The Naughty or Nice cocktail is a festive drink that artfully combines the sophistication of wines with the warmth of spirits. Featuring equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this stirred wine cocktail brings together the best of both worlds, making it an exceptional choice for the holiday season.
Complemented by the richness of cognac and the subtle sweetness of maraschino liqueur, the drink is topped off with a splash of ginger ale for a refreshing finish. Garnished with blood orange slices, it not only tastes delightful but also looks stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering or Christmas party.
Created by renowned bartender Jamie Boudreau, owner of Seattle's celebrated Canon whiskey bar, the Naughty or Nice cocktail showcases his innovative approach to mixology. In this inventive stirred wine cocktail, Boudreau skips whiskey for cognac and combines it with an unusual mix of two wines of different colors: equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Quick Facts about the Naughty or Nice Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Flavor profile: Fruity, sweet, spicy
- How to serve it: In a rocks glass, over fresh ice. Garnished with blood orange slices
- Glassware: Rocks glass
- Alcohol content: ~20% ABV, 24 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Chardonnay: A dry white wine that adds smooth, buttery notes.
- 1.5 ounces Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine contributing fruity and earthy flavors.
- 1 ounce Cognac: A rich brandy from France that adds depth and warmth.
- 1 ounce Maraschino liqueur: Our beloved Italian cherry liqueur brings subtle cherry sweetness to the cocktail.
- 2 ounces Ginger ale: Adds effervescence and a spicy kick.
- Garnish: Blood orange slices
Required Bartending Tools
- Mixing glass: Used for stirring the cocktail ingredients with ice. If you want to make a larger batch, use a punch bowl.
- Bar spoon: To stir the ingredients thoroughly.
- Jigger: To measure the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Strainer: Use a classic Hawthorne strainer to pour the cocktail while holding back the ice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make This Cocktail
- Add the Ingredients: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Then add Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, cognac, and maraschino liqueur.
- Stir the Cocktail: Stir the mixture gently for about 20 to 25 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Strain & Garnish: Strain the stirred cocktail using a Hawthorne strainer into the rocks glass over the fresh ice. Top off with ginger ale and garnish with blood orange slices.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Chardonnay - (Fat Bastard wines are used in the original recipe)
- 1.5 oz Pinot Noir
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Maraschino liqueur
- 2 oz Ginger ale
- 1 Blood orange slice
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes. Then add Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, cognac, and maraschino liqueur.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 20 to 25 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the stirred cocktail using a Hawthorne strainer into the rocks glass over the fresh ice. Top off with ginger ale and garnish with blood orange slices.
FAQs
Yes, you can experiment with different red and white wines to adjust the flavor profile.
You can substitute it with cherry brandy or omit it if you prefer a less sweet cocktail.
This cocktail pairs nicely with cheese platters, charcuterie, and festive desserts like fruitcake or gingerbread.
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to serve a crowd. Mix all the ingredients in a punch bowl and add a large block(s) of ice to keep it chilled. This makes it convenient to serve guests during your festive gatherings.