6 Festive Cocktail Recipes for the Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to raise a glass and toast the New Year alongside friends and family. These classic and contemporary wintertime libations are sure to lift your spirits and put you in a festive mood over the holiday season.

Pomegranate French 75

This seasonal spin on the classic French 75 cocktail includes a cheerful splash of red pomegranate. The tart fruit juice helps to balance the herbaceous floral gin while the sparkling wine topper delivers effervescent bubbles in each sip.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 oz. gin

  • 1 oz. pomegranate juice

  • 0.5 oz. simple syrup

  • Sparkling wine

  • Pomegranate seeds


METHOD

Combine the pomegranate juice, gin, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Give it a good shake then pour the mixture into a champagne flute. Top off the drink glass with Champagne, Prosecco or Cava (whatever sparkling wine you prefer) and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Recipe source: Spoonful of Flavour

Mulled Wine

Spiced mulled wine is a classic Christmastime drink that will fill your home with the most fragrant seasonal aromas. Best of all, this hassle-free holiday cocktail can be prepared ahead of time so you’re free to mingle throughout the evening. Keep the mixture on low heat on the stovetop and invite your party guests to help themselves as needed.

INGREDIENTS

  • 750 ml bottle red wine

  • 1 large cinnamon stick, or 2 small ones

  • 2 star anise

  • 4 cloves

  • 2 strips lemon zest, pared using a vegetable peeler

  • 4 Tbsp. caster sugar

METHOD

Combine red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar in a large pan. Simmer on a low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool, leaving the flavours to infuse for about 30 minutes. To serve, heat without boiling and pour into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish each glass with fresh orange slices and a cinnamon stick.

Recipe source: BBC Good Food

Hot Toddy

A comforting Hot Toddy is the perfect holiday sipper to heat your bones after spending time outdoors. The medicinal mix of fresh lemon and whisky delivers a warm embrace on a cold winter’s eve and will have you feeling nice and cozy.

INGREDIENTS

  • Boiling water, to fill a mug

  • 4 cloves

  • 1 lemon peel

  • 2 tsp. demerara sugar or brown sugar

  • 1/4 oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

  • 2 oz. whiskey (bourbon, rye, Irish or scotch)

METHOD

Fill a mug with boiling water and let stand for a minute or two to warm. Meanwhile, stick the cloves into the lemon peel and set aside. Empty the mug and fill about halfway with fresh boiling water. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the prepared lemon peel pierced with cloves and stir. Add the lemon juice and whiskey. Stir again to combine thoroughly and then serve hot.

Recipe source: Liquor.com

Homemade Eggnog

Rich, creamy and oh-so-delicious, eggnog is a must-have during the holiday season. While store-bought varieties are easy to find, there’s something special about preparing your own homemade batch. Serve this classic Yuletide beverage straight up or spike it with your favourite brown liquor for a boozy kick.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cup milk

  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish

  • 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

  • 6 large egg yolks

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup bourbon or rum (optional)

METHOD

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla and slowly bring mixture to a low boil. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until yolks are pale in colour. Slowly add hot milk mixture to egg yolks in batches to temper the eggs and whisk until combined. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until slightly thick (and coats the back of a spoon) but does not boil. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and liquor of choice if desired. Refrigerate until chilled. When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Recipe source: Delish

Want a vegan, zero-proof version of this creamy eggnog cocktail? Seedlip’s Alternative Egg Nog recipe is made with a festive non-alcoholic spirit, oat milk, coconut cream, and date syrup.

Poinsettia

This sweet and festive libation has a vibrant red hue much like the seasonal flower it’s named for. Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and a Champagne (or a nice sparkling wine) to create this bubbly beverage and serve it alongside a savoury charcuterie and cheese board.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup vodka

  • 1/4 cup Champagne

  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice

  • Crushed ice

  • 2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

METHOD

Combine the vodka, Champagne, and cranberry juice in a stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

Recipe source: Food Network

Cider Sidecar

Give apple cider the holiday treatment with the addition of smooth cognac and tangy citrus-infused Cointreau. This winter cocktail comes together easily and is best served in a luxe gold-rimmed coupe glass.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz. fresh apple cider

  • 2 oz. cognac

  • 1 oz. Cointreau

  • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice

  • Strip of lemon zest and brandied cherries, for serving

METHOD

Place cider, cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Top with ice and shake until the shaker starts to frost and feels very cold to the touch (about 20 to 30 seconds). Strain mixture into a coupe glass. Top with zest and brandied cherries.

Recipe source: Country Living

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