Holiday cheer, creative twists, and crowd-pleasing cocktails — Shanghai MKE’s recipes make every gathering a little more memorable – Photo courtesy of Cameron Flynn
When the weather turns crisp and the holidays draw near, there’s nothing like a well-crafted cocktail to bring a bit of extra cheer to gatherings with family and friends.
This season, we’re raising our glasses to Shanghai MKE. Not only is this Milwaukee hot spot renowned for its inventive spins on classic cocktails, Shanghai MKE was also recently crowned the best speakeasy in the country by USA TODAY 10BEST readers.
Quinn Rosen is the creative force behind Shanghai MKE’s award-winning experience – Photo courtesy of Cameron Flynn
We asked Quinn Rosen, the bar lead at Shanghai MKE, to curate a collection of festive recipes. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just looking to treat yourself, these cocktails are as accessible as they are delicious, with no obscure ingredients or elaborate prep required.
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Classic gets cozy, as muddled figs and rosemary bring holiday warmth to every sip – Photo courtesy of Cameron Flynn
Fig and Rosemary Old-Fashioned
Individual serving
In a mixing glass, muddle together:
1 sugar cube
1 whole dried fig
1 sprig of rosemary
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Add 2.5 oz of your favorite bourbon
Stir heavily over ice, fine strain over a big block of ice to serve
Garnish with an orange expression and a sprig of rosemary
Quinn Rosen: “My biggest tips for this one are [to] get the soft figs from the Mediterranean market if you can! They are so much easier to muddle and have a nice flavor. Also, muddle the bitters, sugar, and fig very well before adding the rosemary. This keeps the rosemary from overpowering the fig.”
Dessert in a glass: pecan pie and after-dinner coffee, shaken up for the season – Photo courtesy of Cameron Flynn
Pecan Pie Espresso Martini
Individual serving
In a cocktail shaker, add:
1.5 oz vodka (or bourbon)
.75 oz cold brew concentrate
.5 oz Frangelico
.25 oz Shanky’s Whip
.25 oz simple syrup
Shake very heavily, until frothy
Garnish with a candied pecan
Quinn Rosen: “This drink reminds me of my favorite part of Thanksgiving, my mom’s pecan pie, and after-dinner coffee. Vodka is a classic choice, but swapping in bourbon or tequila would make an excellent drink. This sweet dessert needs to be shaken very hard to get a nice froth.”
Midwest nostalgia, meet tequila: this pitcher is pure holiday party magic – Photo courtesy of Cameron Flynn
Pineapple Upside-Down Margarita
This recipe makes 8 servings: perfect for a crowd
In a pitcher, mix:
1.5 cups Reposado Tequila
.75 cups pineapple brown sugar syrup
2 parts frozen pineapple
1 part brown sugar
1 part water
Blend and strain
.5 cups Licor 43
.75 cups lime juice (fresh is best)
8 dashes cinnamon bitters, optional
Serve over ice
Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a piece of pineapple
Quinn Rosen: “This pitcher of margaritas pays homage to the Midwest Christmas staple, pineapple upside-down cake. Easily made in single servings; just swap cups to ounces.”
A bittersweet twist on tradition: Italy’s dark orange soda meets gin for a mule with attitude – Photo courtesy of Cameron Flynn
Chinotto Gin Mule
Individual serving
Mix in a large Collins glass or mule mug
1.5 oz gin
.5 oz lemon juice
.75 oz pomegranate juice
Add ice, top with chilled chinotto
Garnish with a slice of lemon
Quinn Rosen: “Chinotto is a black, bitter orange soda from Italy, and you can find it at any Italian grocery store. Swap the gin for your favorite spirit substitute for a bittersweet mocktail.”
Ready to shake things up? Snap a pic of your holiday creations and show us how you celebrate by tagging @10BEST on Instagram, Facebook, and X so we can toast your festive flair right along with you. Cheers to new traditions and unforgettable sips!
Dining and Cooking