Sip in Style

5 Irresistible Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Elevate Your Celebrations

Ho ho ho! It’s that time of year again—the season of sparkle, laughter, and, of course, sensational cocktails! As you deck the halls and gather ’round the tree, why not add a dash of dazzle to your festivities with these five merry-making concoctions? From classic faves to wild and wacky wonders, these recipes are bound to have your guests raising their glasses in holiday cheer!

Santa’s Spiced Apple Cider Sangria:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 cups of apple cider
• 1/2 cup of brandy
• 1/4 cup of orange liqueur
• 2 apples, sliced
• 2 pears, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 1/4 cup of honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Sparkling water (optional, for a fizzy finish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur.
2. Add the sliced apples, pears, and orange to the mixture.
3. Stir in the cinnamon sticks and cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add honey to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Just before serving, add a splash of sparkling water for some effervescence.
7. Serve in glasses with a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple for garnish.

Frosty’s Peppermint White Russian:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz heavy cream
• Crushed candy canes (for rimming)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rim a glass with crushed candy canes by dipping the rim in a shallow plate with a bit of water, then in the crushed candy canes.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. In a shaker, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
6. Garnish with a mini candy cane or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

Jingle Bell Cranberry Orange Sparkler:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh orange juice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a flute or champagne glass.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange.

Gingerbread Martini:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
• 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• Ice
• Ground cinnamon and crushed graham crackers (for the rim)
• Gingerbread cookie (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with a mixture of ground cinnamon and crushed graham crackers.
2. In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and gingerbread syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a small gingerbread cookie on the rim.

Festive Pomegranate Mojito:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Pomegranate seeds and lime slices (for garnish)
• Club soda
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Add white rum and pomegranate juice.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Top with club soda for a fizzy kick.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime slice.

These five jolly holiday cocktail recipes are bound to bring a sprinkle of seasonal magic to your celebrations. So, grab your shaker, don your holiday finest, and let the festivities flow! Here’s to a season filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of clinking glasses. Don’t miss our merry mocktails recipes!