Festive Holiday Cocktails

 

Between holiday parties, travel, endless family gatherings, and gift shopping, the stretch from now through New Year’s Eve can feel endless and be downright stressful. However, surviving the hustle and bustle of the season is a lot easier after a stiff drink or two.

 

Make your holidays merry with these festive holiday cocktails.

 

Hot Toddy

It doesn't get more traditional than this. The Hot Toddy dates to the 18th century, when it was believed to cure a cold. Whether a small gathering at home or a holiday gala, the classic cocktail has one job: warming you up.

 

Ingredients

·       Boiling water to fill a mug

·       4 cloves

·       1 lemon peel or wheel

·       2 teaspoons demerara sugar or brown sugar

·       ¼ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

·       2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, rye, Irish or scotch)

 

Directions

1.     Fill a mug with boiling water; let stand for a minute or two to warm.

2.     Stick the cloves into the lemon peel or wheel and set aside.

3.     Empty the mug; fill about halfway with fresh boiling water.

4.     Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.

5.     Add the prepared lemon peel or wheel and stir.

 

 

Holiday Cheer

Surprise last-minute holiday guests? Spread this drink’s namesake with this simple yet festive cocktail.

 

Ingredients

·       4 cranberries

·       1-½ ounces vodka

·       3 ounces tonic water

·       1 ounce sparkling cider

·       Garnish: 1 rosemary sprig

 

Directions

1.     Muddle the cranberries in a shaker.

2.     Add the vodka and fill with ice; shake until well-chilled.

3.     Pour (unstrained) into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice; top with the tonic water and sparkling cider.

4.     Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

 

Jubilee

Originating in New York, this festive drink is a cause for celebration. With red wine and fruity flavors, this drink is similar to a fall Sangria. After the first sip, you’ll be ready for an evening of jubilation.

 

Ingredients

·       1-½ ounces vodka

·       1-½ ounces dry red wine

·       ½ ounce St. George spiced pear liqueur

·       ¼ ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

·       ¼ ounce maple syrup

·       Seltzer, chilled

·       Garnish: pear fan

·       Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated

 

Directions

1.     Add the vodka, red wine, pear liqueur, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a stemless wine glass; fill with ice.

2.     Top with the seltzer; stir briefly and gently to combine.

3.     Garnish with a pear fan and freshly grated nutmeg.

 

Wassail

Traditionally made with spiced apple cider, this east coast version calls for brown ale and sherry. When simmered along with holiday-inspired flavors, you get a festive drink in a batch large enough to serve a small gathering.

 

Ingredients

·       4 12-ounce bottles brown ale

·       4 ounces oloroso or amontillado sherry

·       2 apples, scored

·       1 teaspoon lemon zest

·       1 long orange peel studded with cloves

·       2 cinnamon sticks

·       6 cardamom pods

·       ½ cup brown sugar, packed

·       Garnish: 10-12 apple slices

·       Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg

 

Directions

Serves 10-12

1.     Add the beer, sherry, apples, lemon zest, orange peel, cinnamon, and cardamom into a pot;  simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until the apples soften.

2.     Add brown sugar to taste (about 1/2 cup) and stir until dissolved; remove from heat.

3.     Divide among 10 to 12 punch cups or mugs, garnishing each with freshly grated nutmeg and an apple slice.

 

 

Rumplesnuggler

Need a nightcap after celebrating? Try this adult hot chocolate spiked with Baileys and Rumple Minze. Add blankets and holiday movies for a cozy end to your evening.

 

Ingredients

·       1-½ ounces Baileys Irish cream liqueur

·       1 ounce Rumple Minze peppermint schnapps

·       8 ounces hot chocolate

·       Garnish: whipped cream

 

Directions

1.     Add hot water to an Irish Coffee mug to warm the glass, then discard the water.

2.     Pour the Baileys, Rumple Minze, and hot chocolate into the mug.

3.     Top with whipped cream.

 

Need help selecting the perfect ingredients for your holiday gatherings? Stop into Universal Fine Wine & Spirits today! At Universal Fine Wine & Spirits, we want to make sure you’re going home with the perfect drinks for your festivities, so ask away! We will be more than happy to help answer any of your questions. Come in and talk to an employee, call us at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.

 

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Sources

https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/christmas-cocktails/

https://www.acouplecooks.com/christmas-cocktails-drinks/

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/g860/holiday-cocktails/