Whether you’re having guests, or you’re spending the holiday alone, at some point you may want to imbibe in a festive holiday cocktail. What gives a beverage its holiday appeal? Cocktails crafted specifically for end-of-year celebrating usually have flavors of the season—like pumpkin, peppermint, cranberry, or apple pie—which, while unusual, are a delightful treat.
Here are a few easy ideas for tasty holiday adult beverages, including a few ideas for non-alcoholic mocktails that are just as delicious.
Pumpkin Pie Martini—You’ll never look at a Martini in the same way. This one’s made with vodka, pumpkin liqueur, Kahlua, and butterscotch schnapps, served in a glass rimmed with crushed graham crackers.
Gingerbread Eggnog White Russian—Everyone loves White Russians, especially when they contain eggnog, vodka, Kahlua, and ginger, with molasses drizzled on top and the glass rimmed with sugar and cinnamon.
Mexicocoa—For those who want a spicy holiday, this Arizona-style cocktail has cocoa powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, agave nectar, paprika, and tequila. You’ll want a second one to put out the fire.
Apple Pie on the Rocks—Nothing beats being able to drink dessert. This sweet concoction is made with vodka, Fireball cinnamon whiskey, apple juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar for the glass rim. The apple juice makes it good for you!
Cranberry Margaritas—Another cocktail that’s practically a health food, with cranberry juice, lime juice, orange juice, fresh cranberries, vodka, Triple Sec, and club soda.
Grand Coffee Cocktail—This one is so easy, you’ll be tempted to make it in your Mr. Coffee, containing only hot coffee, warmed Grand Marnier, and topped with whipped cream and brown sugar syrup, if desired.
Non-drinkers, designated drivers, pregnant women, and kids can all enjoy alcohol-free holiday beverages like an Apple Cider Martini, Cran-Raspberry Martini, Eggnog Hot Chocolate, or Cherry Bomb with all the seasonal flavor of their alcoholic counterparts.
If the party is at your place, be a good host and encourage your guests to drink responsibly, reserve some space in your home for guests to stay if they’ve over-served themselves, and keep the phone number of a taxi service somewhere handy. Help all of your guests have a wonderful and safe holiday, and they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.
