Holiday cocktails should feel like a warm invitation—comforting, a bit mischievous, and absolutely indulgent. The Fireside Naughty Cream Sipper delivers all of that with a smoky twist. By adding a touch of cold-brew coffee and hazelnut, this drink leans deeper, richer, and far more winter-worthy than your typical creamy holiday pour.
One of the standout elements of this cocktail is the smoked half-and-half. A quick cold-smoke lets the cream pick up just enough aroma without overwhelming the drink, giving each sip a subtle campfire warmth. It’s an easy technique and adds a unique layer that sets this apart from traditional dessert cocktails.
The combination of spiced rum and hazelnut liqueur adds both heat and mellow sweetness, while the brown sugar syrup ties everything together with a caramel-like depth. This balance keeps the cocktail from becoming overly sweet while still hitting those indulgent holiday notes.
Finished with whipped cream and a ribbon of caramel, this one absolutely feels like a gift to yourself. Whether you’re hosting friends or winding down after a long day of holiday chaos, this cocktail is built for slow sipping by the glow of a fireplace—or at least a candle pretending to be one.
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark spiced rum
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur
- 1 oz cold-brew coffee concentrate
- 1 oz smoked half-and-half (quick-smoke for 2–3 minutes in a smoker)
- 1 oz brown sugar syrup
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Smoke the CreamPour half-and-half into a small metal cup and place in smoker for 2–3 minutes to infuse gentle smoke. Cool before using.
- ShakeAdd spiced rum, hazelnut liqueur, cold-brew concentrate, smoked half-and-half, brown sugar syrup, nutmeg, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until chilled and silky.
- ServeStrain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- GarnishAdd a soft whipped cream cap, drizzle light caramel, and finish with a smoked nutmeg sprinkle.