Go-To Cocktails for Holiday Gatherings

The holiday season is all about celebrating with loved ones, and nothing sets the mood like a festive cocktail! Embrace warm spices, rich flavors, and seasonal sips that bring joy to any occasion. Whether hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together, these five cocktails are holiday must-haves.

1. Apple Cider Mule

A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this version swaps lime for crisp apple cider, making it the perfect holiday sip.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz apple cider
• 1 oz ginger beer
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider, and lemon juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

2. Spiced Pear Martini

For an elegant option, the spiced pear martini blends fruity and spicy notes in a chic, crowd-pleasing cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pear vodka
• 1 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
• Thin pear slices for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine pear vodka, St. Germain, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top and garnish with a pear slice.

3. Maple Old Fashioned

This rich, smoky cocktail is an elevated version of the classic Old Fashioned, perfect for cozying up during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel and a cherry for garnish

Directions:

1. In a glass, stir together bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add a large ice cube and stir until chilled.
3. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.

4. Pumpkin White Russian

Even if you’re not a pumpkin spice fan (Morgan, we see you!), this creamy cocktail might just win you over with its subtle sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer
• Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.
3. Top with pumpkin spice creamer and stir.
4. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

5. Cranberry Rosemary Spritz

This sparkling cocktail is light, refreshing, and full of holiday cheer. Bonus: It looks stunning on any festive table!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz gin (or vodka)
• ½ oz rosemary simple syrup (boil equal parts sugar and water with a sprig of rosemary, then cool)
• Top with sparkling water or Prosecco
• Fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add cranberry juice, gin, and rosemary simple syrup.
3. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco.
4. Garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Cheers to the Holiday Season

These five cocktails are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you spend less time mixing drinks and more time enjoying the company of your guests. From warm spices to fruity flavors, these festive drinks are perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

Which cocktail will you be trying first?