Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash (with VIDEO)

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To celebrate the release of Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms this weekend, I wanted to share a fun Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash inspired by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself! It’s a fun Christmas twist on a classic whiskey smash cocktail.

A fun holiday cocktail inspired by the Nutcracker, this Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash features caramelized plums for a natural sweetness

Sugar Plum Cocktail Recipe

The Nutcracker is a family tradition for so many of us, and while I’m still on the fence about whether or not my daughter could sit through the entire ballet version, I’m so excited to take her to see Disney’s new take on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

But for tonight, I’m celebrating the season with this simple Sugar Plum Fairy-inspired cocktail. This drink is feminine yet assertive. It has a natural, well-rounded sweetness that avoids being too saccharine and is complemented (rather than cut) by the addition of whiskey.

I had a lot of fun developing this recipe – and because I’m me, I had to start off with a bit of research into what exactly a sugar plum is!

I had always thought it would be a stewed or candied plum, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! The original sugar plums were more like a Jordan almond (those candy-coated almonds you get at weddings), only the center could be an almond, caraway seeds or cardamom. (I found this article about them quite fascinating.)

So, while the original sugar plums had nothing, well, plum-like about them, I still wanted to have a bit of fun with this. A more authentic “sugar plum” cocktail might be something like a sweetened chai tea cocktail (ooh, I’ll have to add that to my list!)

Today’s version features freshly caramelized plums perched in a cranberry-pomegranate whiskey smash. This is a fun holiday twist on a classic summer cocktail.

The key to keeping this drink smooth-tasting is buying a smooth, good-quality whiskey or bourbon. I can’t drink scotch or tequila (without grimacing) but I find this cocktail smooth and refreshing. (So if you’ve previously found whiskey too harsh, it may have just been the brand or the cocktail.)

I often order my liquor from Drizly because they have a quick delivery time (sometimes within 40 minutes) and no expensive mark-ups. Purchasing from them supports local retailers, too. You can order the Whiskey needed for this recipe from them.

Check out our quick recipe video to see just how simple this Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash cocktail is to make, and then don’t forget to scroll down below to grab your free printable recipe:

 

Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash Ingredients

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Makes 2.

Tip: you can prepare the caramelized plums in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

  • Frying pan
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Ice maker
  • Liquid measure

I really loved using my gorgeous Omishome Bartending Kit to make this recipe. The pretty bamboo holder contains all of the tools you need to make perfect cocktails, and those pretty gold tools add a touch of class to your home bar set-up.

How to Make a Sugar Plum Cocktail

Place your frying pan over medium heat and get the pan hot.

Meanwhile, slice your plum and sprinkle both sides of each slice with sugar.

Add the plums to the hot pan and allow to caramelize. (Note that I didn’t caramelize the plums fully because I didn’t want them to appear burnt in the photographs. You want them to start browning before you remove from heat.)

Allow the plums to cool slightly as you prepare the cocktail.

Fill your glasses with ice. This drink is best served cold.

Add your whiskey to the glass, followed by the pomegranate juice, then the cranberry ginger ale.

Garnish with the caramelized plums and serve immediately.

Pin this Sugar Plum Fairy Cocktail:

A fun fruity whiskey smash cocktail inspired by the Nutcracker, perfect for Christmas parties or entertaining

Grab your free printable recipe card for our sugar plum whiskey smash cocktail:

Yield: 2 cocktails

Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash

Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash

A fun holiday cocktail inspired by the Nutcracker, this Sugar Plum Whiskey Smash features caramelized plums for a natural sweetness

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 plum, sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar, as needed
  • 3 oz whiskey or bourbon
  • 2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1 can cranberry ginger ale
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Place your frying pan over medium heat and get the pan hot.
  2. Meanwhile, slice your plum and sprinkle both sides of each slice with sugar.
  3. Add the plums to the hot pan and allow to caramelize. (Note that I didn't caramelize the plums fully because I didn't want them to appear burnt in the photographs. You want them to start browning before you remove from heat.)
  4. Allow the plums to cool slightly as you prepare the cocktail.
  5. Fill your glasses with ice. This drink is best served cold.
  6. Add your whiskey to the glass, followed by the pomegranate juice, then the cranberry ginger ale.
  7. Garnish with the caramelized plums and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 313Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 18mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 38gProtein: 1g

Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.

Pin this Recipe for Later

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Is the Nutcracker a family tradition of yours? Let me know if you see the movie and what you think! (And if you try this recipe!)

For more fun holiday cocktails, check out our Buttered Rum Cocktail or our Spiked Eggnog.

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