Festive Cocktails – By Anna Tusa of Briquette
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS PERFECT for festive cocktails that bring warmth, cheer, and sparkle to gatherings with family and friends. Try these delightful selections, sure to impress your guests and enhance your celebration.
Holiday Eggnog
Eggnog is a quintessential holiday beverage, rich and creamy, with a hint of nutmeg. It’s perfect for sipping or making a delicious frozen drink.
4 large eggs, separated
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Birddog Gingerbread whiskey
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it dissolves.
2. Stir in the milk, cream, and whiskey.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
5. Serve chilled in your favorite holiday highball glass with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
6. Garnish with a Gingerbread grisp.
Spiced Cranberry Mule
This cocktail adds a holiday twist to the classic Moscow Mule, with cranberries and spices adding festive flair.
2 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice- Use 100% Cranberry Juice
1 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 cup ginger beer
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fresh cranberries, lime wheels, and a fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
For a low-calorie drink, use Ocean Spray 5 Calorie Cranberry and Diet Ginger Beer
1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Pour vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger beer over the ice.
3. Stir in the ground cinnamon.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime wheel, and rosemary sprig.
Peppermint White Russian
This creamy cocktail combines the classic White Russian with a peppermint twist, perfect for the holiday season.
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz heavy cream
Crushed candy canes for the rim
1. Crush candy canes and spread them on a plate.
2. Rim a highball glass with water or simple syrup and dip it into the crushed candy canes.
3. Fill the highball glass with ice.
4. Pour vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and cream over the ice.
5. Stir gently and serve.
Mulled Wine
Warm and fragrant, mulled wine is a holiday favorite, filling your home with the scent of spices.
1 bottle (750ml) red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup honey or sugar
1 orange, sliced
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
1. In a large pot, combine wine, brandy, honey, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
2. Gently heat over medium-low until just simmering.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
4. Serve warm, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
Enjoy responsibly and let the holiday spirit shine!