Squeeze the Day: Winter Citrus is Here

Radiating with the soft, coral glow of a winter sunset, the Cara Cara Cooler is a masterclass in balancing seasonal brightness with sophisticated warmth. This cocktail celebrates the Cara Cara orange—often called the "Red Navel" for its pinkish-red flesh and signature notes of raspberry and rose—by pairing its plush, low-acid sweetness with the robust character of our Distiller’s Reserve Bourbon. The addition of Ginger Liqueur provides a sharp, spicy snap that cuts through the citrus, while orange and Angostura bitters lend a structural backbone that prevents the drink from feeling overly juicy. The result is a harmonious, singing blend of heat and sweet, offering a silky mouthfeel and a fragrant aroma of fresh zest and caramel.

Whether you are hosting an après-ski happy hour after a day in the cold or looking for the perfect après-work drink to wash away the week, this cocktail transitions effortlessly from a casual weekend hang to a cozy night in by the fireplace. To truly elevate the experience, lean into the drink's versatile flavor profile with thoughtful food pairings. The bourbon and ginger notes make it a natural companion for the smoky richness of BBQ pulled pork sliders or glazed pork belly, while the cocktail’s bright acidity beautifully offsets the creamy tang of goat cheese crostini or whipped ricotta with honey. For a more substantial pairing, the Cara Cara juice plays a sweet, vibrant melody against the deep, savory intensity of slow-cooked beef short ribs.

A sophisticated, winterized evolution of the classic sour, the Man Oh Man is a grown-up citrus cocktail that trades sharp acidity for juicy, aromatic depth. By spotlighting the intense perfume of fresh mandarin juice alongside Old Tom Gin—a barrel-rested spirit that imparts barrel notes of vanilla and caramel—this drink creates a luxurious bridge between botanical complexity and winter citrus sweetness. The addition of an egg white transforms the texture into a silky, golden cloud in a glass, topped with a thick, creamy foam. It offers the nostalgic comfort of a sophisticated "adult" orange creamsicle, yet remains firmly grounded by orange bitters and the structured, assertive backbone of the barrel-aged gin.

This cocktail is a showstopper for a mid-winter dinner party, serving as a luxurious starter that immediately impresses guests with its jewel-like color and velvety mouthfeel. It is equally at home during late-night conversations or "sit down with intention" meals, where the drink’s presence can truly be savored. To complement its rich yet bright profile, pair it with savory indulgences like duck confit on crostini or a delicate scallop crudo; the mandarin’s brightness cuts through the fat while the gin’s botanicals elevate the dish. For a bolder main course, it stands up beautifully to steak or roasted mushrooms, and for a sweet finish, the Old Tom Gin’s woody notes make it a classic partner for the bitterness of dark chocolate truffles.

Capturing the transition from late fall to early winter, the Orchard Run is a vibrant, multi-layered sour that feels like a crisp walk through a frosted fruit grove. This cocktail is a masterclass in fruit layering, combining the clean essence of New Deal Pear Brandy with the warming, autumnal spices of Spiced Pear Liqueur. By muddling fresh mandarin wedges directly into the build, the drink releases aromatic essential oils that provide a bitter, zesty counterpoint to the soft sweetness of the pear. The result is a complex, distilled fruit basket with a dazzling golden hue—offering a warm, spiced nose followed by a bright, citrus-forward finish that ensures the rich orchard flavors stay perfectly balanced on the tongue.

With a spice profile that practically screams the festive season, the Orchard Run is the ultimate companion for Mardi Gras celebrations. Its rustic yet thoughtful character also makes it an ideal choice for a Sunday brunch that stretches into the afternoon or for a casual comfort-food supper. When it comes to food, this cocktail is a natural partner for creamy, earthy appetizers like baked brie with honey and walnuts or a pear-and-gorgonzola flatbread. For a more savory main, it pairs beautifully with rustic dishes like pork chops or a roasted root vegetable tart, where the drink's bright acidity and baked-fruit notes cut through the richness of the dish.

The Tangelo Sour is a silky, exotic reimagining of the classic sour, designed to showcase the zippy personality of the tangelo—a vibrant hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit. By pairing the honey-like sweetness of fresh tangelo juice with the juniper-forward profile of Portland Dry Gin 33, this cocktail achieves a sophisticated balance between bright citrus and a botanical backbone. The addition of an egg white transforms the drink into a cloud-like experience, offering a plush, velvety mouthfeel and a soft, pastel orange hue that looks like a winter sunset in a glass. Topped with a single mint leaf for an aromatic pop, it hits the palate with a refreshing tartness before smoothing out into a clean, lingering citrus blossom finish.

This cocktail is the ultimate bartender’s handshake, making it the perfect choice for a sophisticated brunch or a rainy Saturday afternoon when you need a bright, citrusy pick-me-up. Because it walks the line between refreshing and indulgent, it serves as a fantastic conversation-starter for guests who want something recognizable yet undeniably seasonal. To highlight its silky texture and high acidity, pair it with delicate seafood like butter-seared scallops or a Crab Benedict, where the egg white foam mirrors the richness of the dish. For a more casual pairing, the tangelo’s zip acts as a brilliant foil to fried chicken or lemon garlic shrimp skewers, while its subtle sweetness harmonizes beautifully with lemon-ricotta pancakes or buttery shortbread.

The Tangerine Dream is a sophisticated, winterized riff on the classic Sidecar that is both playful and quietly elegant. Utilizing our Distiller’s Workshop Brandy as a warm, vinous anchor, this cocktail highlights the floral, nostalgic sweetness of fresh tangerines—a fruit often remembered for its lunchbox charm but elevated here with a grown-up edge. The brandy provides a rich base of vanillin and oak, perfectly rounding out the tangerine’s soft acidity to create a drink that is juicy, aromatic, and never aggressive. Garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary, the cocktail offers a piney, earthy aroma that greets you with every sip, grounding the high-energy citrus in a beautiful winter-sunshine glow.

This is the ultimate post-dinner digestif cocktail, ideal for those hours when the meal has ended but the conversation is just beginning. Its approachable, gently rounded profile also makes it a cheerful choice for holiday open houses, casual game nights, or a Saturday afternoon reset. To create a truly dreamy pairing, serve it alongside a dark chocolate-orange tart; the brandy and chocolate are natural allies, while the tangerine juice echoes the dessert's citrus notes. For savory moments, it shines next to roast pork or a citrus-glazed roasted chicken, where the rosemary notes bridge the gap between the spirit and the herbs. If you're hosting a more casual get-together, simple pairings like aged Gouda or spiced nuts let the cocktail's liquid dessert qualities take center stage.

The Blood Orange Sour is a silky, high-vibrance celebration of winter’s most dramatic citrus, designed to "squeeze the day" with its striking color and velvety texture. By combining the deep, berry-like richness of fresh blood orange juice with the clean, reliable strength of Portland Dry Gin 33, this cocktail transforms a classic template into a seasonal showstopper. The addition of a shaken egg white creates a luxurious, cloud-like foam that softens the fruit’s natural tartness, while lemon juice provides a subtle tartness that keeps the profile sophisticated rather than sugary. Visually arresting with its crimson-to-pink gradient and creamy white head, it is a drink that feels both indulgent and remarkably refreshing.

With its elegant presentation and sip-into-spring energy, the Blood Orange Sour is the perfect choice for a sophisticated winter brunch or a festive apres-ski gathering where you want to impress guests with something visually stunning. It also serves as an excellent palate-cleanser or starter for a cocktail-forward dinner party. To truly let the blood orange shine, pair it with light, savory appetizers like a citrus-cured scallop crudo or a goat cheese and beet tart, which mirror the drink’s earthy sweetness. For a more classic pairing, it stands up beautifully to the richness of a Dungeness crab cake or even a simple plate of buttery shortbread, where the cocktail’s clean acidity and frothy texture provide a delightful, bright contrast.

An herbaceous winter masterpiece, Thyme of the Season is a compelling study in contrasts that challenges the traditional fruity cocktail archetype. This drink orchestrates a collision between the sunny, orchard-fresh notes of New Deal Pear Brandy and the smoky, brooding depth of Mezcal, using the berry-like sweetness of blood orange as a vibrant bridge. The result is a stunning, deep-pink pour that takes the palate on a complex journey from campfire smoke to floral fruit, all grounded by the savory, woody aroma of fresh thyme. It is an elegant and contemplative cocktail—less about a sugary punch and more about a nuanced, botanical narrative that feels both earthy and sophisticated.

This is the quintessential choice for an adventurous cocktail hour or an intimate late-night conversation where the drinks are meant to be deconstructed and savored. Its moody, layered profile also makes it a perfect fit for book club nights or quiet evenings by the fire when you want to slow things down. To match its bold personality, pair it with rich, spicy dishes like Mole Chicken tacos; the mezcal and blood orange provide a spectacular foil to the sauce's complexity. For a more rustic, earthy pairing, try it alongside grilled lamb chops with a rosemary-garlic rub, a root vegetable gratin, or roasted beets with goat cheese, all of which lean into the drink’s herbaceous, smoky, frozen-grove vibes.

The Rip It Up is a pristine, high-impact vessel for blood orange season, designed for those who want the purity of the fruit to shine without distraction. Built on a foundation of Portland 90 Vodka—noted for its clean, crisp mineral quality—this cocktail introduces a layer of savory intrigue through a homemade bay leaf simple syrup. The result is a tall, refreshing highball that strikes a perfect balance: the bay leaf provides a subtle green aroma and a sophisticated herbal depth that keeps the garnet-colored blood orange from leaning too candy-like. Zesty, assertive, and energetic, it’s a drink that commands attention, offering a nose full of zest and a palate that stays lively from the first sip to the last.

This is the ultimate party drink: low-maintenance yet visually stunning, making it ideal for a high-energy game night or game day festivities. Because of its sophisticated savory undertone, it also serves beautifully as a pre-dinner cocktail for a formal meal, functioning as a crisp palate cleanser. When it comes to pairings, the bay leaf notes play exceptionally well with the basil in Caprese skewers, while the vodka’s clean finish cuts through the richness of a charcuterie board or creamy mozzarella. For a more adventurous pairing, try it alongside spicy wings or lamb chops with rosemary; the cocktail’s bold, confident citrus profile is more than capable of standing up to intense, savory flavors.

The Blood Orange Negroni is a bittersweet winter masterpiece that brings a seasonal glow to the world’s most famous Italian aperitivo. While the classic Negroni relies on a simple citrus peel, this version adds fresh blood orange juice, transforming the drink into something dark, mysterious, and incredibly satisfying. Built with Portland Dry Gin 33, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the addition of the juice serves as a sophisticated bridge, softening Campari's aggressive bitterness and rounding it out with a subtle, berry-like sweetness. It pours a stunning dark ruby red, offering a profile that is deep and complex enough for the connoisseur, yet accessible enough to convert even the most adamant Negroni skeptics.

This cocktail is the ultimate companion for an Italian-inspired Sunday supper or an unhurried winter evening when you need a drink with a solid spine. As a quintessential slow-sipper, it commands a place at the table both as a pre-dinner aperitivo and a contemplative post-meal digestif. To truly highlight its bittersweet perfection, pair it with salty, fatty snacks that can stand up to its bold character—think a lush charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, finocchiona salami, and briny olives. The cocktail’s botanical depth and citrus acidity also make it a natural match for rich, savory pasta dishes or simple Marcona almonds, which allow the drink's complex layers of herbal bitters and dark fruit to shine.

The Blood Orange Sour is a silky, high-vibrance celebration of winter’s most dramatic citrus, designed to "squeeze the day" with its striking color and velvety texture. By combining the deep, berry-like richness of fresh blood orange juice with the clean, reliable strength of Portland Dry Gin 33, this cocktail transforms a classic template into a seasonal showstopper. The addition of a shaken egg white creates a luxurious, cloud-like foam that softens the fruit’s natural tartness, while lemon juice provides a subtle tartness that keeps the profile sophisticated rather than sugary. Visually arresting with its crimson-to-pink gradient and creamy white head, it is a drink that feels both indulgent and remarkably refreshing.

With its elegant presentation and sip-into-spring energy, the Blood Orange Sour is the perfect choice for a sophisticated winter brunch or a festive apres-ski gathering where you want to impress guests with something visually stunning. It also serves as an excellent palate-cleanser or starter for a cocktail-forward dinner party. To truly let the blood orange shine, pair it with light, savory appetizers like a citrus-cured scallop crudo or a goat cheese and beet tart, which mirror the drink’s earthy sweetness. For a more classic pairing, it stands up beautifully to the richness of a Dungeness crab cake or even a simple plate of buttery shortbread, where the cocktail’s clean acidity and frothy texture provide a delightful, bright contrast.

The Can I Get a Citrus? is a playful and punchy beer-cocktail that elevates the standard six-pack into a Winter Shandy masterpiece. This drink spotlights the pomelo—the mammoth ancestor of the grapefruit—prized for its thick rind and mellow, floral sweetness that lacks the aggressive acidity of its descendants. By blending fresh pomelo juice with the spicy, warming heat of our Ginger Liqueur and topping it with a hoppy Pacific Northwest IPA, the cocktail creates a fascinating textural delight. The beer’s bitterness latches onto the citrus aromatics, while the ginger provides a lingering spicy finish, resulting in a golden, tall highball that is fizzy, refreshing, and complex in all the right ways.

Designed for casual hosting and high-energy gatherings, this "beer-tail" hero is the perfect choice for Super Bowl Sunday, watching the game, or those moments when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s a fast, crowd-pleasing drink that commands attention without being fussy. To match its lively, palate-awakening profile, pair it with bold, spicy fare like Buffalo wings or fish tacos; the cooling pomelo and effervescent IPA tame the heat while the ginger stands up to the spice. It also shines alongside salty, savory snacks like hot pommes frites with beer cheese, citrusy guacamole, or rosemary-roasted nuts, making it the quintessential companion for a long afternoon of snacking and socializing.

The Pomelo Squeeze is an effervescent winter masterpiece that elegantly bridges the gap between a botanical Gin & Tonic and a classic Bee’s Knees. Utilizing Portland Dry Gin 33 as a crisp, herbal foundation, this cocktail highlights the pomelo—the world's largest citrus fruit and a mellow ancestor of the grapefruit—known for its delicate, honey-like sweetness and restrained acidity. The drink is sweetened with a rich honey syrup and sharpened with fresh lime, but the true "botanist’s" twist comes from a topper of Sanzo Pomelo Sparkling Water. This addition lends a non-alcoholic bitterness and a fragrant, earthy nose that grounds the bright citrus. Poured into a highball glass, it appears as a sparkling, pale golden liquid that tastes like a garden in mid-winter: bone-dry, aromatic, and deeply refreshing.

Given its lower ABV and clean, sophisticated profile, the Pomelo Squeeze is the ultimate choice for a Damp January tipple, a light weekend brunch, or a refined palate cleanser between dinner courses. Its bubbly, herbaceous nature makes it a light-lunch hero, providing complexity without overwhelming the senses. To create a flawless pairing, look to ingredients that echo its botanical notes, such as fried sage and butternut squash ravioli or sea salt rosemary almonds. The honey notes in the glass also make it a natural partner for creamy goat cheese crostini drizzled with honey or a delicate honey panna cotta. For an oceanic pairing, the drink’s crisp, effervescent finish provides a stunning contrast to the briny minerality of oysters on the half shell or lightly smoked salmon bites.

The Cascadia Mimosa is a sophisticated, Pacific Northwest-inspired upgrade that invites the standard brunch cocktail to grow up. By swapping basic orange juice for sharp grapefruit and a splash of Cascadia American Bitter Liqueur, this drink introduces a complex botanical narrative inspired by the flora of the Cascade Mountains. Notes of rose petal, dried herbs, and gentian root ground the bright, clean acidity of the grapefruit, while sparkling wine provides a festive, effervescent lift. Poured as a pale pink, bubbling delight, it offers a dry, herbaceous finish that favors intentional sipping over sugary gulping, making it a structured and deeply regional take on a classic.

This is the ultimate selection for a celebratory Saturday brunch, a Galentine's Brunch toast, or a winter birthday morning where you want a drink that feels intentional rather than obligatory. Its refined, less-sweet profile allows it to transition beautifully into a midday garden party or a celebratory bridal shower. To complement its Northwest energy, pair it with savory, salt-forward dishes like smoked salmon tartines with capers or smoked trout on rye; the salt and smoke brilliantly cut through the grapefruit’s bitterness. For a lighter pairing, it harmonizes effortlessly with a wild mushroom frittata, herb-filled quiche, or simple pastries, where the liqueur’s botanical depth elevates the earthy and buttery flavors of the spread.

The Pink Cashmere is as much a tactile experience as it is a visual one, living up to its name with a texture that is soft, cloud-like, and undeniably luxurious. This cocktail is a sophisticated, velvety sour that utilizes either Portland Dry Gin 33 or Gin No. 1 to provide a firm botanical backbone against a frothy blend of fresh grapefruit and lemon. When shaken with an egg white, these ingredients transform into a drink that tastes like a lemon meringue pie reimagined with winter grapefruit—tart, creamy, and gently sweet with a lingering herbaceous finish. Poured as a delicate blush pink with a thick, velvety head, it offers an indulgent mouthfeel that feels like luxury in a glass without ever becoming heavy.

This is the quintessential cocktail for moments that call for a touch of elegance and comfort, making it a showstopper for a Valentine’s or Galentine’s celebration, an engagement toast, or a high-end afternoon tea. Because it is designed for lingering and slow sipping, it also serves as a wonderful post-dinner treat when the evening's energy turns cozy. To highlight its plush character, pair it with a roasted beet and goat cheese salad; the earthiness of the beets and the tang of the cheese perfectly mirror the drink's botanical and tart notes. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pink Cashmere is a dangerously easy companion to almond cake, raspberry macarons, or buttery shortbread cookies, where the citrus brightness cuts through the rich, nutty flavors.

The Grapefruit Gin Fizz is a bright, bracing, and timeless highball designed specifically for those who appreciate a bold, juniper-forward spirit. By utilizing New Deal Gin No. 1, an oily, herbaceous gin rich with notes of pine and pepper, this cocktail has the structural integrity to stand up to the powerful, bitter-tart profile of fresh grapefruit. Topped with soda water, it pours a cloudy, pale pink with a lively effervescence that wakes up the palate. A garnish of fresh rosemary adds a fragrant pine forest aroma that complements the juniper perfectly, creating a drink that is clean, sharp, and intensely aromatic. It’s the ultimate palate cleanser: carbonated, bracingly cold, and refreshingly structured.

This classic cooler is the ideal choice for early afternoon sipping, weekend brunches, or as an invigorating midday refresher during the winter months. Because it feels cleansing and sharp, it is the drink a bartender would make for themselves to reset after a long shift. To create a match made in heaven pairing, serve this fizz with fresh oysters on the half shell; the seafood's saline brininess beautifully enhances the tart citrus and crisp gin. Its ability to cut through richness also makes it a fantastic companion for smoked salmon, deviled eggs, or even bolder, spicy dishes like Thai green curry or spicy noodles. For a sweeter contrast, try it alongside a lemon loaf cake to echo the drink’s vibrant citrus heart.

Winter entertaining is about contrast: warm rooms and cool nights, rich food and bright flavors, quiet moments and lively gatherings. Citrus cocktails capture that balance perfectly. Thankfully, winter doesn’t have to be a flavorless void between the autumn harvest and the spring bloom. By utilizing the abundance of citrus options, winter becomes a season of bold acids, deep colors, and rich experimentation. By combining the fresh bounty of winter citrus with the handcrafted care of New Deal craft spirits, you can create moments of brightness in the darkest months.

With our thoughtfully crafted spirits as the foundation, these drinks turn peak-season fruit into memorable moments—whether you’re hosting a crowd or savoring a solo pour. So, grab your shaker, pick up a bag of blood oranges or tangelos, and invite some friends over. We’ll supply the spirits; nature has supplied the rest. Cheers to the winter squeeze!