How To Find Kosher Certified Spirits And Cocktails For Hanukkah Celebrations

Whether a gift for a Jewish host, a cocktail to compliment the brisket and matzah ball soup, or a Hanukkah gift idea, it is possible to go beyond the obvious kosher wine from the grocery store.

On June 2, 2019, Manchester Beth Din, the Jewish Ecclesiastical Court for Greater Manchester, visited the manufacturing plants of family-owned-and-operated distiller William Grant & Sons Ltd., and certified 11 of their brands – a total of 29 expressions – as Kosher and Parev until May 31, 2020.

Considering that these brands are well-respected and beloved by many, you have ample leeway when choosing your preferred spirit, whether as a gift or to serve at your own gathering.

Whiskey drinkers will be pleased to know that The Balvenie and Glenfiddich Scotch, as well as Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch and Scotch liqueur Drambuie, are on the list. If rum is your poison, both Flor de Caña and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum – which is great for concocting seasonal sips- fit the bill.

Agave lovers can safely enjoy Milagro Tequila and Montelobos Mezcal, brands developed by Mexico City Jewish entrepreneurs Danny Schneeweiss and Moy Guindi. The duo is also behind Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, which is also on the kosher certification list. Cocktail stand-byes Hendrick’s Gin and Reyka Icelandic Vodka round out the list.

Robbie Medwed, an Atlanta-based educator, activist, and writer, has become a go-to resource for navigating the laws of kashrut (kosher) when it comes to spirits and drinks, which can be quite confusing. His website offers a wealth of information on current certifications as well as cocktail recipes for every occasion.

Here are a few cocktail suggestions to get you started. Happy Hanukkah!

Icelandic Eggnog

There is such thing as Kosher-certified eggnog, so this must be purchased or made.

1 ¾ parts Reyka Vodka

3 ½ parts Eggnog

Combine ingredients into rocks glass and garnish with grated nutmeg.

The Stag 75

A festive bubbly libation that offers a twist on the classic French 75.

2 parts Glenfiddich 12 Year

1/2 fresh lemon juice

1/2 simple syrup

Kosher Champagne (or sparkling wine)

Lemon twist, to garnish 

Add all ingredients except the Champagne and lemon twist to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a champagne flute. Top with champagne and express a lemon twist over the drink and drop in.

For All These Miracles

Robbie Medwed created this cocktail inspired by baklava, his favorite Greek dessert. He suggests substituting any unpeated whiskey for the scotch if you’re not a fan of smoke.

1½ ounces smoky scotch

½ ounce amaretto

1 ounce lemon juice

½ ounce honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

5 drops black walnut/pecan/other nut bitters

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.  

Irving Berlin

Medwed’s homage to the composer of White Christmas, who was, you guessed it, Jewish. While eggnog traditionally calls for cream, using just an egg white keeps this drink pareve while making it thick and frothy,” says Medwed. “And just like real eggnog, this packs a punch.”

1 ounce bourbon

½ ounce rum

¾ ounce brandy

1 egg white

¾ ounce honey syrup

Fresh nutmeg or cinnamon

Add 2 ice cubes and the egg white only into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 2 minutes. Add more ice and the rest of the ingredients and shake once more. Strain and pour into a rocks glass with ice. Grate fresh nutmeg or cinnamon on top to garnish.

 This recipe originally appeared in the Atlanta Jewish Times.