Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, a cocktail can help to make the season bright. And since travel is challenging right now, we hope to bring a little comfort and joy to you through these San Juan Islands inspired recipes. They are our gift to you from the restaurants and resorts on Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island, direct to your home.

Enjoy!

Rosario Resort’s “Festival of Trees” Cocktail

Every year Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island hosts The Festival of Trees fundraiser for local non-profits in its historic Moran Mansion lobby. This year they will forego the gathering but in honor of this island tradition, they’ve created a cocktail reminiscent of a walk in the forest. Picture yourself by a crackling fire in the arts and crafts style mansion lounge, drink in hand. This wintery drink features Douglas Fir brandy, rosemary, and elderflower liqueur. Add in a bit of scotch, orange and lemon juice, and you might not be able to tell the forest for the trees.

Ingredients:
1.5 oz Scotch
.75 oz Elderflower Liqueur
.25 oz Douglas Fir Brandy
.25 oz Orange Juice
.25 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup
.5 oz Lemon Juice

Instructions:
Blend thoroughly and pour over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or Douglas fir.

Downriggers Hot Peanut Buttered Pecan Bourbon Cocktail

The weather outside is frightful, but this bourbon is so delightful! Enjoy Revel Stoke pecan whiskey, peanut butter (Downriggers makes their own peanut butter mix), brown sugar, nutmeg and honey, mixed to perfection. As you enjoy this festive Downriggers drink, imagine you are watching the cheerfully-lit ferries arrive in Friday Harbor at night with their festive red and green running lights all aglow

Downriggers Hot Peanut Buttered Pecan Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients:
2 oz Roasted Pecan Infused Revel Stoke
Whiskey
1 T Peanut Butter
1 tsp Honey
1 tsp Brown Sugar

Instructions: Pinch of nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon. Shake well with ice, strain into a martini glass top with whipped cream.

Lopez Islander Peppermint White Russian

Here’s one way to guarantee yourself a white Christmas, the Lopez Islander peppermint white Russian. A local favorite and a holiday flair on a classic drink, this mix is the perfect blend of Kahlua, vodka, peppermint schnapps, and cream. Enjoy this holiday cocktail along with imagining stunning views of Lopez Island’s Fisherman’s Bay, but beware of the whiteout. It’s a smooth, creamy ride to Christmas bliss.

Ingredients:
¾ oz Vodka
¾ oz Kahlúa
¾ oz Peppermint Schnapps
Half and half
Ice
Optional Festive Garnish:
Crushed candy canes
Clear corn syrup

Instructions: Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice. Pour in vodka, kahlúa, and peppermint schnapps. Top off the glass with half and half. Optionally garnish ahead by dipping the glass’s edge into corn syrup, then into crushed candy canes. Finish with a candy cane stir stick.

We wish you happy holidays from the San Juan Islands of Washington State,
where evergreen trees and the scent of fir make it feel like Christmas all
year! And please forgive all the allusions to holiday songs; we couldn’t help ourselves.