Quarantine Cocktail Recipes

The pandemic is still rampant, political divides are raging, and wildfires are sweeping the West Coast… I think it’s time for a drink (or two.) Wouldn’t you agree?

I love sipping a neat whisky to really enjoy the nuances of flavor. However, I also enjoy a well-crafted cocktail that enhances and highlights the qualities of the base spirit instead of covering it up. (<cough> Jack and Coke <cough>) And since we’ve been at home far more than usual due to the pandemic, mixology seemed like a fun, creative outlet during these stressful times. (Let’s be honest, I can only do so many coloring books for stress relief.) 

Below are my five favorite cocktail creations from the quarantine thus far. Two are whiskey-based, and three are gin-based (gasp, I know). Enjoy!

Whiskey-based

Willy Wonka’s Herb Garden

The first one was inspired by a Theo chocolate bar I had many years ago. I fell in love with the chocolate and basil combo, and had to try it in a dessert-like cocktail. The chocolate plays perfectly with Westland’s American Oak 5-malt profile, and the basil lifts it all with a delicate yet herbal sweetness.

• 1 ½ oz. Westland American Oak whiskey
• ½ oz. chocolate liqueur (I used a clear liqueur, not a cream-based one)
• ½ oz. homemade basil simple syrup (easy recipe here)
• 3 dashes chocolate bitters (I like Scrappy’s)

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large cube of ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

A Walk in the Woods

The second cocktail was inspired by all of the time I spend on the trails in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. If I were to capture that experience in a glass, it would be this. The roasted yet slightly smoky flavor of Westland’s Peated is a perfect base. Brovo’s Douglas Fir liqueur lends a forest flavor without being overwhelming, and the dash of chocolate bitters gives it a depth without tasting like chocolate. 

• 1 ½ oz. Westland Peated whiskey
• ½ oz. Brovo Douglas Fir liqueur
• ¼ oz. maple syrup
• 1 dash chocolate bitters (I like Scrappy’s)

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large cube of ice. No garnish unless you want to include some nature in it, like a tree bough. 😉

Gin-based

Mood Ring

Okay, so I know gin isn’t normally my thing, but it’s become a summer favorite of mine because of Freeland Spirits. They’re an awesome woman-owned distillery in Portland, and all of their spirits are flavorful and delicious. They have two gins, and I prefer their original blue bottle gin for this particular cocktail because it has a softer, more delicate botanical flavor that’s not a juniper kick in the teeth. And the other special thing about this cocktail is the butterfly pea flower simple syrup. It’s a deep blue, but when you add citrus – it turns a vibrant purple-pink. Who doesn’t love an interactive and magical beverage?

• 2 oz. Freeland Spirits gin
• 1 oz. homemade butterfly pea flower simple syrup
• 2 dashes lavender bitters (I like Scrappy’s)
• Splash of lemon juice

Stir the first three ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass. (It should be a translucent cobalt blue.) Then add lemon juice, and stir for a color-changing effect to purple-pink. Strain and serve on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a sprig of lavender.

Basil Haze

I couldn’t just use the fantastic basil simple syrup on one recipe! (Seriously, I would be fine drinking it straight, it’s so good.) This cocktail is a delightful summer-y application with orange-y notes that compliment the botanicals and basil. The “Haze” is a nod to the pronunciation of Hendrick’s (think Hendrix) gin. 

• 1 ½ oz. Hendrick’s gin
• ½ oz. Cointreau
• ½ oz. homemade basil simple syrup

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large cube of ice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Ginnamon Spice

And lastly, I have one more cocktail that’s a unique collection of flavors, but melds together beautifully. It’s a spicy and herbal delight that highlights these PNW flavors.

• 1 ½ oz. Freeland Spirits Dry Gin
• ½ oz. Brovo Douglas Fir liqueur
• ¼ oz. homemade cinnamon stick simple syrup
• 3 dashes lavender bitters (I like Scrappy’s)

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large cube of ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Have you come up with any fun cocktails over quarantine? Please share – I’d love to hear about it! Cheers!