Let’s Toast to the New Year!
Part of a culinary experience is beverage procurement. So Taste of Blue Ridge reached out to our culinary partners and asked them for fun winter cocktails for the new year.
Hillbrook Inn – Charles Town, WV
Set in the stunning Blue Ridge mountains of West Virginia, the Hillbrook Inn & Spa offers 19 rooms over three unique homes situated on more than 30 sprawling acres. Complete with a spa, luxury dining restaurant “The Redbook”, and much more. The inn is ideal for those restless spirits seeking adventure and culinary art rolled into one. The Redbook Restaurant guarantees “elegant style, memorable flavors.”
Peppermint Martini
Rim a martini glass with crushed candy cane
Absolute Vodka
Rum chata Peppermint Mark
Creme de Cacao
Garnish with Whip Cream and a Candy Cane
New Year’s Info: Hillbrook Inn’s New Year’s Eve Dinner is Sunday, December 31st! Reservations 5 pm – 8 pm Sunday / 5 Course Dinner – $150 per person.
Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Co. – Shepherdstown, WV
Besides a bar, the Bavarian Inn Resort and Brewing Company has a beautiful fireplace, relaxing couch, and chairs for friends to settle in. Christian Asam, General Manager, has created a special winter martini. If you are a brave soul, you can also head outside to their firepit with a request for smores. Winter gives the resort a unique character to enjoy should you want to spend a night or two.
Kris Kringle-tini – Peppermint Schnapps / Chocolate Bailey’s / Skyy Vodka / Peppermint Flakes
Restaurant Info: The Bavarian’s various dining options are open daily 7 am – 9 pm. Rathskeller Bar is open 5-9 pm Thursday-Saturday. Reservations are highly encouraged.
The Vagabond Kitchen – Wheeling, WV
Many thanks to Chef Matt Welsch, our friend from Wheeling, West Virginia. Matt owned Vagabond Kitchen and was our featured guest chef in 2021 at “Grilling and Chilling” Root to Table event at the Bavarian Inn.
Bashful Martini
2 oz Tito’s
3/4 oz Cointreau
1 1/4 oz pomegranate
1 oz grapefruit juice
Stir with ice and pour neat. Garnish with lemon and cherry.
Restaurant Info: The Vagabond Kitchen is open 4-9 pm Wednesday & Thursday / Friday & Saturday 4-10 pm /Sunday 11 am – 3 pm.
Lilah Restaurant – Shepherdstown, WV
Lilah’s is a Shepherdstown favorite both for the locals and visitors. After opening the restaurant in 2020, Connie Heyer, owner, has successfully made the restaurant a popular spot, including their nationally recognized “Brunch” by Southern Living. Other favorite events are their “Drag Show Dinners.” In addition, Lilah’s will offer its third Mixology Class on May 5th over the Root to Table Culinary weekend.
The tagline – “Food – Drink – Community” sums up the essence of your culinary experience. Lilah’s is dog friendly so bring your best friend along too. They are taking their winter vacation and reopening on January 17th.
Restaurant Info: Lilah is open for Lunch Fri-Sat 11:30am – 5:00pm / Dinner Wed-Sat 5:00pm-9:00pm / Sunday Brunch 10:00am-3:00pm
Caramel Apple Cider Hot Toddy
½ Cup Apple Cider Warmed
2 Ounces Caramel Vodka
2 Ounces Fireball Whiskey
Topped with Whipped Cream
Garnish with Cinnamon Stick
Maple Spice Old Fashion
2 Ounces Favorite Bourbon
1 Ounce Monin Maple Spice Syrup
Orange Bitters to Taste
Garnish with Orange Peel
We Wish You a Happy New Year
If you are getting cabin fever this winter, think about an evening of bar hopping. First, pick a location and several good restaurants to experience their bar scene. Next, select a designated driver, and head off to several restaurants to taste their popular cocktails with some excellent appetizers.
