Thirsty Thursday: Festive Cocktails to Spice Up Your Holiday Party

By Bryan Kittman | December 20, 2018

The holiday season is upon us, and this weekend will be filled with holiday parties, festivities, and gatherings. Some of you might be hosting these get-togethers, and if you want it to stand out from the many different parties people will go to this season, you’re going to want to provide some memorable festive cocktails for your guests. Skip out on the traditional beer, wine, and liquor, and serve your guests some wonderfully crafted cocktails that are sure to be remembered. Check out these boozy Christmas cocktails everyone will love!

Dirty Snowmen

What’s more cozy than a hot chocolate? A boozy hot chocolate.

Ingredients

1/4 cup melted chocolate for rim

1/2 cup chocolate shavings

1/2  pint vanilla ice cream

2 cup hot chocolate

1/2 Baileys

Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

1. Melt chocolate and chocolate shavings into separate dishes. Dip rims of cups into melted chocolate, then immediately dip into chocolate shavings
2. Scoop a few scoops of ice cream into each mug. Pour hot chocolate and Baileys on top
3. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Ginger Bee Sting

This ginger-lemon cocktail is the perfect blend of holiday flavors.

Ingredients

5 (1-in.) chunks peeled fresh ginger

1 c. water

1/2 c. honey

1/2 c. fresh lemon juice

pinch cayenne (ground red) pepper

pinch salt

6 oz. blended Scotch

Directions

1. In a blender, puree ginger and water.
2. Strain puree into a medium bowl and discard any leftover
3. Pour in honey, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt into ginger juice mixture and whisk lightly.
4. Stir in blended Scotch and serve over ice.

Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is the perfect drink to warm up during the cold nights of the holidays, and this Old Fashioned has a wonderful festive spritz.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Rosemary Simple Syrup

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup water

6 sprigs rosemary

3 cinnamon sticks

For the Cocktail

4 teaspoons cinnamon rosemary simple syrup

3 dashes angostura bitters

2 ounces bourbon

1 orange peel

rosemary sprig for garnish optional

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks. Stir over medium heat. Bringing it to a simmer, stir until the honey has completely dissolved
2. Remove from heat and remove all rosemary and cinnamon sticks
3. When ready to make the cocktail, combine 4 teaspoons of the syrup and 3 dashes of bitters. Add bourbon, ice, orange peel, and stir.

Winter Sangria

This Sangria is full of fruity flavor, but still has a touch of Winter that makes it a perfect drink for your Christmas party.

Ingredients

1 bottle of sweet red wine

1 bottle sparkling cran-apple cider

2 clementines, sliced thin, peel on

2 granny smith apples, cored and diced

1/2 cup pomegranate arils

1 cup cranberries sliced in half

Rosemary to garnish each glass  

Directions:

1. Mix wine, cider, and fruit into a large pitcher
2. Cut a sprig of rosemary and lightly smash into into bottom of glass, then use a garnish on the top.
3. Serve over ice