"Baby, it's cold outside..." And what better way to warm your guests up than with a mouthwatering cocktail?! Afterall, it is the season of bubby champagne and festive eggnog! So whether you are in the final stages of planning your winter wedding, or putting the final touches on your annual holiday party, don't forget to add a scrumptious holiday signature drink to the menu! Pick from our list of favorites below, or add your own twist to a holiday staple; the possibilities are truly endless!
1. Candy Cane Martini
Clearly a holiday staple. Need I say more?
1 candy cane, crushed, for garnish
2 ounces strawberry vodka
4 dashes white crème de menthe
2 ½ ounces cranberry juiceIce cubes
Rim a martini glass with crushed bits of candy cane. Combine vodka, crème de menthe, cranberry juice and ice in a cocktail shaker; shake until well mixed. Strain into rimmed martini glass.
Photo and Recipe: Martha Stewart Weddings
2. Winter Sea Breeze
A holiday take on this light traditional classic. If you aren't looking for something
1 oz vodka
1 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz tonic syrup
2 oz soda water
12 pomegranate seeds
3 mint leaves
Fill your glass about 3/4 full with ice. A lowball glass is the perfect size. Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, tonic syrup and stir. Pour in the soda water and garnish with the pomegranate seeds and mint leaves.
Image and Recipe: Catch My Party
3. Ruby Slipper
This bubbly concoction will be the perfect addition to your New Years party.
1 1/4 Oz Citrus Vodka
3/4 Oz Peach Liquer
2 Oz White Cranberry Juice
1 1/2 Oz Extra Dry Sparkling Wine
Pomegranate Seeds
Place Spoonful of pomegranate seeds in a chilled martini glass. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, peach liquer and white cranberry juice with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass. Top with sparkling wine.
Recipe and Image: MarieClaire
4. Spiced Irish Coffee A sip of coffee, whiskey and pumpkin spice whipped cream will warm you right up this holiday season.
Pumpkin spice whipped cream:
½ cup heavy cream
1½ teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Whip all ingredients to stiff peaks.
Irish coffee:
1½ cups freshly brewed hot coffee
1 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoons whiskey
Divide all ingredients between two glasses. Pipe the whipped cream onto each drink. Sprinkle with pumpkin spice.
Photo and Recipe: The Spice Train
5. Rasperry Chocolate Cheesecake Martini
This decadent martini will satisfy your holiday sweet tooth.
2 parts Rasperry Vodka
1/2 Part Chocolate Liquer
1/2 Part Irish Cream
Serve in a cocoa-rimmed martini glass with a raspberry garnish.
Photo and Recipe: MarieClaire
6. Coco Snowball
This frosty blue cocktail with vanilla and coconut is a must have for a winter wedding!
2 oz vanilla flavored vodka 2 oz Malibu rum 2 oz Coco Lopez ¼ oz Blue Curacao
Shake well and pour into a martini glass. Rim glass with honey and fresh shredded coconut.
Photo and Recipe: The Breakers
7. Ginergerbread Martini
Nothing says the holidays quite like gingerbread!
2 oz gingerbread tea
2 oz gin
2 oz Grand Marnier
Ice
In a martini shaker combine ice cubes, and equal parts gin, Grand Marnier and steeped tea. Shake and serve in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Photo and Recipe: Wedding Bells
8. Apple Cranberry Smash
2 parts warm apple cider 1 part whiskey Handful of fresh cranberries ¼ cup cider beer ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon Cinnamon stick
Muddle fresh cranberries in shaker and add warm cider and whiskey. Shake to combine. Pour into glass ¾ full and add Cider Beer. Stir to create frothy layer on top of glass. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon stick.
Photo and Recipe: Brides
9. Cinnamon Stick Cider
Cinnamon, apple cidar and whiskey? Um, yes please!
1 oz whiskey 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup 4-5 oz apple cider
Ice
Mix whiskey, cinnamon simple syrup and apple cider in a glass. Garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick. Serve cold by adding ice, or heat up to serve warm.
Photo and Recipe: Wedding Bells
10. Cranberry Vanilla Skinny Cocktail
When indulging in a few too many holiday treats, having a lighter beverage option is always a plus!
Juice and zest of 3 large navel oranges 2 12oz bags fresh cranberries 1/2 cup Truvia or sweetener of choice 2 cups water 3 cups vanilla vodka 1 large bottle sparkling water
Makes 12 servings
Puree the juice, zest, cranberries and water in a blender, then strain through a sieve. Transfer into a pitcher, add the Truvia and vodka and mix. Serve over ice and top off with sparkling water. Garnish with orange zest and cranberries.
Photo and Recipe: The Fromagette
Cheers!
Ashley
Always Flawless Productions
ashley@alwaysflawlessproductions.com
(619) 567-5111
