There are many books with “Holiday Cocktails” recipes. Below are a few to try at your Holiday Event this year. They can be enjoyed with or without liquor.
The Hot Toddy is the ultimate winter drink. Some Hot Toddy’s are like Whiskey Sours (whiskey, citrus, sweetener and hot water) and some are like Old Fashioned’s (whiskey, sweetness, spice and hot water), but either way, the Hot Toddy is the perfect drink to sooth a chilly night.
2 oz. whiskey
0.75 oz. lemon juice
0.75 oz. honey/ginger
4-6 oz. boiling water
Boil water. Pour boiling water into a mug, to pre-warm it. After a minute, empty the water. Add the above ingredients, top with boiling water and garnish with a lemon or orange slice studded with cloves and/or a cinnamon stick.
Boozy Hot Cocoa
For many, it’s always a “Yes, Please” to the offer of a Boozy Hot Chocolate. Feel free to get creative with this cocktail as there’s no one best way to do it. You could just add a shot of whatever’s closest in reach to your favorite brand of hot cocoa. Or try your hand at this recipe.
6 oz. milk or cream
45 g. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. sugar
1.5 oz. reposado or añejo tequila
Pre-warm your mug with some hot water. Add all ingredients (except alcohol) to a small saucepan over low heat and stir, taking care not to scald the milk. Empty the hot water from your mug and add 1.5 oz. alcohol. Once all the chocolate is dissolved and the temperature is where you desire, pour hot chocolate into mug, stir briefly to combine and garnish with mini marshmallows or whip cream. Sprinkle with candy cane pieces as an extra touch.
Eggnog is a tradition not to be overlooked. This recipe is a little in depth but worth the work.
12 egg yolks
18 oz. white sugar
36 oz. whole milk
24 oz. heavy cream
12 oz. aged rum
12 oz. cognac
8 oz. bourbon
½ tsp. salt
Separate the eggs and keep the whites if you wish. Using an immersion blender or mixer, beat the yolks with the sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture lightens in color. Add milk and cream to a large bowl, then add the liquor and salt, then slowly beat in the egg mixture. Pour into glass jar or bottle and store in the fridge until cocktail hour. To serve, pour about 5 oz. into a small glass and garnish with some freshly grated nutmeg. Serves 24.
The French 75 is customarily associated with celebrations. What better way to celebrate the Festive Season!
1 oz. Beefeater Gin
0.5 oz. lemon juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup (1:1)
3 oz. Champagne
Shake first three ingredients over ice. Strain into a chilled flute and top with about 3 oz. of chilled Champagne.
Mulled Apple Cider cocktails are one of winter’s delights. The smell alone is worth the preparation. It’s the perfect combination of sweetness and spice.
1.5 oz. Irish whiskey
4.5 oz. hot mulled apple cider
1 oz. unsweetened half-whipped heavy cream
Pour whiskey and cider into a pre-heated mug, leaving a little less than one inch of room from the rim. Gently pour half-whipped unsweetened cream so it layers on top. Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
I hope this inspires a little joy this Holiday Season. Cheers!
