Best Holiday Drinks: Top 5 Cocktails for the Holidays
By: Clint Brock
December 6, 2023
3:13 am
Time to read: 6 Minutes
Did You Know?
The most popular hard liquor brand in the United States is Tito’s Handmade Vodka. It sells over 11 million cases per Eggnog’s name is a bit of a misnomer. While eggs are a key ingredient, the “nog” part actually comes from the Middle English word “nogge,” which referred to a strong, spiced ale. So, the original eggnog was more like a boozy milkshake than the nutmeg-heavy concoction we know today., making it the top-selling liquor in the US by volume. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is gluten-free and made from 100% corn. It is known for its smooth taste and affordability.
The holiday season is all about creating memorable moments, and what better way to do so than with festive cocktails?
This guide will take you through the top 5 holiday cocktails, from the classic warmth of an Eggnog Martini to the comforting embrace of Hot Buttered Rum.
These drinks are more than just recipes; they’re a celebration of the season’s flavors and aromas, designed to bring joy to your Christmas and Friendsgiving parties. So, let’s get ready to mix up some holiday magic and make those end-of-year festivities truly unforgettable!
Here are the top five festive cocktail ideas that are popular during the holiday season:
Eggnog Martini
Indulge in the holiday spirit with an Eggnog Martini! This cocktail is a must-try for your festive celebrations. Imagine the classic taste of rich, creamy eggnog enhanced with the smooth touch of vanilla vodka and the sweet, nutty charm of Amaretto. It’s an elegant and grown-up take on your favorite holiday drink. Elevate your holiday moments with this luxurious Eggnog Martini – it’s the perfect way to make your celebrations extra special!
Ingredients:
- Eggnog: The base of the drink, eggnog is a rich, creamy beverage made from milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Vanilla Vodka: Adds a smooth, vanilla-infused alcoholic kick to the cocktail.
- Amaretto: A sweet Italian liqueur made from almonds, Amaretto contributes a nutty, slightly bittersweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the eggnog and vanilla vodka.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is used as a garnish, enhancing the drink’s aroma and adding a hint of warm spice that is synonymous with the holiday season.
Picture this: a gathering where every sip is a toast to quality.
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Peppermint White Russian
The Peppermint White Russian is a delightful and festive cocktail that adds a holiday twist to the classic White Russian. It’s a perfect blend of rich coffee flavors, smooth vodka, creamy texture, and a refreshing peppermint twist.
Ingredients:
- Vodka: The primary spirit in the cocktail, vodka provides a clean, smooth base that allows the other flavors to shine through.
- Coffee Liqueur: This brings a deep, rich coffee flavor to the drink. Kahlúa is a popular choice for its sweet and robust coffee essence.
- Cream: Heavy cream is typically used for its richness, adding a luxurious texture to the cocktail.
- Peppermint Schnapps: This adds a minty freshness to the drink, giving it a distinctive holiday flavor.
- Candy Cane: Used as a garnish, it not only adds to the visual appeal but also reinforces the peppermint flavor.
Hot Buttered Rum
The Hot Buttered Rum is a classic winter cocktail, revered for its rich, warm, and comforting qualities.
Ingredients:
- Dark Rum: The base spirit of the cocktail, dark rum is chosen for its rich and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of molasses and spices. The rum adds warmth and depth to the drink.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is typically used.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the drink, complementing the rum and spices perfectly.
- Spices: A blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is commonly used. These spices contribute a warm, aromatic quality that’s essential for the holiday feel of the drink. Sometimes, allspice or a cinnamon stick is added for extra spice.
- Hot Water: This is used to dissolve the sugar and meld all the flavors together while making the drink soothingly warm.
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Gingerbread Martini
Imagine sipping on all the yummy flavors of a gingerbread cookie, but in a glass! The Gingerbread Martini is exactly that – a holiday party in a cocktail. It’s packed with those cozy, familiar gingerbread flavors that make you think of Christmas and happy times. It’s not just a drink, it’s like a festive celebration with every sip. Perfect for winter gatherings or just to add a bit of holiday cheer to your evenings. Trust me, you’ll want to make this your new holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
- Vodka: This forms the alcoholic base of the martini. Plain vodka is typically used as it provides a neutral canvas to showcase the gingerbread flavor. For an extra kick, you could use vanilla-flavored vodka.
- Gingerbread Syrup or Ginger Liqueur: This is what gives the cocktail its distinctive gingerbread flavor. Gingerbread syrup can be store-bought or homemade and offers a sweet, spicy, and slightly warming flavor. Ginger liqueur can also be used as an alternative, providing a more intense ginger flavor with an alcoholic kick.
- Cream: This adds a rich and smooth texture to the cocktail, balancing the spices from the gingerbread syrup. Half-and-half or even a milk alternative can be used for a lighter version.
- Ginger Spice: Ground ginger spice is often used as a garnish to enhance the ginger flavor and add a decorative touch.
- Gingerbread Cookie: Used as a garnish, a small gingerbread cookie adds a charming and festive visual appeal to the drink, while reinforcing the gingerbread theme.
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
This cocktail beautifully marries the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider with the rich, oaky depth of bourbon. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, while a cinnamon stick infuses a quintessential holiday spice.
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is the star of this cocktail. It provides a natural sweetness and the crisp flavor of apples, which is reminiscent of fall and early winter. Apple cider’s fruitiness complements the strong character of bourbon.
- Bourbon: A key ingredient, bourbon adds a smoky, caramel-like richness to the drink.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the sweetness of the cider with its bright acidity.
- Cinnamon Stick: Used both as a garnish and a flavoring agent, a cinnamon stick infuses the drink with a warm, spicy aroma and taste that’s synonymous with the holiday season.
- Optional Garnishes: Apple slices, a twist of lemon peel, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon can be added for extra visual appeal and flavor.
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Summary
- The holiday season is celebrated with the top 5 festive cocktails, each offering a unique blend of seasonal flavors and aromas, ideal for enhancing Christmas and Friendsgiving gatherings.
- The Eggnog Martini is an elegant twist on traditional eggnog, featuring rich, creamy eggnog combined with smooth vanilla vodka, nutty Amaretto, and a touch of nutmeg.
- The Peppermint White Russian adds a festive touch to the classic drink with a mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, peppermint schnapps, and a candy cane garnish, creating a minty and indulgent experience.
- Hot Buttered Rum, a winter classic, warms with its combination of dark rum, butter, brown sugar, and a mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, providing a rich and comforting drink.
- The Gingerbread Martini transforms the beloved holiday cookie into a drink, blending vodka, gingerbread syrup or liqueur, cream, and ginger spice, garnished with a gingerbread cookie for a festive touch.
- The Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail marries the tangy sweetness of apple cider with the oaky depth of bourbon, enhanced by lemon juice and a cinnamon stick, capturing the essence of the holiday season.
Clint Brock stands at the helm of Rock Market Beverage, a landmark as the first liquor store in Rockmart and the freshest face in Polk County, Georgia's liquor market. With a fervent passion for retail business development, Clint's journey took root in Rockmart in 2010, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial endeavors. His commitment extends beyond business; he is deeply invested in cultivating growth within both individuals and the community. Clint's transition to Rockmart was not just a business move; it became a pivotal chapter in his life, embedding him deeply in the fabric of the city and underscoring his dedication to its development and prosperity.