Holiday Drink Recipes

Nobody can deny the challenges the world has been faced with this year with the health crisis, but if there’s a silver lining it’s in how individuals, businesses, and families have adapted and even gotten creative with how they spend their time at home. More people than ever spending time at home, in fact, four out of five Americans have yet to return to pre-COVID-19 levels of comfort with “normal” out-of-home activities. For the first time since the early 19th century, many parents and kids — and even grandchildren — are all under the same roof round-the-clock. And if past periods of emergency are any guide, this enforced togetherness could deepen our relationships for years to come. 

So just how can you strengthen bonds at home? Many people are finding they are stepping away from electronics and cooking together, playing games, watching movies, and partaking in theme nights. One fun way to unwind with your loved ones at home is to create holiday cocktails. Check out these recipes from Good Housekeeping.

Boozy Grinch Punch

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (0.13-oz.) packet Kool-Aid Lemon Lime mix 

• 4 c.  water

• 4 c. ice 

• 3 c. lemon-lime soda 

• 2 c. pineapple juice 

• 2 c. vodka 

• 1 c. ginger ale 

• Lime wedges, for rimming 

• Red sanding sugar, for rimming

DIRECTIONS

• In a large pitcher combine Kool-Aid and water. 

• In a large punch bowl, combine ice, kool-aid, soda, pineapple juice, vodka, and ginger ale. 

• Use a lime wedge to rim glasses and dip in sanding sugar to coat. Pour punch into glasses to serve.

Warm Tea-and-Cider Punch

This spin on a hot toddy uses apple cider for a sweet taste.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 c. fresh apple cider

• 8 English breakfast tea bags

• 1 sliced lemon

• 4 1/2 oz. bourbon

DIRECTIONS

• Bring 6 cups of fresh apple cider to a boil in a large saucepan.

• Reduce heat and simmer until cider is reduced to 3 cups, 30 to 45 minutes.

• Remove from heat and add 8 English breakfast tea bags and 1 sliced lemon; steep for 4 minutes. Discard tea bags.

• Stir in 4 1/2 ounces bourbon. Serve warm.

Santa Clausmopolitans

INGREDIENTS

• Lime wedge, for rim

• white sanding sugar

• 1 c. vodka

• 1 1/2 c. cranberry juice

• 1/4 c. triple sec

• 1/4 c. fresh lime juice

• 1/2 c. fresh cranberries

DIRECTIONS

• Run a lime wedge around each glass then dip in sanding sugar.

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake until the cocktail shaker is cold.

• Divide drinks between rimmed glasses and add cranberries for garnish.

Cranberry Gin Fizz

Green, red and oh-so-delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• For the Cranberry Syrup:

• 1/2 c. cranberries

• 3/4 c. granulated sugar

• 3/4 c. water

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• For the Cocktail:

• 2 oz. gin

• 3/4 oz. Cranberry Syrup (see below) 

• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz. elderflower liquor

• Ice

• Club soda

• Fresh cranberries, to garnish

• 2 sprig fresh thyme, to garnish

DIRECTIONS

• Make the Cranberry Syrup: Simmer cranberries, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and cranberries break down, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in 4 sprigs fresh thyme. Cool to room temperature. Strain; discard solids. 

• Make the Cocktail: Combine gin, Cranberry Syrup, fresh lemon juice, elderflower liquor, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled; strain into 2 glasses. Top with ice and club soda. Garnish each drink with fresh cranberries and 1 sprig fresh thyme.

As you can see, staying home definitely has its perks, not to mention it’s safer and can get you in the holiday spirit!  Need help selecting the perfect ingredients for your night in? Stop into Universal Fine Wine & Spirits today! At Universal Fine Wine & Spirits, we want to make sure you are going home with the perfect drink to complete your fall meal so ask away. We will be more than happy to help answer any of your questions. Come in and talk to an employee, give us a call at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.

Sources:

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/survey-us-consumer-sentiment-during-the-coronavirus-crisis

https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-family-revival-00bb56ee-26e4-4c64-a0f7-380f13437b14.html

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g24/christmas-cocktails/?slide=4