Clementine, Whiskey & Wine Cocktail
What’s the most creative cocktail you’ve ever had? One of my favorites is from Local Kitchen & Bar, a relatively new restaurant in my hometown of Ferndale, Michigan. It’s a drink made with a combination of whiskey, citrus juices ad simple syrup. Sounds like just a standard cocktail, right?
The real kicker is that there is a “floater” of red wine poured on top. When I first read the description on the menu, it sounded….strange. And I wasn’t sure it was going to be good.
But I ordered it anyway, and it was fantastic. Strong but refreshing, sweet but not too much so, and a balanced combination of flavors. It was like whiskey drinks were always meant to have a little kick of wine!
Because that drink was so memorable, I wanted to figure out a way to approximate it at home. For my adaptation, I took my favorite winter fruit – clementines – and made a (very simple) simple syrup. I swirled that into some whiskey, and added ice and a cherry.
Then came the special part – a floater of Cabernet Sauvignon. Hint: get the wine to float on top of the drink by slowing pouring the wine over a spoon right above the drink.
![Clementine, Whiskey and Wine Cocktail - A strong but fruity and beautiful winter drink. | foxeslovelemons.com](https://foxeslovelemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Clementine-Whiskey-and-Wine-Cocktail2.jpg)
Clementine, Whiskey & Wine Cocktail
Ingredients
For the Clementine Simple Syrup:
- 4 clementines, peeled and segmented
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Cocktail:
- 3 ounces Clementine Simple Syrup
- 3 ounces whiskey
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)
- 3 ounces Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, for floating
Instructions
- Make Clementine Simple Syrup: In medium saucepan, stir together clementines, sugar and water. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on fruit to extract as much liquid as possible. Refrigerate until cool. Makes about 1-1/2 cups simple syrup.
- Fill two rocks glasses with ice; add a few cherries to each glass, if desired. Fill cocktail shaker with ice; add Clementine Simple Syrup, whiskey and lemon juice, and shake well.
- Pour whiskey mixture over ice in glasses. Pour wine floater over top of cocktails by slowly pouring wine over a small spoon set over each glass.
I had 2 bags of clementines and one that was getting a tad old, so… i nade a huge batch of citrus simple syrup!! I used bullit whiskey and Jacob’s creek cab. I skipped the lemon as i didn’t have on hand but added a splash of 7up. Delightful!! Everyone was so impressed. Warning: This delish drink will sneak up on you!
Yay, I am so glad to hear that, Katharine! And jealous that you had some clementines. haha. I agree – it definitely sneaks up on you. I hope you get to enjoy a few more of these cocktails with the rest of your simple syrup. Stay well.
This is one of the best cocktail that I have ever made and had for my guests. Everyone was ecstatic. Thanks ???
I’m so glad this was a hit for you!
That was a great innovation! Thanks alot.
This sounds delicious! I love whiskey and love wine, so I don’t see why they couldn’t go together!
They can and they should, Sarah 😉 haha.
Well now I know what to do with that bottle of Jamison floating around at home. I’m more of a bourbon and rye fan but considering I do have some Cabernet left and clementines I home, this really does need to happen.
Oh – this recipe would work just fine with bourbon, Susan. I’m not sure about rye, since I don’t drink that much – but probably that too 🙂
Hi,
What about brandy? I can get that and red wine here in the little supermarket across the street here in China-aka the daily western food treasure hunt…
http://www.curriedcantaloupe.com
Honestly, I’m not all that familiar with brandy (other than as an ingredient in sangria), but why not give it a try? What’s the worst that could happen? 🙂
This sounds like one fantastic drink! Yum & Cheers 🙂
Thanks Bea!
what a beautiful cocktail!!! love it!! I don’t have enough cocktail recipes!! This is going to change starting now! love this!
Thanks Alice! I’m with you – I don’t have enough cocktails in my arsenal, either. 2014 resolution? More drinking?
What a GORGEOUS cocktail! Not only pinned this one, but printed it out to take along to the family reunion later this month 😉
Oh yay, Conni! I hope your family enjoys it!
So clever and pretty! Love the layers.
Thanks Dorothy!
What a cool way to get the wine to float on top. Thanks so much for the tip! This drink looks so festive!
You’re welcome, Susan! That spoon trick works for ANYTHING you want floated on top of a drink!
To our #SundaySupper friends and family: Our sincere apologies, but we seem to be experiencing some issues with our $2 off savings. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that this issue will be resolved before our #SundaySupper chat later today. Once we are able to get the offer back up and running, we’ll be sure to let all of our #SundaySupper readers know. Again, we are so sorry!
OMG Lori this looks perfect for a Holiday party! I love it!
Thanks Cindy!
Oh my gosh, this is SO fun! I definitely need to make these and share for the holidays this year. So pretty.
I’m so glad you made them, Heather! It totally made my day seeing your pic on Instagram. Hope your Monday morning wasn’t too rough 😉
Lori, this is gorgeous, and I am sure tastes fantastic!
Thanks Brianne!
What a fun and creative cocktail…I have a bag of mandarins that I need to use up before we leave for home next weekend. This would be a really fun cocktail to try out!
Have fun with it, Wendy!
So pretty, Lori! Clementines are my favorite winter fruit…I would love to try them in this creative drink!
Thanks Alida! I generally love clementines as well, but have been a little disappointed by them this year. Not much flavor. I’m going to keep trying until I get a good box of them, though!
What a great idea. I love clementines and I will be trying this cocktail this holiday season. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Isabel. Although, I must confess – part of my reason for making this is my disappointment with clementines this year. The ones I’ve been getting haven’t been too great for eating.
That is a beautiful cocktail! What a great compliment to so many dishes. Yum!
Oh yes, it works well with all kinds of food – one of the reasons I love it so much.
Cheers! This is truly memorable and delish. I love the red wine floating on top.
Thanks Marjory!
Oh this sounds like such a yummy cocktail!
Thanks Lane!
Looks so festive!
It did turn out even more beautiful than I had hoped, I must admit 🙂
Not only does it look like a gorgeous drink but I bet the combo’s of flavors completes it! I NEED to try this! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Tammi!
What a gorgeous cocktail! Perfect for any winter celebration!!!
Thank you, Liz!
Now this is a drink that just might get me liking whiskey. I’ve never had a drink with wine floated on top. I want to try it soon just to see how it is. Plus have the clementine simple syrup for other things.
Oh yes, the clementine simple syrup would be good to have around for all sorts of holiday drinks! If this can’t get you liking whiskey, nothing can 😉