Merry Berry Watson-Winter Cocktail

The winter season is fully upon us here in Pittsburgh. Winter happens to be my favorite season despite most Pittsburghers treating every flurry like the snowpocalypse. I love this time of year because it’s a chance to indulge in warm comfort foods and dark robust beers, and to spend time indoors with family and friends with a cocktail in hand. Michelle and I typically enjoy an evening with a glass of red wine for her and a glass of whiskey for me. For a while I was strictly a bourbon man and would hardly deviate from that path, unless I was drinking beer. However, Michelle treated me on my birthday to a tour of the Wigle Whiskey Distillery located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District which opened my eyes to rich history of Monongahela Rye Whiskey. Michelle who openly admits she is not a big fan of whiskey even fell in love with the family run business and the production process. This is why she tasked me in creating more cocktails in our house so she can partake in consuming the golden liquid amber of a fine whiskey.  

Serving cocktails for the holidays was a staple growing up in the Schnieder home. We are a family of Irish and German heritage which naturally lends itself to celebrating big occasions with a specialty of spirits. If you were at one of our Christmas parties the first place you would gravitate towards was the large punch bowl in the kitchen which housed our infamous Fish House Punch. My father would provide a full history of the cocktail and how it was invented and named but after finishing half a glass of punch everyone forgets (including myself). Unfortunately I cannot share this recipe since some of it is a family kept secret but I shall provide you with this festive concoction to help celebrate (or tolerate) the holidays with your families.

Ingredients (serves 2):
2 Cups of OJ
½ Cup of Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 (or 2) shots of Wigle Aged Wheat Whiskey per glass
1 Stick of Cinnamon

Pour the whiskey into the glass and set aside to allow it to breath. Pour OJ, cranberries and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until cranberries are tender.

Once tender turn the burner off but leave the pot over the heat. Grab a wooden spoon and smash the cranberries with the back of the spoon.

Taste until you have the right level of tartness, if too tart add more sugar but remember the whiskey will add its own sweetness.

Pour the warm OJ mixture into the whiskey glasses and use a cinnamon stick to stir the drink. Sit back and enjoy the merriment of season.

Michelle and I would like to thank you all for continuing to read our blog and wish you all the happiest of holidays and the most joyous New Year.

-Mark