Introduction to Holiday Cocktails
While it’s great to stock up on wines, beers, and seltzers during the holidays, a festive cocktail can elevate any Thanksgiving or Christmas hosting experience. Playing bartender doesn’t have to be intimidating, and with a few tips, you can create delicious and inviting drinks for your guests.
The Ease of Serving Seasonal Punch
Serving a mixed drink that’s made before guests arrive is a relatively easy and fun hosting hack. A seasonal punch is an option that tastes great, packs a punch, and has a quintessential holiday feel. For example, a bourbon punch made with apple cider, cranberry, orange, lemon, and Amaretto, infused with Redemption Whiskey and La Marca Prosecco or Segura Viudas Cava, is a perfect choice for the holiday season.
Crafting Your Own Cocktail
If you want to get more creative and craft your own cocktail, consider trying a riff on a Manhattan. A cocktail that is "a bit more stout really helps cut through some of the rich, fattiness that comes with a holiday meal, so I like something more spirit-forward, but also a little bit bright as well.” You can mix rye whiskey with Amaro Montenegro, an orange blossom amaro, then infuse it with cinnamon and Amontillado wine, before finishing it with sweet vermouth.
Nonalcoholic Alternatives
For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, several nonalcoholic alternatives work just as well. Favorites include Houston-based brand Cut Above Spirits, which makes an entire line of zero-proof options. You can really plan drinks for your guests and do nice little substitutions, so they still feel fully included and not like they’re just on a timeout because they’re not drinking.
Holiday Cocktail Recipes
Here are two delicious recipes to try at home:
Ho-Ho Holiday Punch
Servings: 10–12
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces Redemption bourbon
- 6 ounces Amaretto
- 6 ounces lemon juice
- 6 ounces cranberry juice
- 24 ounces apple cider (still)
- 12 ounces sparkling wine
Instructions: Add all items to a punch bowl over ice. Add apple slices, cranberries, and grated cinnamon, then set out with cups and a ladle so guests can serve themselves.
Coquito
Servings: Makes four to five liters (serves 20–25, or bottle as a gift); serve in 6-ounce portions
Ingredients:
- 1 liter Bacardi Ocho
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk (13.5–16 oz can)
- 2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz can)
- 1 can condensed milk (14 oz can)
- 2 cans Coco Lopez (15 oz can)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground clove
- A pinch of salt
Instructions: Use an immersion blender or hand mixer to combine all ingredients until smooth. Bottle and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving (for optimal flavor, chill for 24 hours). Shake well before serving to redistribute the spices (no ice after the chill). Serve with toasted coconut and/or grated cinnamon as a garnish.
Conclusion
With these tips and recipes, you can become your own bartender this holiday season and conjure up inviting sips for your guests. Whether you choose to serve a seasonal punch or craft your own cocktail, your guests are sure to appreciate the extra effort you put into creating a special and festive drink. So go ahead, get creative, and cheers to a wonderful holiday season!
