What to get the cocktail enthusiast in your life this holiday season? These suggestions for spirits, bar tools, cocktails books, and more come straight from the bar team at Cardinal Spirits, the craft distillery in Bloomington!

1. Creekbend Brandy
Aged spirits are always a hit, but bourbon isn’t your only option. Creekbend Brandy, a collaboration between Cardinal Spirits and Oliver Winery, was distilled from local Catawba grapes and aged 3 years in toasted oak barrels. Sip this smooth, easy-drinking brandy neat, or use it to make the classics: Brandy Old Fashioneds, Sidecars, Brandy Alexanders, and more. 
To buy: available at Cardinal Spirits, and at Yelp’s Totally Bazaar in Indianapolis

2. Cocktail books: Nightcap and Meehan’s Bartender Manual
Nightcap and Meehan’s Bartender Manual are two cocktail recipe books that we are excited to give this season. Nightcap is a collection of recipes for closing out the night that come from accomplished bartenders all across the country — the author is a spirits writer and editor who really knows her stuff. Meanwhile, Meehan’s Bartender Manual comes from James Beard award winning bartender and bar owner Jim Meehan — he shares solid recipes, techniques and history for both classic and modern cocktails, and he gives a voyeuristic peek inside the operations of the best bars in the world — this book is just as fascinating for bartenders and bar owners as it is for the casual cocktail drinker.  
To buy: Look for these wherever you like to buy books! Also available on Amazon: Nightcap and Meehan’s Bartender Manual

3. The ultimate (inexpensive!) citrus peeler
Our favorite $4 stocking stuffer! This peeler by Kuhn Rikon is universally beloved by bartenders and it’ll up your cocktail game at home. It is hands down the best tool for creating citrus garnishes.
To buy: Track one down at your go-to cooking supply store, or online at Cocktail Kingdom and Amazon.

4. Negroni finger stirrer
This fun cocktail stirrer celebrates the signature move of legendary bartender Gary “Gaz”  Regan. He’s been known to stir negronis with his finger, and with this life-size cast of his index finger, you can, too.
To buy: Purchase at Cocktail Kingdom

5. Bitter bundle
Bitters are a key cocktail ingredient that are deployed just a couple of dashes at a time — Angostura and Peychaud’s are some of the most well-known bitters, but there are dozens and dozens of small-batch varieties that are fun to try out in classic cocktails at home. Choose a few interesting ones and package them together. 
To buy: Find bitters wherever you shop for spirits.  11th Orchard White Pine Bitters, Wilks & Wilson Storyville Bitters, Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters

Brandy Eggnog
1.5 ounces Creekbend Brandy
3 ounces eggnog (more to taste, if you’d like)
Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Add brandy and eggnog to a small mug or glass and gently stir to combine. Grate fresh nutmeg on top to garnish.

To learn more, visit: 

www.cardinalspirits.com 
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