Happy cooking!
Here are the Top 10 Christmas Cocktails you should make for you, your family (drinking age ones at least) and friends this year. Everyone of them garnished with your very own Handmade Candy Canes! Of course, they are also good without the alcohol for those who do not drink. Cheers!
- Boozy Eggnog: This classic holiday drink is made with eggnog, dark rum, and nutmeg. Add a splash of brandy, spiced rum or bourbon for an extra kick. Don’t forget to try and make your own eggnog!
- Hot Toddy: A hot toddy is a warm, alcoholic beverage made with a base of hot water, honey, and lemon, and often spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
- Mulled Wine: Mulled wine is a warm, spiced wine that is traditionally served during the colder months. It’s a delicious and easy way to warm up on a cold day, and it’s perfect for holiday gatherings
- Peppermint Mocha: This festive drink is made with peppermint liqueur, coffee, and chocolate liqueur. It’s a great way to end a holiday meal or warm up after a day of shopping.
- Gingerbread Martini: For a fun and festive twist on a classic martini, try adding a gingerbread liqueur. Combine it with vodka and a splash of Kahlua for a delicious holiday treat.
- Cranberry Mojito: This refreshing cocktail combines cranberry juice, mint, lime, and white rum. You can also add a splash of orange liqueur for an extra kick.
- Spiked Apple Cider: For a warm and cozy drink, try spiking apple cider with your choice of spirit. Whiskey, rum, and brandy all work well in this recipe.
- Pomegranate Margarita: This festive twist on a classic margarita is made with pomegranate juice, lime juice, and tequila. You can rim the glass with sugar and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
- Winter Storm: This sophisticated cocktail is made with gin, Lillet Blanc, and white cranberry juice. It’s a perfect choice for a holiday party.
- Candy Cane Martini: For a sweet and festive treat, try this cocktail made with peppermint liqueur, vanilla vodka, and cream. You can rim the glass with crushed candy canes for an extra-special touch.
Some of the tools you may need include a shaker set, a muller, a zester and rind peeler, a blender, and of course a nice collection of rock glasses, martini glasses, shot glasses and festive mugs…any of which also make great gifts. Don’t forget to stock up on cinnamon sticks and nutmeg – popular festive drink spices. Maybe it’s time to invest in a brand new Bartender’s Set just to be safe. And if you really wanna be like Tom Cruise in Cocktail, read this book and invest in cleaning supplies:
No matter which cocktail you choose, be sure to drink responsibly and in moderation.
Eggnog:
Boozy Eggnog
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This classic holiday drink is made with eggnog, dark rum, and nutmeg. Add a splash of brandy, spiced rum or bourbon for an extra kick. Don’t forget to try and make your own!
Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 1/2 ounces spiced rum
- Ground nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the eggnog and spiced rum.
- Shake until well chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and or cinnamon on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
You can also add a splash of brandy or bourbon to the cocktail for an extra kick. This recipe makes one serving, but you can easily scale it up to make more. Just be sure to drink responsibly and in moderation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Hot Toddy:
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Hot Toddy
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A hot toddy is a warm, alcoholic beverage made with a base of hot water, honey, and lemon, and often spiced with cinnamon and cloves. It is often consumed as a remedy for colds or flu, or as a comforting drink before bedtime.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of whiskey or brandy
- A few thin slices of lemon
- A cinnamon stick (optional)
- A few whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
- In a mug, combine the hot water, honey, and lemon juice. Stir until the honey has dissolved.
- Add the whiskey or brandy to the mug and stir to combine.
- If using, add the lemon slices, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the mug.
- Let the hot toddy sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy your hot toddy while it’s still warm. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.
Notes
If you’re using this as a cold remedy, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture to help clear congestion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Mulled Wine:
Print
Mulled Wine
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 drinks 1x
Description
Mulled wine is a warm, spiced wine that is traditionally served during the colder months. It’s a delicious and easy way to warm up on a cold day, and it’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 whole allspice berries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the red wine and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey has dissolved.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and nutmeg to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is hot and the flavors have melded.
- Strain the mulled wine into a serving pitcher or individual mugs.
- Serve the mulled wine warm, garnished with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- Use a full-bodied red wine: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will work best for mulled wine because they have bold flavors that can stand up to the spices. Avoid using a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir.
- Don’t boil the wine: It’s important to heat the wine gently and bring it to a simmer, but don’t let it boil. Boiling the wine will cause it to lose some of its flavor and aroma.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste: The amount of honey you use will depend on your personal preference. Start with 1/2 cup and taste the mixture as it simmers. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more honey. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more wine.
- Experiment with different spices: In addition to the spices listed in the recipe, you can also add a few sliced ginger pieces or a star anise for a different flavor.
- Serve it warm: Mulled wine is best served warm, so keep it in a slow cooker or on the stove over low heat until you’re ready to serve it. You can also serve it in a insulated carafe to keep it warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Peppermint Mocha:
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Peppermint Mocha
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
A peppermint mocha is a delicious, festive holiday drink made with espresso, chocolate, and peppermint. Here is a simple recipe for making a peppermint mocha at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
- 1 ounce Peppermint Liqueur
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shot of espresso or coffee and peppermint liqueur. Stir to combine.
- Pour the peppermint mocha into a mug and top with whipped cream if desired.
- Garnish with crushed peppermint candies or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Serve the peppermint mocha warm and enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have espresso or a shot of coffee on hand, you can use strongly brewed coffee instead. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cocoa powder and sugar to taste if you’re using a stronger or weaker coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Gingerbread Martini:
Print
gingerbread martini
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A gingerbread martini is a festive and delicious holiday cocktail made with gingerbread-flavored liqueur, vodka, and a few other ingredients. Here is a simple recipe for making a gingerbread martini at home:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces gingerbread-flavored liqueur
- 1/2 ounce Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
- 1/2 ounce heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- Crushed graham crackers, for rimming the glass (optional)
Instructions
- Rim a martini glass with crushed graham crackers, if desired. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a little water or syrup, then dip it into a shallow dish of crushed graham crackers.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, gingerbread liqueur, Kahlua, heavy cream, and molasses. Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Serve the gingerbread martini chilled and enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have gingerbread-flavored liqueur on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of vodka with 1/2 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of ground ginger. Let the mixture infuse for at least a week, then strain out the solids before using.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Cranberry Mojito:
Print
Cranberry Mojito
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A cranberry mojito is a refreshing and festive holiday cocktail made with cranberry juice, mint, and lime. Here is a simple recipe for making a cranberry mojito at home:
Ingredients
- 8–10 mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water
- Cranberries and mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a tall glass, muddle the mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar together using a muddler or the back of a spoon.
- Add the cranberry juice and rum to the glass, and stir to combine.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Garnish the cranberry mojito with cranberries and mint leaves if desired.
- Serve the cranberry mojito chilled and enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a wooden spoon or the handle of a kitchen utensil to gently crush the mint and lime in the glass. This helps to release the flavors and aromas of the mint and lime into the drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Spiked Apple Cider:
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Spiked Apple Cider
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
Description
Spiked apple cider is a warm and comforting drink made with apple cider, spices, and your choice of alcohol. Here is a simple recipe for making spiked apple cider at home:
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 4 thin slices of fresh ginger
- 1 cup of your choice of alcohol (such as rum, brandy, or whiskey)
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, and ginger.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the spiked apple cider simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
- Strain the spiked apple cider into a serving pitcher or individual mugs.
- Stir in the alcohol of your choice and serve the spiked apple cider warm.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh apple if desired.
Notes
- Use good quality apple cider: The quality of the apple cider you use will make a big difference in the taste of your spiked apple cider. Try to find a good quality, fresh apple cider from a local farm or farmers’ market, or make your own by simmering sliced apples with a little water and sugar until the mixture is fragrant and flavorful.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste: The amount of brown sugar you use will depend on your personal preference and the sweetness of the apple cider. Start with 1/2 cup and taste the mixture as it simmers. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more cider.
- Experiment with different spices: In addition to the spices listed in the recipe, you can also add a few sliced orange pieces or a star anise for a different flavor.
- Use your choice of alcohol: The recipe calls for 1 cup of your choice of alcohol, such as rum, brandy, or whiskey. You can use whichever one you prefer, or mix and match to create your own flavor.
- Keep it warm: Spiked apple cider is best served warm, so keep it in a slow cooker or on the stove over low heat until you’re ready to serve it. You can also serve it in a insulated carafe to keep it warm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Pomegranate Margarita:
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Pomegranate Margarita
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This festive twist on a classic margarita is made with pomegranate juice, lime juice, and tequila. You can rim the glass with sugar and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce pomegranate juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Pomegranate seeds and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled margarita glass.
- Garnish the glass with pomegranate seeds and a lime wedge.
- Enjoy your pomegranate margarita!
Notes
To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let the syrup cool before using it in the cocktail.
This pomegranate margarita recipe should take about 5-10 minutes to make, depending on how long it takes you to gather the ingredients and prep them. The actual process of making the cocktail only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the ingredients, shake to combine, and strain the mixture into a glass. The simple syrup will take a few extra minutes to make, as it requires heating up the sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved, but it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for future use.
This pomegranate margarita recipe makes one cocktail. If you’d like to make more than one, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of cocktails you’d like to make. For example, to make two cocktails, you would need 3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of pomegranate juice, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup.
If you’re serving a crowd, you may want to mix the ingredients in a large pitcher instead of making individual cocktails. Simply combine the tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher, stir to combine, and serve over ice. You can also garnish the glasses with pomegranate seeds and lime wedges for a festive touch.
Keep in mind that this recipe makes a strong cocktail, so you may want to adjust the proportions depending on your personal preference and the size of the glasses you’re using. Feel free to experiment with the ratios to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Winter Storm:
PrintWinter Storm
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A winter storm cocktail is a type of drink that is typically made with ingredients that are associated with the winter season, such as warm spices, fruit juices, and liqueurs. The specific ingredients and recipe for a winter storm cocktail can vary, but some common ingredients include hot apple cider, orange juice, whiskey, and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces whiskey
- 1/2 cup hot apple cider
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mug with hot water to warm it up. Discard the water and set the mug aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat until it is hot.
- In the warmed mug, combine the whiskey, hot apple cider, orange juice, and honey. Stir to dissolve the honey.
- Garnish the mug with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.
- Enjoy your winter storm cocktail!
Notes
This recipe makes one cocktail, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs. You can also adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your personal taste. For example, you may want to add more or less honey depending on how sweet you like your drinks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Candy Cane Martini:
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Candy Cane Martini
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
A candy cane martini is a type of cocktail that is made with peppermint liqueur and vodka, and is typically served around the holidays. It is a sweet and minty drink that is often garnished with a candy cane or peppermint candy for a festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces peppermint liqueur
- 1/2 ounce white chocolate liqueur
- 1/2 cup ice
- Crushed candy canes for rimming the glass
- Candy canes or peppermint candy for garnish
Instructions
- Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes. To do this, pour some crushed candy canes onto a small plate, then moisten the rim of the glass with water or a little bit of the peppermint liqueur. Dip the rim of the glass into the crushed candy canes to coat it.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, peppermint liqueur, white chocolate liqueur, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into the rimmed martini glass.
- Garnish the glass with a candy cane or peppermint candy.
- Enjoy your candy cane martini!
Notes
This recipe makes one cocktail, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
You can also adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your personal taste. For example, you may want to add more or less peppermint liqueur depending on how minty you like your drinks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
