Classic Holiday Cocktails

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Who’s Ready For Holiday Cocktails?

Where has the time gone? Feels like just yesterday we were chilling and grilling by the pool while enjoying canned cocktails, now the holiday season is here?!? Guess it’s time to get all the decorations out of the garage, find that ugly sweater you can only wear this time of year, and start planning some festive get-togethers. But before you start inviting all your friends and family over, check out these recipes for holiday cocktails. They are sure to be a hit with everyone.

How About Starting The Season Off With Some Eggnog?

No holiday celebration is complete without a glass of creamy, spiced eggnog. Like seriously, if you’re at a holiday party and they’re not serving this, leave immediately! This rich cocktail, that traces back to medieval England, is a rich concoction of milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg.  Probably explains why this is considered a staple of the festive season.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups of Milk
• ½ tsp of Ground Cinnamon (more for garnish)
• ½ tsp of Ground Nutmeg
• ½ tsp of Pure Vanilla Extract
• 6 Large Egg Yolks
• ½ Cup of Granulated Sugar
• 1 Cup of Heavy Cream
• 1 Cup of Bourbon or Dark Rum
• Whipped Cream

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Gradually heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle boil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until they turn pale. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks in batches, whisking continuously to temper the eggs until well combined.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, making sure it doesn’t boil. If using a candy thermometer, the mixture should reach 160º.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and, if desired, bourbon. Refrigerate until chilled.
5. When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Anyone Interested In A Holiday Old Fashioned?

This Holiday Old Fashioned is the ideal cozy cocktail for those long, chilly nights where all you want to do is sit next to a warm fire. It features maple syrup and combines it with warming taste of a classic Old Fashioned.

Ingredients

• 2 tsps of Maple Syrup
• 2 tsps of Water
• 1 Sprig of Rosemary
• 2 Shots of Bourbon
• ½ Shot of Triple Sec
• 4 Dashes of Bitters
• Rosemary (to garnish)
• Luxado Maraschino Cherries

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle to combine maple syrup, water, 1 sprig rosemary, bourbon, triple sec and bitters.
2. Put some ice in two glasses and strain the mixture evenly between both.
3. Garnish each glass  with a sprig of rosemary and cherries.

Looking For Some Festive Cheer? Try A Mistletoe Martini!

Have you ever found yourself all alone, standing under a mistletoe at a holiday party just waiting for a kiss? Well this cocktail is here to save you with tart cranberry flavors. Who knows, it may be the kiss you were waiting for all along.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz of Cranberry Juice
• 1 ½ oz of Vodka
• ½ oz of Simple Syrup
• ½ oz of St. Germain Liqueur
• Ice

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add cranberry juice, vodka, simple syrup, and St. Germain. Shake thoroughly.
2. Pour the chilled cocktail into your favorite glass and garnish with a rosemary sprig adorned with fresh cranberries.

Who Wants To Cozy Up With A Hot Toddy?

The fire may be so delightful, but so is warming up to a cup of Hot Toddy. So let’s cozy up and make one!

Ingredients

• 2 oz of Bourbon
• 1 Cup of Water
• 2 tbsp of Honey
• 1 tbsp of Lemon Juice
• Lemon Slices
• Cinnamon Sticks

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1/3 cup of water to a simmer.
2. In a mug, mix together the bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. Slowly pour in the hot water, stirring with a spoon until the honey dissolves. Taste and add more water if desired.
3. Garnish with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

Would You Leave Out Milk And Cookie Shots For Santa?

Don’t forget jolly old Saint Nick! This recipe will certainly shake things up when he slides down your chimney.

Ingredients

• 1 Log of Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• ¾ Cup of Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• 2 tsp of Coconut Oil or Butter
• ⅓ Cup of Baileys Irish Cream
• ⅓ Cup of Milk
• Ice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray, then place a small ball of cookie dough (about a 1/2″ slice of the cookie log) in each cup, pressing down gently to create a well. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden in the center and the edges are a deep golden brown.
2. As soon as they come out of the oven, use a greased shot glass to gently press down the center of each cookie. Allow the tray to cool for 5 minutes, then remove the cookies from the tin and let them cool completely.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 25-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are completely melted. Line the inside of each cookie dough cup with the melted chocolate, then place them on a baking sheet or platter and refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
4. In a shaker filled with ice, mix equal parts Baileys Irish Cream and milk. Shake well, then pour the mixture into each cookie shot glass.

Now What?

Now it’s time to run to your neighborhood Spec’s and grab what you need to make these festive holiday cocktails. After that, you can get back to planning all your gatherings. You’re on your own for setting up decorations and finding your ugly sweater though. Sorry.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Spec’s!