Jul 14 2026

Nutcracker Recipe

Time25m
Serves1

Amaretto, Cinnamon Simple Syrup, Lemon, Bitters.

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Cinnamon Simple Syrup (makes ~1 cup)

Method

Cinnamon Simple Syrup (make ahead)

  1. 1

    Combine and dissolve

    In a small saucepan combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Add 2 cinnamon sticks. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.

  2. 2

    Infuse

    Lower heat and simmer very gently for 5 minutes to extract cinnamon flavor. If using ground cinnamon for extra warmth, sprinkle it in now and whisk briefly to incorporate.

  3. 3

    Cool and strain

    Remove from heat and let the syrup steep with the cinnamon sticks for 15–20 minutes (longer for stronger cinnamon). Strain out the cinnamon sticks (and any sediment) into a clean jar. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Syrup keeps for up to 2 weeks.

Cocktail preparation

  1. 4

    Chill glass

    Place an Old Fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to chill the glass.

  2. 5

    Build and shake

    In a cocktail shaker add 6 ice cubes, 2 oz amaretto, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

  3. 6

    Prepare glass

    Discard ice water from the chilled glass (if used) and place a single large ice cube or fresh ice into the glass.

  4. 7

    Strain and garnish

    Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over the large ice cube. Express a lemon twist over the surface (pinch to release oils), run the twist around the rim if desired, then drop it into the drink as garnish.

  5. 8

    Serve

    Serve immediately. Optionally offer a short stirring stick so the drinker can revisit dilution and integration of flavors as the large ice cube melts.

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