8 Festive Cocktails to Warm Up the Holidays
Discover > Texas Recipes > 8 Festive Cocktails to Warm Up the Holidays
'Tis the season to sip and be merry! The holiday season brings us together to celebrate, and what better way to spread cheer than with a selection of delightful holiday-themed cocktails? As the designated bartender within my small group of friends, I'm excited to share eight fantastic recipes that will elevate your spirits and make your holiday gatherings truly special.
The alchemy of combining spirits, liqueurs, and the finest seasonal ingredients to create liquid masterpieces has been a lifelong fascination of mine. And what better time to indulge in this passion than during the festive holiday season? I'm thrilled to share with you a curated collection of eight delightful holiday-themed cocktail recipes that not only reflect my love for mixology but also bring a sense of Texas spirit to your celebrations.
From classic flavors to creative twists, these cocktails are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of merriment to your festivities.
The Classic Eggnog Martini
The Classic Eggnog Martini is a festive and creamy cocktail that combines the rich, holiday flavors of traditional eggnog with the sophistication of a martini. This delightful concoction uses the pastry-like notes of Toddi Vanilla Cream Vodka, and a touch of nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?) for added warmth and spice. It's shaken or stirred to perfection and often garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick. This seasonal favorite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spirit, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
You might want to check out the local market for that item, though it's possible it's temporarily out of stock, Skip the lines and order your " Eggnog " online for a stress-free shopping experience.
Ingredients
2 oz Eggnog
2 oz Toddi Vanilla Cream Vodka
1/2 oz Amaretto
A pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
Combine the eggnog, vodka, and amaretto in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg.
You might find what you're looking for in the local market, but it's not always in stock, Online shopping for " Martini Glass " is the smart choice for a seamless transaction.
Spiced Apple Cider Mule
A spiced apple cider mule is a delightful autumnal cocktail that combines the crisp, fruity flavors of apple cider with the zesty kick of a classic Moscow Mule. This refreshing beverage typically includes vodka, apple cider, ginger beer, and a dash of warming spices like cinnamon and cloves (how long do cloves last?). Served over ice and garnished with apple slices and a sprig of fresh mint, it's a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, making it the perfect drink to enjoy during the fall season.
The best places to get Spiced Rum are from your local markets, but if you can’t find any near you can easily order Spiced Rum online here
Ingredients
2 oz Spiced Rum
4 oz Apple Cider
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Ginger Beer
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks (how long do cinnamon sticks last?) for garnish
Instructions
Fill a copper mule mug with ice.
Add spiced rum, apple cider, and fresh lime juice.
Top off with ginger beer.
Stir gently and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
You may want to explore the local market, though it's not guaranteed to have the product you're looking for, Save time and effort by ordering " Copper Mule Mug " online.
Cranberry Ginger Fizz
Cranberry ginger fizz is a great beverage for the festivities to come for the holidays. It combines the tartness of cranberries, the spicy warmth of ginger, and the rush from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Then top it off with some zest from freshly squeezed lime juice. The vibrant red color and effervescence make it visually appealing, while the sweet-tart flavor profile delights the taste buds.
Local markets often have unique finds, but there's a chance the item you want isn't in stock, When it comes to getting the best deals, buying " Cranberry Juice " online is the way to go.
Ingredients
2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Ginger Liqueur
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Club Soda
Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
In a shaker with ice, combine cranberry juice, vodka, ginger liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Peppermint White Russian
A Peppermint White Russian is a delightful and festive variation of the classic White Russian cocktail made famous by The Dude himself. This drink combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, just like its traditional counterpart, but it adds a refreshing twist with the infusion of peppermint flavor. The result is a creamy, smooth, and slightly minty beverage, perfect for sipping during the holiday season or as a cool, indulgent treat any time of the year. It's often garnished with a peppermint stick or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
You could give the local market a try, but keep in mind they might not have the item you want, Save time and effort by ordering " Peppermint Schnapps " online.
Ingredients
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Peppermint Schnapps
2 oz Heavy Cream
Crushed Peppermint Candy for rimming
Crushed ice
Instructions
Rim a rocks glass with crushed peppermint candy.
Fill the glass with crushed ice.
Add vodka and peppermint schnapps.
Float heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Garnish with a peppermint candy cane.
I'd suggest checking the local market, though there's a chance they may not carry the product right now, I always prefer buying " Rock Glass " online because of the added convenience.
Holiday Spice Old Fashioned
The Holiday Spice Old Fashioned is a festive twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. It combines traditional Bourbon from Garrison Brothers with seasonal spices and sweeteners, creating a warming and aromatic drink perfect for holiday gatherings. Typically, it includes bourbon or rye whiskey, muddled orange and cherry, a touch of cinnamon or cloves, and a sweetener like maple syrup (how long does maple syrup last?) or spiced simple syrup. The cocktail is garnished with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry, resulting in a delightful blend of comforting flavors with a seasonal flair.
Ingredients
2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Cinnamon Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Orange twist and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
In a mixing glass, muddle the cinnamon syrup and bitters.
Add bourbon and ice, then stir until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange twist and a cinnamon stick.
Winter Wonderland Sangria
Winter Wonderland Sangria is a delightful seasonal beverage that captures the essence of winter in a glass. This festive drink combines Grape Growers White Blend from Duchman Family Winery. Mixed together with a medley of winter fruits like cranberries, apples (how long do apples last?), and pears, and a touch of sparkling water. Its flavors are enhanced with a hint of citrus and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. Served chilled, it's a refreshing and visually appealing holiday concoction.
Consider trying the local market, even though the product may be temporarily unavailable, Take advantage of the wide variety of options when you shop for " White Wine " online.
Ingredients
1 bottle of Grape Growers White Blend
1/2 cup White Cranberry Juice
1/4 cup Brandy
Sliced apples, pears, and cranberries
Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
In a pitcher, combine white wine, white cranberry juice, and brandy.
Add sliced fruit and cinnamon sticks.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve in wine glasses with some of the fruit as a garnish.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is a classic, warming cocktail that combines dark rum, hot water, and a rich, spiced butter mixture. This delightful drink offers a comforting blend of sweetness and spice, featuring ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The buttery concoction is blended with the rum and hot water, creating a soothing and aromatic beverage perfect for sipping on cold winter nights. Hot Buttered Rum provides a cozy, nostalgic experience with its harmonious balance of flavors and a soothing, buttery finish.
Local markets often have unique finds, but there's a chance the item you want isn't in stock, Online shopping for " Dark Rum " is the smart choice for a seamless transaction.
Ingredients
2 oz Dark Rum
1 tbsp Spiced Butter Mixture (butter, brown sugar, and spices)
Boiling Water
Cinnamon stick and nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
In a heatproof glass or mug, combine the spiced butter mixture and dark rum.
Fill the glass with boiling water.
Stir until the butter has melted.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a dash of nutmeg.
Candy Cane Martini
The Candy Cane Martini is a whimsical elixir that conjures the spirit of the holidays in a single glass. Its silky, velvety texture wraps around the palate, as if you're sipping a sip of Christmas magic. The snowy-white peppermint rim glistens like freshly fallen snow, leading to a swirl of vibrant red and white within. With each sip, the sweet dance of peppermint and vanilla flavors delights the senses, making it a delectable liquid embodiment of yuletide joy, perfect for toasting by the crackling fire or ringing in the festive season.
Ingredients
2 oz Peppermint Vodka
1 oz White Creme de Cacao
1 oz Half-and-Half
Crushed candy canes for rimming
Searching for White Creme de Cacao? Hassle No More! I recommend visiting the local market, but be aware that the product may not be readily available, Save time and effort by ordering " White Creme de Cacao " online.
Instructions
Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes.
In a shaker with ice, combine peppermint vodka, white creme de cacao, and half-and-half.
Shake until well chilled and strain into the martini glass.
Consider exploring the local market for your purchase, even though it might not be in stock at the moment, discover the endless possibilities of buying " Peppermint Vodka " online.
Conclusion
These holiday-themed cocktails are the perfect way to add a dash of festive flavor to the holidays or any other vibrant Texan celebrations. What's more, they uniquely capture the spirit of Texas with a touch of Southern hospitality, making your gatherings extra special. Whether you're in the heart of Houston, the vast plains of West Texas, or anywhere in the Lone Star State, these cocktails will warm your heart and ignite the festivities of the coming holidays. So, raise your glass and toast to a season filled with joy, warmth, and the rich flavors of Texas, perfectly blended with the magic of the holidays.
