If you haven’t yet heard the folklore of Krampus, you are totally missing out on one of the best Christmas tales of all time. Krampus is a creature bearing horns, fangs, a long tongue and carries with him chains and a bundle of birch sticks to swat naughty children with. He shows up at the beginning of December and then hauls the bad kids back to the underworld. I must say that as I child I would have been much more likely to behave with the thought that a hooved demon-like creature was going to snap me up in the middle of the night versus the empty threats of getting a lump of coal in my stocking!
To honor Krampus, I created a dark and delicious Krampus Rum Cocktail for you all to enjoy. Using a mix of black cherry juice, citrus, and spiced rum, this sweet and tart concoction strikes the perfect balance of naughty and nice! I also want to dedicate this cocktail to Layla, my best friend’s daughter, who STILL won’t let me say, “Krampus” in fear that I will somehow summon him like Voldemort or something. I’m telling you parents.. this story is very effective!
Krampus Rum Cocktail
(makes 2 cocktails)
Ingredients:
4oz Sailor Jerry Rum
4oz black cherry juice
2oz orange juice
Juice from half a lime
6 to 8 dashes of bitters
1 tsp of sugar or honey
Ice
Cinnamon sticks for garnish
and 3 lashings from Krampus!
Add all of the cocktail ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake for 20 to 30 seconds or until the sugar or honey is dissolved. Pour into two ice filled glasses, garnish with a cinnamon stick (bonus points for using a mini bundle of birch sticks too), and serve.
Enjoy responsibly! And have a very Merry Krampus! š
