Patrons of Northern Latitudes Distillery (NLD) can enjoy seasonal libations and support local non-profits over the next two weekends.
NLD will host “Holiday Hygge” Friday, Dec. 15 and 22 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.
“The holidays are a time when people are thinking of others,” said Mandy Moseler, who along with husband, Mark, has hosted the event for about six years. “People are already gathering together for warmth and fun. Why not tie it to doing something good for others.”
“Hygge” (Hoo-Gah) is a Danish word for a cozy, warm feeling from time with friends and family. The events will include live music, complimentary Danish snacks and treats and holiday cocktails, with profits going to Leelanau Christian Neighbors’ Blessings in a Backpack program. In the 2021-22 school year, the group distributed 4,246 bags of food to children who may be at risk of having little food when school is out of session.
“It’s gathering together to share food and drink during the depths of winter when there’s less sunlight,” Moseler said. “There’s a real sense of community.”
People have long come together during the holiday season. In the Middle Ages, people would gather and make merry — taking to the streets to share wassail, a beverage made from hot mulled cider, ale, or wine and spices.
NLD has its own version of wassail —“Ginny’s Hot Grog.” which is very popular this time of year at NLD.
“It’s my great-grandmother’s recipe, handed down from my grandmother to my mom,” Moseler said.
The concoction is a mixtureof pineapple juice, cranberry juice, sugar and seasonal spices like clove and cinnamon.
Another seasonal favorite — egg nog — is also available. Like wassail, egg nog likely came from Europe centuries ago.
Both can be paired with NLD’s Deer Camp Bourbon or Whaleback Spiced Rum.
Less traditional, yet with a nifty holiday tag is a drink called “All I Want for Christimas” — which includes NLD vodka, Mackinac Island Fudge Chocolate Liqueur, heavy cream, peppermint abstract and chocolate syrup.
How about a gingerbread martini, made from Northern Roots Ginger Liqueur, Ice Dunes Vodka, lemon juice and agave syrup.
There’s no sugar plums at NLD, but there is a Plum Rum Mule — a concoction of Visions of Sugar Plums Liqueur, Whaleback Spice Rum, ginger beer and lime.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, NLD has other options.
“We offer 30 ‘mocktails’ for children, designated drivers and others who don’t drink,” Moseler said. “We don’t want to leave anyone out.”
