4 of the Best Cocktails for the Holidays

Now that it’s November, the holidays and the best holiday cocktails are just around the corner. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, there are plenty of occasions to serve cocktails. These best holiday cocktail recipes include all the flavors that you and your guest will love during the holiday season:

4 of the Best Holiday Cocktails

Eggnog Martini

Eggnog is a classic Christmas drink, but this version is made even better with the addition of alcohol! Add 2 ½ ounces of eggnog, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1 ounce of cinnamon schnapps to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, also called Gluhwein in Germany and Glogg in Scandinavian countries, is a classic Christmas beverage enjoyed throughout the world. All over Europe, spiced wine is the beverage of choice at outdoor Christmas markets. Make your own mulled wine at home; add one bottle of wine, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup orange juice, one teaspoon dried orange peels, three cinnamon sticks, and one teaspoon cloves to a saucepan. Simmer the mix for 30 minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved and the spices incorporated into the wine, pour into serving mugs and top off with a splash of brandy. Garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Hot Apple Cider with Rum

Do you have plenty of apple cider leftover from the apple harvest? If so, drinking a hot apple cider cocktail over the holidays is the perfect way to enjoy it! Fill a mug ¾ of the way with apple cider. Add a cinnamon stick and microwave on high until hot, which will take at least a minute, depending on your microwave oven. Add a shot of spiced rum after the apple cider is heated. You can also add a splash of Amaretto liqueur, which gives the apple cider a distinct almond flavor.

Candy Cane Martini

Candy canes are the best holiday cocktails to make for a Christmas treat, and this martini is a lovely tribute to all those delicious flavors! Add 1 ounce of vanilla vodka, 1 ounce of crème de cacao, and 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a small candy cane and a dollop of whipped cream. You can also rim the glass with crushed candy canes to make it extra festive! Dip the rim of the glass in a dish of water and then into a plate filled with crushed candy canes.

These best holiday cocktails are perfect for all of your moments with friends and family, including on Christmas Eve. No matter which cocktails you serve, they will be a definite hit! If you are a guest at a holiday party, gift baskets are always a great way to say thank you for the invitation!

 

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