One of the things we all know is amazing about the holiday season but rarely discuss openly – the beverages. Eggnog, spiced apple cider, hot cocoa and gluhwein provide a warm, lovely respite from the cold outside. If you’re looking to have a more ~ adult ~ holiday season, try out one of these delicious winter cocktails.
Winter Cocktail Recipes
Apple Hot Toddy
Much like its namesake, the hot toddy, this delicious libation has 3 basic ingredients: alcohol, hot beverage, sweetener. I think the kick of an Irish whiskey pairs well with the apple, but if you like a more mellow or honeyed flavor, it’s best to go with a bourbon instead. Due to its lack of lemon or honey, I don’t recommend this cocktail for treating a cold.
Apple Hot Toddy
Equipment
- Kettle
- Cocktail jigger
- Mug or highball (for serving)
Ingredients
- ¾ c hot apple cider
- 1 tbsp spiced simple syrup
- 2 oz Irish whiskey
- cinnamon stick and/or piece of apple for garnish
Instructions
- Separately heat up your apple cider and a cup of water in your preferred method (kettle or microwave, we don’t judge here) at the same time.
- Pour the hot water into a mug or a highball glass. Immediately dump the water out, and while the glass is warm, pour in the simple syrup; swirling it around so that it coats the sides of the glass.
- Add your hot apple cider and whiskey. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or apple slice, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Christmas Cosmopolitan
This holiday take on a classic cosmopolitan will have every self-professed Carrie in your friend group drooling. The pomegranate juice adds a depth of flavor, while the rosemary simple syrup adds a nice holiday twist (especially the garnish).
Christmas Cosmopolitan
Equipment
- Cocktail jigger
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
- Martini glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 2 tsp rosemary simple syrup
- fresh rosemary to garnish
Instructions
- Put your martini glass in the freezer.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, juice, and syrup with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds, then pour through a strainer into the martini glass. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary.
For rosemary simple syrup
- Combine 1 c water and 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary in a pan. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add 1 c sugar to the simmering brew. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved into the water. Pour into a jar, making sure to pick or strain out the sprigs of rosemary as you pour.
Nutrition
Ebenezer Scrooge Old-Fashioned
You’ll have the grouchiest grinch in your group singing “deck the halls!” in no time with this strong, sweet cocktail. A spicier version of a classic old fashioned, the orange flavor in this cocktail is indicative of the relationship between oranges and Christmas. The tradition of including oranges in Christmas stockings likely began in Victorian England, as oranges were considered luxuries and therefore excellent Christmas gifts. They also tend to be in season during the winter!
Ebenezer Scrooge Old-Fashioned
Equipment
- Cocktail jigger
- Cocktail muddler
- Cocktail stirrer or long spoon
- Whisky glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz high quality spiced rum
- 1 oz cointreau, grand marnier, or other dark orange liqueur
- 3 dashes angostura aromatic bitters
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
- orange peel
- ice
Instructions
- Put the orange peel, cointreau, and sugar into a short glass and muddle gently.
- Add in the rum and bitters, then stir gently to incorporate the flavors. Add a cube or two of ice, or one of those giant whiskey ice cubes, to chill and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Russian Polar Bear
If you’re looking to channel the Dude, but make it perhaps a bit more festive, try this simple twist on the White Russian. Best of all, all ingredients in this cocktail are easy to find, and easy to drink. If you’re not used to milk in your cocktails it may seem strange – but rest assured, it makes for a smooth, easy beverage.
Russian Polar Bear
Equipment
- Cocktail jigger
- Cocktail stirrer or long spoon
- Tom Collins or other tall glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 3 oz milk
- enough ice to fill your glass
- a mini candy cane for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball or other short glass with enough ice to go to the top.
- Pour in the peppermint schnapps, then the milk, then the vodka. Stir well.
- Garnish with a candy cake, or some crushed peppermints.
Nutrition
Reykjavík Reindeer
Much like its inspiration, the Moscow Mule, the Reykjavik Reindeer must be served in a copper mug; otherwise, what’s the point? Fjallagrassa can be hard to find outside of Iceland, so high quality gin will serve in its place. The juniper flavor of gin is the perfect fresh, piney addition to a holiday cocktail.
Reykjavík Reindeer
Equipment
- Cocktail jigger
- Copper mug
- Long-handled spoon or cocktail swizzler
Ingredients
- 2 oz fjallagrasa (Icelandic moss schnapps) or gin
- 1 oz black currant schnapps
- 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 4 oz club soda
- 2 tsp rosemary simple syrup
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a copper mug, top with ice, and stir lightly to incorporate. Garnish with a nice slice of grapefruit.
