As this trying year comes to an end and the holidays are near we are all in the mood to celebrate. We are finally able to welcome our friends and family back into our homes. What better way to celebrate the occasion and the upcoming holidays than with a fun and festive cocktail. Making cocktails at home can seem daunting but oftentimes you can create a delicious drink with items you already have on hand.
A good hostess always has a few essentials at the ready; such as wine, champagne, whiskey, vodka, and juices. It only takes a few added ingredients to turn your bar cart staples into a fabulous cocktail.
Holiday Punch
Nothing is easier to whip up for a crowd than a punch. Pick your spirit of choice, a juice or two, add champagne or sparkling wine, then stir in some fresh fruit or berries. Voila! you have a crowd-pleasing cocktail that guests can serve themselves. Try out these festive and easy-to-make punch recipes like Food Network chef Sunny Anderson’s Rosemary Maple Bourbon Punch.
Sunny’s Rosemary Maple Bourbon Punch
Apple Cider Cocktails
Nothing says winter like apple cider. You always know the winter holidays are upon us when you see apple cider lining the shelves of your favorite supermarket. Apple cider is delicious alone, but add it to a cocktail and you have yourself a delightful and refreshing drink. Try out these boozy apple cider cocktails like Food Network chef Aaron McCargo Jr.’s Spiked Apple Cider Cocktails.
Egg Nog
Egg Nog is a holiday tradition for many families, but making it yourself can be a time-consuming task. Luckily there are some store brought versions that rival grandmas’ like Evan Williams and Trader Joe’s Old Fashioned Egg Nog. These tasty gems only require you to chill, pour, and enjoy.
Allyson Afortunado from Acme Bar & Company on the West Coast created a stunning version of egg nog called Flippin’ Nog. Her signature take on the traditional cocktail creates a sexier “flip” style” nog. It is made with Applejack brandy, rye whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a dash of black walnut liqueur. Its creaminess comes from a whole egg emulsified by shaking the cocktail to order and is garnished with fresh nutmeg. Check out the full recipe below.
Flippin’ Nog
1.5 oz Applejack
1oz rye whiskey
0.25oz walnut liqueur
0.25oz maple syrup
1 whole medium egg
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail tin and shake vigorously without ice for 20 seconds, then add ice and shake again for another 15 seconds. Fine strain the drink into a cocktail glass and grate a little fresh nutmeg on top for garnish.
If you’re looking for something more traditional try these simple yet decadent recipes.
Other Holiday Cocktails to Try
If you’re looking for something less traditional but still festive try these holiday-inspired cocktails. Food Network chef Kardea Brown’s Holiday Mule is a delicious holiday twist on a classic. These cocktails are great as signature cocktails at your family gathering, a holiday girls night in, or just to help you wind down after a long day of Christmas shopping.
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Paula J. Shelton is a freelance writer and journalist based in Chicago. Find her on social @beboldshineon.
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