With the introduction of new mixologists and unique seasonal cocktail menus, Oklahoma’s cocktail culture is full steam ahead.

Increasingly more bars and mixologists throughout Oklahoma are switching up their cocktail menus and offering creative seasonal drinks that capture a particular time of year or holiday.

“Seasonal cocktail menus have been huge in trend-leading cities like New York City and San Francisco for some time, and now we’re seeing these unique drink offerings expand to states across the country,” said Kelley McDonough, Distilled Spirits Director of Public Relations.

McDonough noted that Oklahoma’s cocktail scene is booming. Over the past five years, consumption of distilled spirits in Oklahoma has increased by 21 percent, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

Jared Jordan, Owner and Bartender, Mixed Company in Tulsa stated, “Tulsa has a really rich history from the Prohibition era, as it was known as the Oil Capital of the World back then. There’s a lot of great Art Deco architecture, and as a city we’re really proud of that time in our past. Fast forward seventy years and the craft cocktail culture is alive and thriving in this city, and there are a handful of really great bars devoted to the craft in downtown Tulsa.”

Added Andy Cagle, Co-owner and Bartender of Tulsa’s Inner Circle Vodka Bar, “At Inner Circle Vodka Bar we like infusing vodka with seasonal foods and flavors. Cranberry and orange combine to make a fresh and tangy cocktail, perfect to ring in the New Year.”

Below are cocktail recipes from some of Tulsa’s top mixologists to enjoy this holiday season:

Millennium Mimosa

By Andy Cagle, Co-owner and Bartender, Inner Circle Vodka Bar

1 ½ parts Cranberry and Orange infused Vodka

1 part Orange Juice

Pour over ice topped with champagne and garnished with orange wedge and cranberries

Oude Lang Syne

By Jared Jordan, Owner and Bartender, Mixed Company

1/2 oz. Barrel Aged Gin (non-aged works just fine as well)

1/2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur

1/2 oz. Italian Vermouth

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice and stir. Strain over large ice in a rocks glass, garnish with grapefruit peel.

“This is a festive time of year when friends and family gather to catch up over a cocktail or raise a toast to the New Year. Many Oklahomans will be celebrating the holiday with the freshest flavors the season has to offer,” concluded McDonough.

The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do so in moderation and responsibly at all times. Part of responsible drinking is understanding that a standard drink of beer, distilled spirits and wine each contains the same amount of alcohol. For more information on Standard Drinks and moderation visit www.drinkinmoderation.org.