On a chilly Thursday night, the Hornblower Infinity Ship set sail in the NY harbor for the Village Voice’s Holiday Spirits tasting event. Guests were treated to live music, food and, most importantly, cocktails made from the spirits of more than 25 distilleries and wineries. The cruise was a buzzy-fun time and the perfect chance to try some new liquors without having to buy the whole bottle. Whole Foods was also representing with a tasty little treat they called a Shipwreck Sundae made with Greystone cookies and Talenti Gelato topped with a rum caramel drizzle. With the holidays just around the corner, the tasting event provided an opportunity for guests to get some inspiration for their own upcoming winter parties, or to start making the gift list for the boozehounds in their lives.

There were a number of standout drinks from the event. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur was serving an excellent creation they called the Intensely Warming Hot Toddy with the company’s own liqueur, Don Q Rum, apple cider and nutmeg, while Owney’s Rum was making a sweet drink they called Smells Like Teen Spirit with their rum, banana, fernet menta and mint. Van Brunt Stillhouse was serving up a tasty drink called the Moonlight Mule, and for anyone wanting to bring out their inner mixologist, here’s the recipe:

Recipe for Moonlight Mule, courtesy of Van Brunt Stillhouse:

• 2 oz. Van Brunt Stillhouse Moonshine
• 3/4 oz. ginger syrup
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• Splash of soda (optional)
• Dash angostura bitters

Preparation:

• Shake with a piece of ice & strain into a glass, add a splash of soda. Float 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on top.