Cherry bounce
Cherry bounce is a simple infusion of cherries and sugar into a spirit. The town of Fristhden, England claims to have invented the mix and it was a favorite of George Washington, who had his own recipe for the liqueur. In Wisconsin, cherry bounce is mostly associated with Christmastime. Despite its small size, Door County is the fourth-largest cherry producer in the country and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to "pick-their-own" during harvest in early August. While many of these cherries will be packed into pies, sauces, and other great dishes, many Wisconsinites will pack them into a jar to steep in brandy. The fruit will do its magic through the months, ready to be enjoyed for Christmas.
In Madison, The Old Fashioned hosts a cherry bounce party every November. They offer three varieties: vodka, brandy, and bourbon. Many people prefer the spicy tones of the bourbon bounce, but I liked the sweetness of the brandy bounce. Typically it is consumed neat, but will also be used in a variety of cocktails and recipes as well. Cherry bounce is very simple to produce and makes wonderful Christmas gifts. Try it yourself this summer and enjoy a long-beloved Wisconsin tradition!
Tom and Jerry
The Tom and Jerry are making somewhat of a comeback, but at their heyday in the first half of the 20th century, some people had their own serving bowls with "Tom and Jerry" painted on the side in Old English font. If you hunt through the second-hand stores long enough, you may come across one of the treasures, harkening back to a more festive era.
Glühwein
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Photo from winemonger.com |
So start the fire, curl up in a blanket, and have a glass or two. Winter is here, but we don't have to be cold!