The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family. One of the best ways to make your holiday parties memorable is by serving delicious cocktails. Whether you're hosting a large celebration or a cozy get-together, having a variety of drinks will keep everyone happy.
In this article, we’ll explore ten cocktails that are perfect for your upcoming holiday parties. These drinks are simple to make and absolutely delicious. Get ready to impress your guests with these fantastic holiday cocktails!
Classic Holiday Cocktails Everyone Will Love
Creating classic holiday cocktails is a surefire way to impress your guests. These timeless drinks bring a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any gathering. Here are some favorites to consider:
Eggnog:
- Ingredients: 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of rum or bourbon, nutmeg for garnish.
- Instructions: Mix the milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the yolks, stirring constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, add rum or bourbon, and refrigerate until chilled. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Mulled Wine:
- Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine, 1 orange (sliced), 1/4 cup of brandy, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 8 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise.
- Instructions: In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Heat on low until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (do not boil). Let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Strain and serve warm.
Hot Toddy:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of hot water, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of whiskey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Instructions: Combine hot water and honey in a mug and stir until the honey dissolves. Add whiskey and lemon juice, and stir again. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold night.
These classic cocktails are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. They bring warmth and joy to any holiday celebration.
Warm and Cozy Drinks for Winter Nights
When the weather outside is frightful, a warm drink can make everything delightful. Cozy up with these comforting winter cocktails:
Hot Buttered Rum:
- Ingredients: 2 cups of water, 1 stick of butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of allspice, 1 cup of dark rum.
- Instructions: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Gradually add water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and add rum. Serve in mugs and enjoy this rich, warming drink.
Spiked Hot Chocolate:
- Ingredients: 2 cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 ounces of dark chocolate, 1/4 cup of Baileys or peppermint schnapps, whipped cream for garnish.
- Instructions: In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until combined. Add dark chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in Baileys or peppermint schnapps. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
Apple Cider Hot Toddy:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of apple cider, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of bourbon, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish.
- Instructions: Heat apple cider and honey in a pot until warm. Add bourbon and lemon juice, and stir. Pour into a mug and garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. This drink combines the flavors of apple and bourbon for a cozy treat.
These warm and cozy drinks make winter nights more enjoyable. They’re perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with friends at holiday gatherings.
Simple and Quick Cocktails for Last-Minute Parties
When you're short on time but still want to impress, these simple and quick cocktails come to the rescue. They require minimal ingredients and can be prepared in a flash.
Gin and Tonic:
- Ingredients: 2 oz gin, tonic water, lime wedge.
- Instructions: Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in the gin and top with tonic water. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in. Stir gently. This refreshing cocktail is ready in seconds and always a crowd-pleaser.
Moscow Mule:
- Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lime juice, ginger beer, lime wedge for garnish.
- Instructions: In a copper mug or glass, combine vodka and lime juice over ice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge. This fizzy, tangy drink is perfect for any last-minute gathering.
Rum and Coke:
- Ingredients: 2 oz rum, Coke, lime wedge.
- Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the rum and top with Coke. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and stir. This classic cocktail is quick to make and always a hit.
These simple cocktails make party prep easy and stress-free. Your guests will love these tasty drinks, and you’ll love how effortless they are to prepare.
Festive Non-Alcoholic Drinks for All Ages
Make sure to offer delicious non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t drink alcohol. These drinks are festive and fun for everyone to enjoy.
Holiday Punch:
- Ingredients: 4 cups cranberry juice, 4 cups pineapple juice, 1 liter ginger ale, fresh cranberries and pineapple slices for garnish.
- Instructions: In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Add ginger ale just before serving. Garnish with fresh cranberries and pineapple slices. This bright and fruity punch is perfect for any holiday party.
Hot Apple Cider:
- Ingredients: 2 quarts apple cider, 5 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, orange slices for garnish.
- Instructions: In a large pot, heat apple cider with cloves and cinnamon stick. Simmer on low for 20 minutes. Remove the spices and serve in mugs with an orange slice for garnish. This warm drink is comforting and festive.
Conclusion
With these top 10 cocktails, your holiday parties will be a smashing success. From classic favorites to warm winter drinks and easy-to-make cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Remember to include non-alcoholic options to make sure all your guests can join in the cheers.
Ready to get started? Head over to Quality Liquor Store to stock up on all the spirits and liquor you need. Cheers to a festive and fun holiday season!
