As I’m wrapping up my holiday preparations, I’m excited to share some festive cheer with all of you! As an Irish person who’s passionate about cocktails and Christmas, I’ve had the pleasure of perfecting a few seasonal sips that are sure to bring joy to your gatherings. Whether it’s a Buck’s Fizz on Christmas morning, mulled wine by the fireplace, or a Baileys-infused treat while putting up decorations, I believe that a well-crafted drink can elevate even the most intimate moments into special occasions. But what about when you’re hosting a winter wedding or holiday party? In that case, having a signature cocktail on hand can be a game-changer. Not only does it provide a unique and memorable experience for your guests, but it also simplifies the drinks-serving process immensely. By prepping just one or two specialty cocktails in advance – think sugar syrup, chilled glasses, and prepped garnishes – you’ll be able to focus on enjoying the party with your loved ones. And let’s not forget the added touches that can make all the difference: candy canes, striped straws, and cinnamon sticks are all great ways to add a dash of whimsy to your drinks. So if you’re looking for inspiration or simply want to impress your guests with your mixology skills, I’ve got some tried-and-true recipes up my sleeve – whether you prefer gin, brandy, or something else entirely.
Fig Manhattan
This holiday season, why not infuse your drinks with the same festive flair as your Christmas dessert staples? We’ve taken inspiration from Winked Weddings, via Style Me Pretty, to create a unique and Christmassy cocktail recipe. The key ingredient is figgy pudding’s signature flavor – achieved by muddling quartered figs with thyme-infused simple syrup. Combine this mixture with ice, sweet vermouth, bourbon, a cinnamon stick, and a dash of orange bitters. Shake well to combine and strain into a chilled glass, leaving the cinnamon stick as garnish. Finally, top it off with additional fig slices and star anise for added visual appeal.
Glogg (Swedish Mulled Wine)
Indulge in the warm, spicy flavors of Scandinavian mulled wine by infusing Donal Skehan’s Glögg recipe with an Irish twist. This delectable drink serves eight, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family. To create this festive favorite, you’ll need 1 liter of red wine, 3 cinnamon sticks, 8 cloves, 10 cardamom pods, and 3 tablespoons of caster sugar. Add some crunch with almonds and raisins for garnish. Simply combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat, stirring until the mixture reaches a steady simmer and the sugar dissolves completely. Strain the Glögg through a sieve and serve it warm in glasses, accompanied by the added textures of almonds and raisins.
Vegan Earl Grey & Chocolate Shakes
This delectable vegan mocktail recipe from The First Mess is a great option for little ones, pregnant guests, or those who don’t drink. It’s also perfect for weddings or holiday gatherings. For an added kick, you could add a shot of vodka, Kahlua, or Baileys (though these are not vegan). While the recipe may be a bit lengthy, The First Mess has all the directions available on their beautiful blog. With earl grey tea, maple syrup, and dairy-free chocolate ice cream, it’s hard to go wrong with this combination.
Cranberry Ginger Fizz
This delightful cranberry cocktail by Creative Culinary is sure to be a hit among gin lovers at your party. The extra effort it requires will be well worth it for the sweet, refreshing, and festively delicious taste you’ll get in return. To make this concoction, you’ll need 1 cup of sugar syrup, 1 cup of fresh cranberries, lemon wedges, orange slices, 1 1/2 cups of dry gin, 1 cup of ginger ale, and some mint springs for garnish.
Start by heating the syrup until it boils, then add the cranberries and simmer until they start to burst. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Next, combine the cooled cranberry mixture with the lemon wedges and orange slices in a large pitcher. Muddle everything together to release those wonderful flavors.
Add the gin to the pitcher and allow it to steep for a bit. Once you’re happy with the flavor, strain the mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and give it a good shake.
Fill four glasses with ice and add about 1/4 cup of ginger ale each. Strain the gin mixture over the top of the ginger ale and finish it off with some fresh cranberries and mint springs for garnish.
Sugar Plum Fairy
I stumbled upon a unique winter-themed cocktail at The Folly in London during Christmas season, which has left an indelible mark on my taste buds ever since. Its vibrant appearance and festive flair make it an excellent choice for serving at a winter wedding’s cocktail hour. To create this signature drink, combine unsweetened maraschino cherry liqueur with Tanqueray gin and sugar in a glass, then top it off with fresh lemon juice and plum bitters. The crowning glory is the juicy plum slice floating elegantly on top – though a few dark cherries would also add a touch of festive charm.
Peppermint White Russian
As the winter season approaches, my affinity for the White Russian cocktail grows stronger. It’s only fitting that I’m incorporating this Christmas twist on the classic into The Marvellous Misadventures of a Foodie’s 12 Cocktails of Christmas series. To create this festive variation, begin by rimming your glass with crushed candy canes – an indulgent touch! Next, combine 3/4 ounces of Kahlúa, vodka, and peppermint schnapps in the prepared glass. Finally, top it off with half-and-half milk, stirring gently to combine. Don’t forget to add a whimsical candy cane straw for a playful finishing touch.
Frozen Pomegranate & Raspberry
Imagine the wow factor when you serve this stunning festive cocktail to your wedding guests or at your rehearsal dinner. The combination of rich, punchy flavors and vibrant colors makes it an unforgettable addition to any celebration.
nThe beauty of this recipe is that it’s deceptively easy to make. Simply combine vodka, frozen raspberries, lime juice, sugar syrup, pomegranate juice, and crushed ice in a cocktail shaker, then shake until chilled.
nToStrain the mixture into a glass and garnish with lime zest and berries for a striking red and green finish that’s sure to impress. The recipe comes from What Katie Ate, one of our favorite foodie blogs, and is perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion.
Bonus Idea!
Imagine a refreshing and visually stunning Christmas wine cooler, courtesy of The Studio B Photography via Style Me Pretty! To create this winter wonderland-inspired masterpiece, start by lining a vase, cooler, or pot with an assortment of seasonal berries, rosemary, or festive foliage. Place a large jar or a freezer bag filled with water in the center to form a hollow shape. Next, pour water around the edges, ensuring the berries rise up the sides. Then, pop it into the freezer overnight and voilà! You’ll wake up to a beautiful, frosty display that’s perfect for sipping your favorite holiday cocktail. We’d love to hear about your go-to Christmas cocktails in the comments below. Get inspired with more unique ideas for your special day!