Countdown to Christmas - Cocktail Edition
As the holidays near and festive parties continue, one thing that is sure to make the day or night a hit is a great selection of cocktails.
Offering your guest a handcrafted spirit will keep the good vibes flowing and be sure to keep them jolly. I mean, who can get mad that the food isn’t ready if they’re sippin’ on Prosecco?
From classics like eggnog, a signature French 75, or cultural treats like coquito— holidays have been rooted in drinking tradition.
Whether you choose one for your signature cocktail at the holiday party or to wake the household up on Christmas morning, I hope these recipes give you a reason to say “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”.
Oh , and for those who don’t drink— simply sub out the liquor for some soda or sparkling juice.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Perfect to turn the heat up, a twist to the classic childhood treat that’ll bring all the feels and nostalgia. You can even make this vegan by using dark chocolate and coconut milk!
What you’ll need
1 package of milk chocolate
16 oz coconut milk
1 can condensed milk (sweetened)
4oz of whiskey
4 oz Rumchata cream liqueur
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon (optional)
How to make:
1) In a pot, add coconut milk and milk chocolate and stir on medium-low heat. Do not let it come to a boil.
2) As the mixture melts, add condensed milk.
3) Stir in whiskey and Rumchata.
4) Pour mixture into cup and top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
French 75 #ForTheCulture
This year we’re going a little more #fortheculture with our French 75’s. Traditionally made with gin, this version requires mogul Jay Z’s D’usse. D’usse is the s*** if I do say so myself!
What you’ll need
2 oz D’usse Cognac
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
2 oz Champagne
Lemon Peel
How to:
1) Combine lemon juice, D’usse, and simple syrup with ice in mixer. Shake thoroughly.
2) Strain mixture into Champagne flute and top with Champagne.
3) Garnish with lemon peel.
Christmas in the Tropics
Who doesn’t like being reminded of a time where weather was warmer and life was breezier? We can’t all afford to catch a flight and change the weather, so allow this cocktail to help your mind escape to paradise.
What you’ll need :
2 oz white rum
2 oz Zurena
1 oz pineapple juice
Cherry for garnish
How to:
1) Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well.
2) Strain mixture into glass over ice.
3) Top with a cherry and serve.
A Christmas Story
Guaranteed to give you something to talk about, this punch is a knockout. The depth of flavors will give you a bite you’ll keep wanting more of.
What you’ll need:
1 c. cranberries
1 c. ginger ale
1 c. cranberry juice
1/2 c. tart cherry juice
1 c. simple syrup
1 pint Malibu Rum
1 pint white rum
Fresh ginger
How to:
1) In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine cranberries, cranberry juice, tart cherry juice, simple syrup, white rum, and Malibu.
2) Pour over ginger ale and stir well to serve.
3) Garnish with a piece of fresh ginger
Very Berry Mimosa
Who doesn’t love a good mimosa while preparing holiday dinner or as a welcome drink to a party? This twist forgets the OJ and is still berry-delicious!
What you’ll need:
1 (750ml) bottle of Rosé
6 oz pomegranate liqueur
6 strawberries, sliced
Handful of blueberries
Handful of blackberries, muddled
1 c. cranberry cocktail juice
How to:
1) In a pitcher, combine cranberry cocktail juice, pomegranate liqueur, and muddled blackberries. Stir until blended.
2) Add rosé and top with sliced strawberries and blueberries to serve.