Last week I was in Napa and San Francisco with Zephyr, the maker of the quietest range hoods on the market, and a group of designers and bloggers. We spent the week indulging in some of the most incredible cocktails and eats at inspiring restaurants and wineries. One of my favorite stops was a darling restaurant, Leo’s Oyster Bar. Not only was it pretty in pinks, greens and golds, but they served a warm and fuzzy Mai Tai in a kitchy glass. I decided to recreate it to make a Merry Mai Tai Christmas cocktail to warm you up as winter approaches.
First, let’s take a peek at Leo’s, shall we? While there, I snapped a few iPhone photos.
Isn’t that light fixture gorgeous? Speaking of gorgeous, Zephyr’s new line of kitchen hoods are stunning as well. I look forward to having a custom wood hood built around one of their units when I brave our kitchen remodel.
This mai tai is still a touch fruity, but more balanced than most thanks to the addition of amaretto, my first love. Amaretto is so smooth, that it’s always a crowd pleaser, especially among light drinkers. My mom rarely drank, but when she did, she enjoyed an amaretto sour and when I came of drinking age, I did too. If you’re going to offer just one cocktail for a holiday get together, this is it – this merry mai tai will put everyone in the holiday spirit!
I know it’s a little early to think about the holidays, but I assure you, you’ll enjoy this recipe all fall and winter long, but I can’t wait to serve it for holiday get togethers!
- 12 oz pineapple juice
- 12 oz orange juice
- 6 oz flor de cana/dark rum
- 6 oz amaretto
- crushed ice
- In a pitcher, whisk together juices, rum and amaretto.
- Pour over glasses filled with crushed ice.
Cheers!
Thanks to Zephyr for hosting a fun and inspiring trip with designer Fu Tung Cheng!
