It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.
Charles M Schulz
Tis the season to be tipsy with Christmas & New Year’s Cocktails & Mocktails!
One of the best things about Christmas and the holiday season is that it offers us a chance to focus on what matters most to us. And if anything, this past year has taught us about what’s important in our lives.
While you’re counting all these blessings and celebrating your friends and family this Christmas, why not make a toast with a delicious and festive cocktail? Here are some classic and new holiday cocktails to get you in the holiday spirit(s)!
Christmas Cocktails for 2020
The Woodland Sparkle
Cozy Holiday Date Night: Light a few candles, put on some sultry holiday jazz, and slip on your best dress (even if you’re staying in). It’s date night. Now, you’ll need a cocktail that’s just as classy as you, so let’s make a Woodland Sparkle. This one takes a little extra preparation in making a special syrup, but it’s all worth it!
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Rocks Glass
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
Cinnamon Honey Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup orange juice
Cocktail
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon honey simple syrup
- 2 ounces Whiskey or bourbon
- 1-2 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine (or enough to top off the glass)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
Cinnamon Honey Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, ginger, cinnamon and orange juice until it bubbles gently. Remove from heat and cool.
Cocktail
- Add ice to cocktail shaker. Mix in syrup and whiskey together until well-chilled. Strain into a serving glass and top with Prosecco and sprig of rosemary.
Tree-Trimming & Caroling at Home: Slow-Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate
With all the activity of a busy night trimming the tree, wrapping presents, or caroling around the home, this boozy or non-alcoholic hot chocolate is ultra-simple. Simply leave it in the slow cooker to keep warm all evening while you enjoy the festivities. This recipe adds comfort and joy to even the coziest of December nights.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mugs
Ingredients
- 8 cups whole milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup creme de menthe, white rum or vodka Omit for non-alcoholic version
- 3 cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sweetened whipped cream
- Crushed candy cones
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except for the whipped cream and candy canes in a 7-quart slow cooker. Warm on high for 2 hours, whisking occasionally to help the chocolate melt. Once combined, switch setting to warm and serve.
- To serve, ladle a cup of hot chocolate into a mug, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The Christmas magic really starts on Christmas Eve. As little ones await the arrival of Santa and burst with anticipation for the next morning, the adults can relax and take stock of what has been a truly incredible year. Hopefully, these cocktails and mocktails can bring out the inner child in all of us. You’ll be laughing like a kid on Christmas morning!
Gingle Bells
Get festive on Christmas Eve with this simple and refreshing Gin cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Rocks Glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Gin with infused citrus, if you have it
- .75 ounce simple syrup
- .50 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 7 fresh cranberries
- Confectioner sugar for dusting
- 1 sprig Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Combine gin, simple syrup, lemon juice and ice in cocktail shaker. Shake until well-chilled, then pour 1/2 ounce into a rocks glass. Add 4 cranberries to the glass and muddle well. Then add fresh ice to the glass and top with the rest of the cocktail mixture. Top with more ice, the remaining cranberries, a light dusting of confectioner sugar and mint sprig.
Rudolph Noses Mocktail
A festive "drink" for the kiddos to enjoy on Christmas Eve. Leave one for Santa's visit too.
Equipment
- Rock glasses
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces ginger soda
- 1-2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons molasses divided
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies divided
- 2 Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Rim the two glasses. Put 2 teaspoons molasses on a plate, and the crushed cookies on another plate. Rim each glass with molasses, then cover with the crushed cookies.
- Make your mocktail. In a shaker with ice, combine the heavy cream, ginger soda, allspice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons molasses.
- Shake to combine. Scrape off excess foam. Divide into the two glasses and top each with a bright red Rudolph nose (cherry).
A Toast to Christmas Day
White Christmas Chocolate Martini
The idea of a white Christmas sparks joy in my heart – even when the California sun is shining through the window. While I may not get a traditional white Christmas this year, I'm happy to settle for this snowstorm in a glass.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Martini Glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla voddka
- 2 ounces white chocolate liqueur
- 1 ounce white creme de cocao
- 1 ounce half-n-half
- Hone and course sanding sugar or crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Pour honey onto a shallow plate. Fill another plate with sanding sugar or crushed peppermint candies. Coat the rim of the martini glass in honey, then dip into the sugar or candies. Be sure to coat the entire edge.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, creme de cocoa, and half-n-half. Shake until chilled and strain into the martini glass.
Cheers to 2021: New Year’s Cocktails
Couple’s New Year’s Kiss: Classic Champagne Cocktail
There simply isn't a classier, more celebratory cocktail than the Champagne cocktail. And even if you're planning on a quiet New Year's Eve at home with someone special, there's no better night of the year to spend a little extra time making the ultimate countdown cocktail.
Equipment
- Champagne coupe glass or flute glass
Ingredients
- 1 sugar cube
- 5 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 squeezed lemon peel for garnish
- Champagne or sparkling wine or Prosecco
- star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon twist garnishes.
- Add a sugar cube to the bottom of champagne glass. Top the cube with 5 dashes of bitters.
- Squeeze the lemon peel over the glass to release the oils.
- Fill glass with champagne. Garnish with lemon twist. Serve immediately
Confetti & Dancing: Family Friendly Pink Mocktail
For a New Year's celebration fit for the whole family, make a tempting batch of confetti mocktails. Turn up the tunes and enjoy an evening of song and dance while sipping on these fun and festive mocktails!
Equipment
- Blender
- Martini Glass or Juice Glass
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons creme de coconut
- 1 ounce maraschino cherry juice
- Honey
- Cherries for garnish
- Limes for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, add the creme de coconut, cherry juice and ice cubes. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a cocktail shaker to strain smoothly into glass.
- Pour into a festive glass for the kids. Garnish with a cherry and lime wheel.
The Poor Liza
The crowded clubs, big house parties, and masquerade balls of New Year's Eve past won't be happening this year, leaving many of us to enjoy the transition into 2021 alone. But, with the right cocktail, a good movie, and a little bit of happy daydreaming about the good things to come, that sounds quite alright! So, why not celebrate solo with a pretty speakeasy sip. Here's the Poor Liza!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Spirit of Pear or Pear Brandy
- .50 ounce Green Chartreuse
- .75 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- .25 ounce simple syrup
- 3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Pour straight into a martini glass (or over ice).
Let’s Raise a Glass!
How are you celebrating this year? At home or away? Together or apart? Near or far? While Christmas and New Year’s will no doubt be different this year, there’s always something to celebrate. Cheers to where we’ve been and where we’re going!
Happy New Year!
Stacy Kopper
December 16, 2020May have to try Gingle Bells tonight. That counts as fruit, right?
TG baugh
December 17, 2020Cheers! Which one to try first?
RAMONA R MIDEIROS
December 18, 2020Luannna, you certainly covered the holiday cheer. I am tempted to try one of each but for sure the champagne cocktail to toast in 2021…