Holidays can be hectic. Between gift-buying, travel, and meal prep, we all get stretched a little thin. But food and drink can bring people together.
Whether you are trying to throw the perfect holiday party or put together a Christmas dinner menu, you may feel overwhelmed. Planning drinks can add to the burden. It can be easier to pop open whatever wine you have lying around for your guests.
A lot of people think holiday cocktails have to be complex. The truth is that you can make unique drinks without trekking all over down for obscure ingredients.
Below are the top seven Christmas holiday drink recipes to wow your family and guests. We have kept each ingredient list to a minimum, to keep is simple.
We also have provided a variety--including gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and more--so there is something for everyone. Keep reading to find out how to add some extra cheer to your upcoming holiday season.
1. Apple Ginger Smash
For this recipe, you will first want to make some apple-ginger simple syrup (see below). As an alternative, you can muddle a slice of fresh ginger in a cocktail shaker, mix it with vodka, and then strain to remove any chunks of ginger.
Apple-ginger simple syrup
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup simple raw cane sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 apple
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Directions: In a pot over medium heat, mix the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Add in the other ingredients and steep for a half hour. Remove from heat, cool, then strain the liquid into an airtight container.
Apple Ginger Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 2 ounces of apple-ginger simple syrup
- 4 ounces of apple cider
- 1 apple slice
Directions: Add all ingredients except the apple slice into a cocktail tumbler and mix. Coat the glass rim with sugar (use syrup to help it stick).
Pour the drink into the glass and garnish with the apple slice. You can easily scale the ratios in this recipe up to make a party punch.
2. Peppermint Martini
This is the most aesthetically Christmas holiday drink recipe on the list. And it is as decadent and delicious as it is festive.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of white chocolate liqueur
- 2 ounces of peppermint schnapps
- 2 ounces vodka (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of heavy cream
- 1 crushed candy cane
Directions: Add all ingredients except the candy cane into a cocktail mixer and shake to chill. For a stiffer drink, include vodka. For a lighter dessert cocktail, leave it out.
Coat the rim of a martini glass with crushed candy canes. Strain the drink into the glass and serve.
3. Hot Buttered Rum
Most people only drink rum in mojitos or pina coladas on the beach. But the warm and rich flavors of good quality rum can be a welcomed addition to cold wintery evenings. This signature drink proves it.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 dash of pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice
- 2 ounces of hot water
Directions: Add the sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices to a glass, muddle, and mix. Pour in the rum, then water, and mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
4. Cranberry Mimosa
If you and your friends love mimosas, try this simple holiday version. The presentation evokes a Christmas tree, and it has just a few simple ingredients. You can also easily scale it up for larger crowds.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces sweetened cranberry juice, chilled
- 4 ounces of champagne, prosecco, or sparkling wine, chilled
- 1 ounce of Grand Marnier (optional)
- 3 cranberries
- fresh rosemary
Directions: Add the cranberry juice, Grand Marnier (if using), and champagne or sparkling wine to a champagne glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig rosemary sprig.
5. Eggnog Cocktail
Not everyone loves eggnog. For those of us who look forward to the seasonal treat, this libation is hard to beat.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 3 ounces of store-bought eggnog
- 1 ounce of Amaretto (optional)
- 1 pinch each of nutmeg and cinnamon
Directions: Mix the bourbon, eggnog, and Amareto with ice in a mug or glass. Sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon on top and serve. For a sweeter drink, consider rimming the glass with a thin layer of caramel sauce.
6. Classic Negroni
Not every holiday cocktail needs to be distinctly "Christmassy." The spice of a classic negroni will complement any holiday party, meal, or other gathering beside a warm fire.
Most people will tell you that a true negroni is equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari. If you really love the bite of Campari, by all means, go for it.
We like dialing it back a bit. You still get that unique flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the vermouth and the aromas of the gin. Experiment on your own to see which way you like it best.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of gin
- 2 ounces of vermouth
- 1.5 ounces of Campari
- 1 orange
Directions: Mix all three in a cocktail shaker over ice and pour into a glass. Garnish with an orange rind and serve.
7. Pomegranate Margarita
Who said margaritas are only for hot summer days? If you like tequila (and who doesn't?), try this unique twist on the classic concoction.
Note: Some people love Triple Sec or another orange liqueur in their margaritas. For this one, supplement Grand Marnier. It will give the cocktail a warmness that is better suited to the season.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of tequila blanco (silver)
- 2 ounces of pomegranate juice
- 1 ounce of Grand Marnier
- 1 ounce of simple syrup
- 1 ounce of lime juice
- Pomegranate seeds
- Salt
Directions: Combine the tequila, Grand Marnier, pomegranate lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir vigorously to dissolve the syrup. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
Get More Christmas Holiday Drink Recipes
Now that you have some solid Christmas holiday drink recipes, you are ready to plan your next get-together. Remember to keep it simple and use quality ingredients. That is more than enough to please your guests and make the holidays more enjoyable.
Liquorama is a family-owned and operated retailer that is passionate about offering the best liquors to its customers. We carry one of the largest selections of craft beer, wine, and spirits, including everything you need to stock your home bar for the holiday season.
Take a look at our online inventory for all your holiday season needs.