WINTER, STIRRED: Dark spirits, bitter edges, and warmth against the cold

CFL
1 day ago
3 min read

As icy winter weather sweeps over the Cape Fear region, cocktails turn inward. Brightness gives way to depth. Citrus softens, bitterness deepens, and drinks slow down—meant to be held, not rushed. This is the season of stirred spirits, fortified wines, smoke, fat-washing, and quiet complexity. Cocktails that feel intentional. Protective. Built for long nights and cold air. And while these drinks shine across the bar, they’re equally suited to being made at home. Recipes designed for hunkering down, dim lights, heavy glassware, and nights where going out feels optional rather than necessary.

Bespoke’s Night Nurse

A nocturnal sipper for the deeply initiated

Bespoke’s Night Nurse is unapologetically dark and layered, designed for cold evenings when bitterness feels grounding rather than challenging. Jamaican rum anchors the drink—Appleton Signature for structure, split with Worthy Park 109 and Smith & Cross for intensity and funk. Punt e Mes, Campari, and Cynar stack bitterness in deliberate succession, while restrained touches of banana and coffee liqueur soften the edges just enough.

Recipe

1 oz Appleton Signature
0.5 oz Overproof Jamaican Rum (split of Worthy Park 109 & Smith & Cross)
1 oz Punt e Mes
0.75 oz Campari
0.25 oz Cynar
1 tsp Banane du Brésil
1 tsp Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur

Stir, serve over a large block of ice, and garnish with an orange twist.

This is a winter cocktail that rewards patience—equally compelling at the bar or mixed slowly at home as the night settles in.

Olivero’s Modern Spanish Negroni

Mediterranean weight, winter restraint

Olivero’s interpretation of the Negroni trades sharpness for richness. Olive oil–washed Plymouth gin brings a rounded, silky texture, while fino sherry introduces salinity and lift. Manual Acha Atxa Rojo vermouth adds spice and depth without tipping the drink toward sweetness, creating a Negroni that feels culinary and grounded—well suited for colder nights. It’s also a reminder that advanced technique doesn’t have to stay behind the bar. With a little planning, this is a drink that rewards home bartenders willing to slow down and lean into the process.

Recipe

0.75 oz Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil–Washed Plymouth Gin*
1 oz Campari
0.25 oz César Florido Cruz del Mar Fino Sherry
0.5 oz Manual Acha Atxa Rojo Vermouth

Stir, serve over a large block of ice, and garnish with an orange twist.

Olive Oil–Washed Gin Method

Mix 2 oz Spanish extra virgin olive oil with 25 oz Plymouth gin
Gently whisk and rest for 24 hours
Freeze, remove the solid oil block, and strain through a paper filter to remove remaining solids.

End of Days: Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Spice, smoke, and quiet warmth

As winter settles along the coast, End of Days leans into comfort through restraint. Their Gingerbread Old Fashioned layers Port of Entry Rum with spiced gingerbread syrup, delivering warmth without excess sweetness. Served over a large cube in a smoked glass, the drink unfolds slowly—ideal for nights spent indoors while the weather does its worst outside.

Ingredients

2 oz Port of Entry Rum
0.5 oz Spiced Gingerbread Syrup

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, stir, and strain over a smoked glass with a large cube. Garnish with a gingerbread cookie.

It’s a cocktail made for staying put.

Dram & Draught's Campfire Delight

Smoke, coffee, and winter comfort

Campfire Delight takes the structure of an espresso martini and shifts it firmly into winter. Graham cracker–infused reposado tequila adds toasted depth, paired with cold brew and coffee liqueur for richness rather than sharp stimulation. Finished with a roasted marshmallow, it feels tailor-made for quiet nights, low light, and the comfort of familiar flavors.