Everyone has that go-to holiday drink, but it’s always nice to broaden your horizon and try something new this Christmas season. Add some flavor to the holidays with these five yummy cocktails. All can be made at home, or if you’re out and about, ask your favorite bartender to whip one up for you.
Candy Cane Champagne (5 min. to make)
Ingredients for Candy Cane Champagne: chilled sparkling wine/ Prosecco, schnapps, and crushed mint candies.
After you try this drink, I’m sure you’ll agree nothing is more fun than a candy cane champagne cocktail.
Grab two small plates, and place one ounce of peppermint schnapps on one and crushed mints on the second. You will rim the glass around the peppermint schnapps and then do the same to the crushed mints. Next, pour one ounce of schnapps into the glass and top off with Prosecco or your favorite sparkling wine.
These candy Ccane cocktails look festive and are easy to make. You’ll be enjoying round after round of this sweet, stylish holiday drink. Cheers!
Warm Bourbon Cider (20 min. to make)
Ingredients for Warm Bourbon Cider: 1 gallon fresh apple cider, 5 tsp. cinnamon, 2 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 2 1/2 tsp .ground ginger, a lemon, bourbon.
Let’s make a sophisticated-tasting cocktail that will warm your spirits.
First, set up your large pot and fill with fresh apple cider, get a gallon and make it a party. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Bring the contents to a light boil, and then turn down the heat and simmer. Leave the pot on low heat for about 10 minutes. Now, remove from heat. Let cool for a few minutes, and squeeze in 1/2 a lemon. Use a ladle to fill your insolated mug or cup, and you are ready to add the bourdon. Select your favorite bourdon or even a rye and add to your liking.
Complete the picture with a simple garnish like a cinnamon stick or slice of lemon. This warm bourbon cider is a sure hit for these cooler evenings!
Christmas Punch (10 min. to make)
Ingredients for Christmas Punch: Pomegranate-cranberry juice, frozen limeade concentrate, Champagne or Prosecco chilled, fresh cranberries, lime slices, and mint sprigs.
I know what you are thinking, a simple punch? Well, this blend makes for a fresh festive cocktail that is tangy and tasty. The blends of pomegranate, lime, and cranberry in this sparkling drink are just what the holiday season needs.
First, get a large pitcher that you will serve from, add the pomegranate-cranberry juice, and then the frozen limeade concentrate. Stir until the frozen concentrate has broken up. Next, pour in the chilled Champagne and continue to lightly stir. Add the cranberries, fresh lime slices, and mint springs to garnish. You are now ready to serve.
You may like this mix so much that you’ll consider offering it as shots. This drink is a party pleaser to say the least.
Cranberry Orange Mimosas (15 min. to make, after you make the syrup)
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Mimosas: chilled sparkling wine/Prosecco, 1 cup orange juice, cranberry syrup (1 1/2 cup cranberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water), orange slices.
First, prepare the cranberry syrup in a small saucepan, bring the cranberries, sugar, and water to a boil for about 10 minutes. When the contents reduce to syrup, you are done. Strain the mixture to discard of the cranberries. Cover and chill the syrup until you are ready to make your drinks.
Now, it is happy hour and you are ready for a cocktail. Grab a Champagne flute, add 3 tablespoons of orange juice to the glass, 1 tablespoon cranberry syrup, and top off with the chilled sparkling wine. Fill it to the top, don’t cheat yourself.
Decorate with an orange slice and a frozen cranberry. That’s it. Simple, sweet, and seasonal, Merry Christmas.
Mulled Red Wine (20 min. to make)
Ingredients for Mulled Red Wine: a bottle of red wine, 3 whole star anise pods, 2 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 cup sugar, an orange sliced, 1 cup water, 1 cup bourbon.
Mulled Wine is perfect anytime, but especially for the holidays. It is simple to make and is sure to put you into the holiday spirit. Your wine should be a dark red wine, open the bottle. You will be heating in a medium saucepan over low heat. It is important that you don’t boil the wine. When the wine begins to simmer, add a muslin bag or metal tea strainer with the spices.
Allow to simmer and cook in those spices. Now add 1/2 cup sugar, the orange slices, and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes while stirring regularly. Now, remove from heat and add in 1 cup of bourbon.
Pour into a glass that has a handle and garnish with an orange slice. Take in the aroma, you are ready to enjoy.
There you have it. I hope you try one or more of these tasty cocktails this holiday season. Now, feel free to tweak these recipes to your own taste as the point is to spread the cheer this holiday season. Always remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Have a very Merry Christmas!