Desert Star

Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 17 – Desert Star.

We’re deep into the calendar now, which is usually the point where the snacks are dwindling, the wrapping paper is everywhere, and you start eyeing the bar cart like it might have answers. The Desert Star is the drink for this moment. It’s calm, steady, and quietly reassuring, like a sunset you can sip.

This is an Old Fashioned–style cocktail built on añejo tequila, with spicy clementine cordial and orange bitters doing the seasonal heavy lifting. It’s warm, structured, and proof that tequila absolutely belongs at the winter table.

Tasting notes

Añejo tequila brings oak-kissed caramel notes and gentle spice that feel instantly cozy. The spicy clementine cordial layers in citrus warmth and a hint of heat, while orange bitters sharpen the edges and keep everything balanced. The whole drink lands smooth and comforting, with just enough brightness to keep you coming back for another slow sip.

Teachable moment

Because this build is minimalist, ice quality matters. Use a large, solid cube so the drink stays cold and controlled as you sip. Proper ice lets the cocktail evolve instead of rushing it into watery regret.

If this Desert Star lights your fire, check out my similar recipes:

• Freshly Baked Old Fashioned
• French Old Fashioned
• Grinchy Old Fashioned

Tune into my Instagram Stories tonight at 5 p.m. Eastern for a step-by-step tutorial on how to build this one at home. We’ll talk tequila in winter, proper Old Fashioned technique, and why sometimes less really is more.

Cheers, friends!

Desert Star

Print

Desert Star

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

Añejo gives this Old Fashioned a velvet,oak-kissed backbone, while a flick of spicy clementine cordial and orange bitters turns it into a quietly festive sipper — simple, sunny, and dangerously smooth

Servings: 1

Author: Yvonne Langen

Ingredients

• 2 oz añejo tequila
• ¼ oz spicy clementine cordial
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish: orange twist

Spicy Clementine Cordial

• 8 limes peeled and juiced approx. 4 oz lime juice
• 4 clementines peeled and juiced approx. 4 oz clementine juice
• 2- inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and chopped
• 6 cracked cardamom pods
• 1 Thai chili diced
• 1½ cups granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir over ice until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over a king cube.
3. Express citrus oils from orange peel onto the surface of the drink. Fashion into a twist and drop into the glass.

Spicy Clementine Cordial

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan (including all citrus peels) over medium heat. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
2. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until syrup is slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Remove solids and fine-strain into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks