If you’re feeling like the holiday season is missing something special, why not add a festive cocktail or two to make the occasion memorable? Whether you’re hosting a small gathering of friends or a large family gathering, there’s nothing like a delicious and Christmassy drink to make the occasion extra special. From hot toddies to eggnog to creamy Irish coffeesfal, plenty of drinks scream “Christmas.” Check out the following recipes for some of the tastiest Christmas Cocktails – all of which are ideal for the festive season. Each recipe includes a link to make the process of preparation easier.
Eggnog: The eggnog latte has become a holiday tradition and there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming mug of creamy, sweet, and spiced eggnog. If you’re feeling more daring, you can spice things up with a shot of brandy or whiskey. For a twist on the classic, try making your eggnog with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly option.
Gingerbread Martini: Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this gingerbread martini is a delicious way to celebrate the festive season. Mix vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, and cream in a shaker with ice, strain, and serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and a candy cane garnish. Delicious!
Irish Coffee: Everyone loves the warm, rich combination of coffee and Irish whiskey, and Christmas is no exception. Make sure to use a good quality whiskey and freshly brewed coffee. Layer some cream on top and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle with a few flakes of dark chocolate for an extra-special Christmas treat.
Mulled Wine: Winter wouldn’t be the same without a glass of this warming brew. Simmer red wine with a combination of orange juice, spices, and herbs like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and star anise for the perfect blend of festive flavours. Why not garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick for an extra merry touch?
Hot Toddy: Perfect for a cold winter’s night, the classic hot toddy consists of hot water, whiskey, honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This versatile drink can also be enjoyed with brandy or even gin, as well as a range of different spices.
The Canadian Cran-dandy: This is a classic Canadian favourite! A blend of Canadian whisky, cranberry juice, orange juice, and cinnamon, this cocktail will have you feeling merry and bright. To make this festive treat muddle a few spoonfuls of cranberries in the bottom of the glass, add a few cubes of orange zest, and then top with the whisky, cranberry juice, and orange juice mixture. Rim the glass with sugar, and ground cinnamon, and garnish with cranberry for a festive flair!
The Hot Apple Cider: This next Christmas cocktail is ideal for a chilly night. The Hot Apple Cider is a delightfully comforting, yet festive choice. A combination of apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and whiskey, this warm treat is sure to make your spirits soar. Boil 1 cup of apple cider with 2 tablespoons of butter, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until thickened. Take off the heat and add 1/2 cup of whiskey, 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, and a tablespoon of honey. Serve in a mug or heat-safe glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh orange wheel.
The Maple Old Fashioned: This holiday season, spice things up with a Canadian take on a classic! The Maple Old Fashioned adds sweetness and flavour to the traditional cocktail. Start with a few dashes of maple syrup and stir in with 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of Angostura bitters, 1 orange wheel, and a Maraschino cherry. garnish with a Maple leaf for a festive detail and enjoy!
The Cranberry Mule: This sweet and sour delight is perfect for the holiday season. Start by mixing 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of cranberry juice in a shaker with a few cubes of ice. Pour into a copper mug, half-filled with ice, then top off with 4 ounces of ginger beer. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and mix. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few cranberries and you’re all set for a festively delicious holiday cocktail!
These festive drinks make the perfect accompaniment to the holiday season. Whether you’re having a holiday gathering or simply looking to add some extra Christmas cheer to your evening, whether you’re looking for something classic and comforting, or unique and flavourful, these delicious drinks will have you feeling merry and bright this holiday season. Now all that’s left to do is pour, mix, sip and enjoy Christmas just the way it was meant to be! Cheers!
Sources of the recipes: www.allrecipes.com; www.thecocktailsociety.uk; www.marthstewart.com
