10 Cocktails That Will Make Your Entire Holiday Season Jolly AF
Ah, the holidays. Filled with good company, good food and absolutely effing chaos. Who can blame you for having a drink…or five? But don’t stick to your boring vodka soda for every event! Spice it up a little, have some fun, and make your guests (and yourself) drinks that will have them saying, “how did you come up with this??” We can keep it our little secret.
Football Tailgating – Apple Cider Cocktail
via Food Network
Fall is full of football and apple cider. So why not combine the two in a cocktail?
To a shaker add 3 ounces of apple cider, 2 ounces of bourbon, the juice of two lemon wedges, and 2 ounces of ginger beer. Shake it for 30 seconds and strain it into a glass or solo cup with ice. Enjoy the taste of fall while you get ready to enjoy some football.
Cozy Date Night – Hot Toddy
via Indigo
Cozy up with your honey while sipping on this classic cozy drink.
Combine 1.5 ounces of your preferred brown liquor, 1 tablespoon of honey, ½ ounce of lemon juice and 1 cup of hot water to a warm mug. Add a lemon wedge or cinnamon stick for garnish if you want to be cute.
Thanksgiving – Mulled Wine
via Make It Grateful
Mmm…spicy, citrusy and definitely alcoholic. This is the perfect transition from fall to winter holiday drinks, and pretty easy to make, too.
Grab a bottle of dry red wine (doesn’t need to be expensive), 1 orange peeled and sliced into rounds, 8 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 2-4 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener of your choice. Combine that all into a sauce pot and let it simmer, covered, for at least 15 minutes or up to three hours.
Brunch & Holiday Shopping With the Girls – Bubbly Winter Citrus Sangria
via Boulder Locavore
Having an at-home brunch with the girls can save money for more important things, like holiday gift buying. And, you can add more alcohol to your drinks without getting up charged.
This sangria is easy, and more exciting than regular mimosas. In a large pitcher, combine 1 bottle of pink moscato, 1 bottle of sweet champagne and 12 ounces of grapefruit juice. Stir to combine, and add some slices of lemon on top for a cute garnish.
Family Holiday Party – Christmas Punch
This is a super easy drink to bring to any family holiday get together. Make it non-alcoholic for kids and any DD’s, and set the rum next to the punch bowl. Then family can add a splash (or, like, three) to their drink.
To a punch bowl add: 1 sliced orange, 1 cup of cranberries, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cups orange juice, 1 cup of pomegranate juice. Add ice and 2 cups of lemon-lime soda at the party so the soda doesn’t lose its fizz.
Cookie Exchange – Spiked Milk
What goes perfectly with a whole bunch of cookies? Spiked milk, duh! Spiked milk is just what it sounds like…
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tablespoon honey
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
2/3 cup coconut milk
2 ounces dark rum
Small pinch ground cinnamon
Grated nutmeg for garnish
White Elephant Party – Wild Elephant
via Have A Cocktail
It’s tradition for the host to name drinks in White Elephant Exchange spirit. So, here’s how to make a Wild Elephant: Combine chocolate sauce, milk, and Kahlua in a glass to taste. Add a bit of light rum and get ready for a wild party!
Christmas Eve – Rum Holiday Egg Nog
via The Spruce Eats
A classic. Eggnog. Add a splash of rum to store bought eggnog and you’ve got yourself a party. Or, go the extra mile and make yourself some homemade eggnog with a splash of rum. It’ll still be a party, but like, a cooler party, because you made it yourself.
Christmas Day – Spiked Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing better than watching loved ones opening presents with a cup of hot chocolate in your hands. Of course, it’s even better when there’s a little bit of Bailey’s Irish Cream in it. Add a splash to your regular hot chocolate and let the holiday spirit wash over you. Don’t forget lots of marshmallows if you want to be extra naughty.
New Year’s Eve – Giggle Juice
You can’t do New Years without champagne. Why not make it more fun and ring in the new year giggling with all your friends? Take some glasses, rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar. Then, in a large pitcher, stir together a bottle of moscato, 3 cups of pink lemonade, 1 can of lemon-lime soda, a cup of vodka and 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Add ice and stir to combine. All there’s left to do it serve it up and laugh the night away!
With these cocktails, you’ll surely spend the next couple of months in alcohol bliss. What’s your favorite cocktail listed? Let us know down below!
Cover image via The Daily Meal