“Drinking low-ABV cocktails enables you to be more social, and in the winter time when it’s dark and cold, engaging with others is super important,” says Nitecap’s Natasha David. In her low-proof Treasure Chest, the cranberry notes of gamay (David uses one that’s organic and unfiltered, but advises that any dry and red fruit-forward bottle will do) and herbaceous Lillet pair with spicy chai-infused sherry and cinnamon syrup, for a holiday-season-ready cocktail that’s a delicious cross between Lambrusco and mulled wine.
Of it, she says, “It’s important that the flavors are comforting and warming, and still sort of have the illusion of a ‘real’ cocktail.”
1 ounce chai tea-infused oloroso sherry (see Editor's Note)
1 ounce chai tea-infused oloroso sherry (see Editor's Note)
1/4 ounce cinnamon syrup (see Editor's Note)
1/4 ounce cinnamon syrup (see Editor's Note)
1 ounce dry sparkling wine
1 ounce dry sparkling wine
Directions
Combine all ingredients, except for sparkling wine, in a mixing glass with ice and stir.
Strain into a wine glass and top with sparkling wine.
Editor's Note
Chai-Infused Oloroso:
Combine 10 grams masala chai with 750 ml of Oloroso sherry and let sit for 1 hour. Strain and refrigerate.
Cinnamon Syrup:
Combine 2 cups water, 2 cups white sugar and 20 grams cinnamon in a pot and stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Cover, lower heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Strain, cool and refrigerate.
