Introduction to festive drink recipes

Whether you indulge in spirits or not, you’re sure to find a few recipes to show off your inner mixologist in today’s blog post!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by becoming your own mixologist and whipping up some festive drinks? Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to treat yourself to a special drink, these 5 festive drink recipes are sure to impress. From cozy hot toddies to sparkling holiday punches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your shaker and let’s get mixing!

Importance of being your own mixologist during the holidays

Being your own mixologist during the holidays has many advantages. First and foremost, it allows you to customize your drinks to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different flavors, adjust the sweetness level, and even add a personal touch with unique garnishes. This level of customization ensures that your drinks are exactly how you like them, making the holiday season even more enjoyable.

Furthermore, being your own mixologist allows you to save money. Instead of splurging on expensive cocktails at bars or restaurants, you can create your own festive drinks at a fraction of the cost. With a well-stocked bar and a few key ingredients, you’ll be able to impress your guests without breaking the bank.

Key ingredients for creating festive drinks

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the key ingredients you’ll need to create festive drinks. These ingredients will serve as the foundation for your concoctions and add that special holiday touch.

1. Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are essential spices for creating festive drinks. They add warmth and depth of flavor that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
2. Fruit: Fresh citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are great for adding a burst of brightness to your drinks. Cranberries and pomegranates are also popular choices for their vibrant colors and tartness.
3. Liquors: Whiskey, rum, and vodka are versatile liquors that can be used as the base for many festive drinks. Consider stocking your bar with a variety of options to cater to different taste preferences.
4. Sweeteners: Syrups, honey, and sugar are commonly used to add sweetness to drinks. Agave nectar and maple syrup are great alternatives that can bring unique flavors to your creations.

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the festive drink recipes!

For those of you who are celebrating an early holiday meal such as a brunch or lunch, be sure to include a hot cocoa & coffee option!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa!
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup whole white milk
1/2 cup milk chocolate, shredded finely
3/4 cup peppermint schnapps
1 cup mint chocolate ice cream
1 cup ice
Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup organic sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish:
Shaved dark chocolate
2 TBSP Chopped peppermint candy- broken candy canes work great!

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan place the milk and cook on medium-low heat to scald.
Stir in both the milk and the milk chocolate and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for about 20 to 30 minutes. Set in fridge until chilled for about 45 to 60 minutes.
2. While the cocoa is chilling, make the whipped topping: Place all ingredients for whipped cream into a mixing bowl and whip with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form; place in refrigerator until ready to use.
3. In a blender add chilled hot cocoa, peppermint schnapps, ice cream, and ice; blend on high until completely mixed. Pour into 2 mugs and top with the whipped cream.
4. Garnish drink with a sprinkle of the shaved chocolate & peppermint candy. Serve immediately.

Non-alcoholic version: Exchange the Peppermint Schnapps with mint or peppermint extract, mint Italian soda syrup, or mint leaves. 

Vanilla Bean Irish Coffee!
Ingredients:
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 TBSP powdered sugar
1 cup~ 8 ounces freshly brewed coffee
1 1/2 cup or 12 ounces Kahlua or Irish Cream Liquor
1 1/4 cup or 10 ounces heavy cream, partially whipped

Directions:
1. Stir the vanilla extract and sugar into the hot coffee until dissolved.
2. Divide the coffee into 4 cups; add the Kahlua or Irish Cream between the cups equally.
3. Top each glass with partially whipped cream and gently stir; serve immediately.

Non-alcoholic version: To substitute Kahlua, consider alternatives such as coffee extracts, non-alcoholic coffee syrups, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, or cocoa-based mixtures.

Holiday Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Blue Raspberry Vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1 lime, juiced~ about 2 TBSP
Garnish:
Lime twists from 1 lime

Directions:
1. Place all ingredients except garnish into a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice; shake vigorously for about 1 minute.
2. Strain the mixture into 2 cocktail glasses and garnish with lime twist.

Non-alcoholic version: Non Alcoholic Vodka: I use Seedlip Spice 94, it has a beautiful botanical flavor to it. Other varieties include Strykk, CleanCo, and Arkay (which I have not tested).
Non Alcoholic Orange Liqueur: I use and recommend Lyre’s Orange Sec, it is the best alcohol free version I know of.

The Gentleman
Ingredients:
1 cup or 8 ounces Cognac
1/2 cup or 4 ounces Drambuie
2 lemons, juiced or about 2-3 TBSP
1 cup or 8 ounces ginger beer
Garnish:
6-8 fresh sage leaves

Directions:
1. Pour the cognac, Drambuie, and lemon juice into four old fashioned glasses filled with ice; Stir each drink and tip with the ginger beer.
2. Garnish with sage leaves and serve immediately.

Non-alcoholic version: To substitute the cognac, try juices which are easy to find, and there are many varieties. The flavor is entirely up to you, but the juices that work the best are pear, apple, apricot, and peach. Vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar have often been used to mimic the taste of bourbon in recipes.

Raspberry Mojito
Ingredients:
20 raspberries
12 mint leaves
4 tsp organic sugar
1 cup or 8 ounces light rum
2 limes, juiced or about 2-3 TBSP
24 ounce container club soda
Garnish:
16 mint leaves

Directions:
1. Divide the raspberries, mint, and sugar between 4 highball glasses; muddle together in each glass.
2. Add ice and top with rum, lime juice, and club soda divided equally between the 4 glasses; stir
3. Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.

Non-alcoholic version: there are many alternative options available outside of rum extract. A few popular substitutes include vanilla and almond extract or amaretto, coffee liqueur, apple cider vinegar, and ginger beer.

Tips for garnishing and presentation

Now that you have your festive drinks ready, it’s time to take them to the next level with garnishes and presentation. Here are some tips to make your drinks look as good as they taste:

1. Fresh herbs: Sprigs of rosemary, mint, or thyme can add a pop of color and freshness to your drinks. Simply give them a quick rinse and place them on the rim or float them on top.
2. Fruit slices: Thinly sliced citrus fruits or berries make for beautiful garnishes. They can be placed on the rim of the glass or skewered on a cocktail pick.
3. Edible flowers: If you want to add an elegant touch to your drinks, consider using edible flowers as garnishes. Orchids, pansies, and nasturtiums are all safe options that can elevate the presentation.
4. Drinkware: Choosing the right glassware can make a big difference in how your drinks are perceived. Consider using festive-themed glasses or vintage-inspired coupes for a touch of sophistication.

Cheers to the holidays and your newfound mixology skills! By becoming your own mixologist, you can create festive drinks that are not only delicious but also personalized to your taste. Remember to experiment with different flavors, garnishes, and presentation techniques to truly make your drinks shine. So gather your friends and family, raise a glass, and enjoy the holiday season with these 5 festive drink recipes. Cheers!

CTA: Now it’s time to unleash your inner mixologist and get creative with these festive drink recipes. Grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and start mixing! Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below. Cheers to a joyful and delicious holiday season!

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Jean

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