i.e. – Old Fashioned) or more contemporary options, this variation on a smoked black Manhattan devised by Washington D.C’s Zeppelin blends the scent of smoked cherry wood with orange and licorice notes, coupled with subtle elements of juniper, rosemary, and sage. A well balanced concoction that evokes the warmest elements of autumn.

Recommended cocktail – Black Angel Manhattan

November – Mezcal

Unlike its flowery and citrus-twinged counterpart, mezcal distinctly differs from tequila in one key factor: smoke (similar to the relationship between scotch and bourbon). The name itself is derived from the Aztec word “mexcalli,” meaning oven-cooked agave; fitting as mezcal is heated in deeply dug pits, then distilled using clay containers (as opposed to oven-steaming then distilling in copper pots for tequila). With over 240 varieties of mezcal in circulation today, it can be overwhelming to know what direction to turn to when finding your preference. Although, this cross-cultural incorporation into this take on a classic Negroni would most likely bring an approving nod from Count Camillo Negroni (credited with inventing the drink) himself.

Recommended cocktail – Oaxacan Negroni

December – Rum

While a favorite libation of Ernest Hemingway, its prevalence across tropical climates and locales intuits as to why he favored the sugary spirit. Originally hailing via the West Indies by way of Barbados, it knows no bounds when applied to any variety of fruit juices, citrus mixers or even sweeter cream, chocolate or coffee-based drinks. Plus, try avoiding running into the stuff mixed amongst beverages hosted at any holiday office party or family gathering. With the holidays back in full swing, this unique take on a hot cider (originating from The Corner Door in Los Angeles) will help round out the year feeling warm and cozy in every sense of those words.

Recommended cocktail – The Lookout

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