Amanda Heineman
The holiday season is filled with delicious food, Christmas cookies, pumpkin pies, festive coffees and so much more! But there’s one thing we tend to leave out when it comes to making things festive, and that is…. Cocktails!! (and mocktails of course) There are so many Christmassy drinks to be made and I’ve compiled my top 5! Hope you enjoy and Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Santa Clausmopolitan
This drink is essentially the same as a normal cosmopolitan, but with cranberries and white sugar for garnish. Looking quite like a Santa hat, this is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit!!
INGREDIENTS
Lime wedge, for rim
white sanding sugar
1 c. Vodka ( for non-alcoholic, substitute tonic water)
1 1/2 c. cranberry juice
1/4 c. triple sec ( for non-alcoholic, substitute orange juice!)
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1/2 c. fresh cranberries
DIRECTIONS
1. Run a lime wedge around each glass then dip in sanding sugar.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add vodka (or tonic water), cranberry juice, triple sec (or orange juice), and lime juice. Shake until the cocktail shaker is cold.
3. Divide drinks between rimmed glasses and add cranberries for garnish.
Mistletoe Mule
With candy canes and pomegranate seeds, this holiday mule is a must have if you’re looking for a lighter drink that will still give you a kick of Christmas!
INGREDIENTS
Ice
2 oz. vodka (for non-alcoholic, omit this)
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 (12-oz.) can ginger beer
1/4 c. pomegranate seeds
2 crushed candy canes, plus two whole, for garnish
Mint sprigs, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine ice, vodka (or not!), lime juice, pomegranate seeds, and crushed candy canes. Shake until cold.
2. Fill two copper mugs with ice. Strain mixture into each mug. Pour ginger beer into each cup until mostly full.
3. Garnish with a whole candy cane and a mint sprig.
Boozy Butterbeer
Whether you love Harry Potter or not, this punch is sure to please a crowd! Easy to make, with a smooth butterscotch flavor, this butterbeer with or without the booze is perfect for all ages.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE WHIPPED TOPPING
2 c. heavy cream
2 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp. melted butter
FOR THE PUNCH
6 (12-oz.) cans cream soda
3 (12-oz.) cans seltzer
3 1/2 c. vanilla vodka (for non-alcoholic, omit)
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine cream, brown sugar and vanilla. Using a hand mixer, whip until soft peaks form. Fold in melted butter and set aside.
2. In a punch bowl, combine cream soda, seltzer, and vodka. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of gold sanding sugar.
Irish Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A holiday classic with an adult twist! Who doesn’t love hot chocolate in the wintertime? The peppermint flavor adds an extra cheery boost, and for those who drink alcohol, the Irish Cream Liquor gives this hot cocoa exactly what it needs to warm you up on a cold winters night!
INGREDIENTS
2 C. 2% or Whole Milk
3 oz. of Irish Cream Liquor (omit for non-alcoholic)
1.5 oz of Peppermint Schnapps (substitute 1/8 tsp peppermint extract for non-alcoholic)
1 packet of hot cocoa mix
Whipped Cream
Andes Mints
DIRECTIONS
1. In a mug, put 3 Andes mints, hot cocoa mix, Irish cream, and Schnapps (or peppermint extract)
2. Pour hot milk over and stir until combined
3. Top with whipped cream and chopped Andes Mints
Pumpkin Spice Mule
And finally, who can have the holiday season without a little bit of pumpkin spice?! This mule has real pumpkin instead of pumpkin flavor, which although is delicious, does tend to separate so either keep a stirrer near this drink, or drink it just fast enough ;)
INGREDIENTS
Ice
2 oz vodka (substitute water for non-alcoholic)
1 oz lime juice
1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin butter
Ginger beer
DIRECTIONS
1. In a cocktail shaker combine vodka (or water), lime juice, pumpkin butter and ice. Shake until cold.
2. Fill mugs with ice, strain mixture into mug, and fill to the top with ginger beer.
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