Top 10 Holiday Cocktails to Try This Season

Top 10 Holiday Cocktails to Try This Season

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start thinking about the perfect cocktails to serve at your festive gatherings. Whether you're hosting a cozy night in with friends or planning a grand holiday party, having a selection of delicious and festive cocktails can really set the mood and make your event unforgettable.

At Holiday House Liquor, we've curated a collection of our top 10 favorite holiday cocktails that are sure to impress your guests. From classic winter warmers to creative and unique concoctions, these recipes showcase the best of the season's flavors and will have your guests sipping in style.

So, grab your shaker and let's dive into the world of holiday cocktails!

1. Spiced Cranberry Margarita

Nothing says "holiday" like the tart and tangy flavor of cranberries, and this Spiced Cranberry Margarita is the perfect way to incorporate them into your cocktail lineup. The combination of tequila, triple sec, and a homemade cranberry-cinnamon simple syrup creates a truly festive and flavorful drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1 oz cranberry-cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Cranberries and cinnamon stick for garnish

Cranberry-Cinnamon Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup water

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the syrup has thickened. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Allow to cool completely before using.

To make the cocktail, combine the tequila, triple sec, cranberry-cinnamon simple syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick.

2. Peppermint White Russian

The classic White Russian gets a festive twist with the addition of peppermint. This creamy and indulgent cocktail is the perfect way to cozy up by the fire on a chilly winter evening.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
  • 1 oz peppermint-infused cream (recipe below)
  • Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Peppermint-Infused Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and crushed peppermint candies. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the cocktail, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint-infused cream in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.

3. Gingerbread Martini

Bring the warm and cozy flavors of gingerbread into your holiday cocktail lineup with this Gingerbread Martini. The combination of vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and a homemade gingerbread simple syrup creates a truly indulgent and festive drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz gingerbread simple syrup (recipe below)
  • Grated nutmeg for garnish

Gingerbread Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the simple syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the flavors have melded. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Allow to cool completely before using.

To make the cocktail, combine the vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and gingerbread simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a light dusting of grated nutmeg.

4. Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

For a truly elegant and festive holiday cocktail, look no further than this Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail. The combination of tart pomegranate juice, sweet elderflower liqueur, and bubbly champagne creates a sophisticated and visually stunning drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
  • Chilled champagne or sparkling wine
  • Pomegranate arils for garnish

To make the cocktail, combine the pomegranate juice and elderflower liqueur in a champagne flute. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a few pomegranate arils.

5. Maple Bourbon Cider

For a cozy and comforting holiday cocktail, look no further than this Maple Bourbon Cider. The rich and warming flavors of maple and bourbon pair perfectly with the crisp and tangy apple cider, creating a truly indulgent and satisfying drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz pure maple syrup
  • 4 oz hot apple cider
  • Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish

In a mug or heatproof glass, combine the bourbon and maple syrup. Top with the hot apple cider and stir to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of apple.

6. Cranberry Gin Fizz

This Cranberry Gin Fizz is a refreshing and festive take on the classic gin fizz cocktail. The tart and tangy cranberry juice is balanced by the botanical flavors of gin and the effervescence of club soda, creating a truly delightful and easy-to-make holiday cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • Club soda
  • Cranberries and rosemary for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

7. Spiced Rum Cider Toddy

When the weather outside is frightful, warm up with this cozy and comforting Spiced Rum Cider Toddy. The combination of hot apple cider, spiced rum, and a touch of honey creates a soothing and indulgent holiday cocktail that's perfect for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz spiced rum
  • 4 oz hot apple cider
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish

In a mug or heatproof glass, combine the spiced rum, hot apple cider, and honey. Stir to combine and ensure the honey has dissolved. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of apple.

8. Peppermint Mocha Martini

For a truly decadent and indulgent holiday cocktail, look no further than this Peppermint Mocha Martini. The rich and creamy combination of coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and a touch of chocolate syrup creates a dessert-like drink that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz chocolate syrup
  • 2 oz heavy cream
  • Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, chocolate syrup, and heavy cream. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.

9. Winter Citrus Sangria

For a festive and shareable holiday cocktail, this Winter Citrus Sangria is the perfect choice. The combination of red wine, brandy, and a variety of winter citrus fruits creates a vibrant and flavorful drink that's sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 grapefruit, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • Cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish

In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Add the sliced citrus fruits and stir again. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.

When ready to serve, give the sangria a gentle stir and pour into glasses. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a star anise.

10. Mulled Wine

No holiday cocktail lineup would be complete without a classic Mulled Wine. This warm and spicy drink is the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly winter evening and is sure to fill your home with the inviting aromas of the season.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 4 star anise
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced

In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, brandy, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the mulled wine simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sliced orange and lemon. Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs, making sure to include some of the fruit and spices in each serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

With these 10 festive and delicious holiday cocktail recipes, you're sure to impress your guests and make your holiday gatherings truly memorable. Whether you're hosting a cozy night in or a grand holiday party, these cocktails will add a touch of seasonal cheer to your celebrations. So, raise a glass and cheers to the most wonderful time of the year!

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