If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays with some festive cocktails, Olde Raleigh Distillery has got you covered. Since opening its doors in January, this Zebulon-based, family-owned and operated distillery has been wowing the greater Raleigh area with their craft-made, small-batch whiskeys. Master blender and distiller Brandon McCraney prides himself on his attention to detail, with a laser focus on the art of blending using traditional techniques and processes in new ways. His enticing flavor profiles and unique blends are a must-try for local bourbon lovers.

Ready to indulge yourself? Here are two fun and festive cocktails that are perfect for the holiday season (or anytime, really). Swing by their 10,000-square-foot renovated building on Zebulon’s main street to purchase some Old Raleigh Bourbon — a necessary ingredient — and visit the tasting room while you’re at it. Enjoy!

Gimme S’more

1.5 ounces of Olde Raleigh Bourbon
5 dashes of chocolate bitters
.5 ounce of vanilla spice simple syrup (one part water, one part sugar, two dashes of vanilla, allspice)
Chocolate and graham cracker crumbs
Toasted marshmallow

Combine bourbon, chocolate bitters and vanilla spice simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain and pour over a large ice cube in a glass. To garnish, dip the rim of the glass in chocolate and dust with graham cracker crumbs. Toast the marshmallow, stick it with a cocktail pick, and rest on the rim of the glass to garnish.

Johnny Apple Mule

1.5 ounces Olde Raleigh Bourbon
2 ounces apple cider
.25 ounce fresh lime juice
Ginger beer
Apple slice or cinnamon stick

Combine bourbon, cider and lime juice in a shaker with ice and shake. Pour into a copper mug filled with ice and top with ginger beer. To garnish, add an apple slice or a cinnamon stick.

209 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon
(919) 208-0044
olderaleighdistillery.com