The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a delicious, warming, and merry-making Christmas cocktail? With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect drink to serve at your holiday gathering. In this article, we’ll explore the best alcoholic drinks for Christmas, from classic cocktails to modern twists and everything in between.
A Brief History of Christmas Cocktails
The tradition of enjoying a special drink during the holiday season dates back centuries. In medieval Europe, wassail, a spiced apple cider, was a popular choice for Christmas celebrations. As the centuries passed, other drinks became associated with Christmas, such as eggnog, hot buttered rum, and mulled wine.
In the United States, the concept of a Christmas cocktail as we know it today began to take shape in the mid-20th century. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of classic cocktails like the Tom and Jerry, a sweet and spicy drink made with eggnog, rum, and spices, and the Candy Cane Martini, a festive and fun drink featuring peppermint schnapps and vodka.
Classic Christmas Cocktails
When it comes to Christmas cocktails, some drinks are timeless and never go out of style. Here are a few classic Christmas cocktails that are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering:
Tom and Jerry
The Tom and Jerry is a classic Christmas cocktail that’s been around since the 1820s. Made with eggnog, rum, and spices, this drink is a staple of the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, warm the eggnog over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add the rum mixture to the warmed eggnog and stir to combine.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is a classic winter drink that’s perfect for the holiday season. Made with rum, butter, and spices, this drink is sure to warm your bones on a cold winter’s night.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the rum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the melted butter and stir to combine.
- Add the hot water to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Modern Twists on Classic Christmas Cocktails
While classic Christmas cocktails are always a hit, it’s also fun to try new and modern twists on old favorites. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Cranberry Moscow Mule
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a modern twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Made with cranberry juice, vodka, and lime, this drink is perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces cranberry juice
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup ginger beer
- Lime wheel, for garnish
- Sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice to the mug.
- Top with ginger beer and stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary.
Spiked Eggnog Latte
The Spiked Eggnog Latte is a modern twist on the classic Tom and Jerry. Made with eggnog, bourbon, and espresso, this drink is perfect for a cold winter’s morning.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, warm the eggnog over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, espresso, and sugar.
- Add the bourbon mixture to the warmed eggnog and stir to combine.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
Christmas Cocktails from Around the World
Christmas cocktails aren’t just limited to the United States. Here are a few festive drinks from around the world that are sure to add some international flair to your holiday gathering:
Glühwein (Germany)
Glühwein is a traditional German Christmas drink made with red wine, spices, and sugar. This drink is perfect for a cold winter’s night and is sure to warm your bones.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Serve hot in mugs.
Ponche Navideño (Mexico)
Ponche Navideño is a traditional Mexican Christmas drink made with fruit, spices, and rum. This drink is perfect for a festive holiday gathering and is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed fruit (such as oranges, apples, and bananas)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 6 cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine the mixed fruit, brown sugar, rum, cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Serve hot in mugs.
Christmas Cocktail Pairings
When it comes to pairing Christmas cocktails with food, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Pairing Christmas Cocktails with Appetizers
When pairing Christmas cocktails with appetizers, it’s best to stick with lighter, more delicate flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Pair a Cranberry Moscow Mule with spinach and artichoke dip.
- Pair a Spiked Eggnog Latte with mini quiches or deviled eggs.
Pairing Christmas Cocktails with Desserts
When pairing Christmas cocktails with desserts, it’s best to stick with richer, more decadent flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Pair a Tom and Jerry with gingerbread cookies.
- Pair a Hot Buttered Rum with apple crisp or cheesecake.
Conclusion
Christmas cocktails are a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails or modern twists, there’s something on this list for everyone. So why not try something new this holiday season and impress your guests with a delicious and festive Christmas cocktail?
What are some popular Christmas cocktails that I can serve at my holiday party?
When it comes to Christmas cocktails, there are many delicious options to choose from. Some popular choices include the Candy Cane Martini, made with vodka, peppermint schnapps, and grenadine, and the Gingerbread Man, made with bourbon, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice. You can also consider serving classic holiday drinks like eggnog and hot buttered rum.
These cocktails are sure to be a hit at your holiday party, and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. For example, you can add a splash of cranberry juice to the Candy Cane Martini for a festive touch, or substitute the bourbon in the Gingerbread Man with rum for a different flavor profile. With a little creativity, you can create a signature cocktail that will make your holiday party unforgettable.
What are some essential ingredients that I should have on hand to make Christmas cocktails?
To make delicious Christmas cocktails, you’ll want to have a few essential ingredients on hand. These include spirits like vodka, bourbon, and rum, as well as mixers like ginger liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and grenadine. You’ll also want to have a variety of juices and syrups, such as cranberry, orange, and simple syrup, to add flavor and sweetness to your cocktails.
In addition to these ingredients, you’ll also want to have some festive garnishes on hand, such as candy canes, holly sprigs, and cranberries. These can add a fun and festive touch to your cocktails, and make them perfect for serving at holiday parties. With these ingredients and garnishes, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and festive Christmas cocktails.
How can I make my Christmas cocktails more festive and fun?
There are many ways to make your Christmas cocktails more festive and fun. One idea is to use festive glassware, such as martini glasses with a holiday theme or highball glasses with a candy cane stripe. You can also add festive garnishes, such as candy canes, holly sprigs, or cranberries, to your cocktails.
Another idea is to create a signature cocktail for your holiday party, and serve it in a festive pitcher or punch bowl. You can also consider serving cocktails in mason jars or other rustic containers, which can add a fun and casual touch to your holiday party. With a little creativity, you can make your Christmas cocktails truly unforgettable.
What are some Christmas cocktails that are perfect for serving at a holiday brunch?
If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, you’ll want to serve cocktails that are light and refreshing, and that pair well with breakfast or brunch foods. Some popular options include the Cranberry Spritzer, made with cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and a splash of orange liqueur, and the Spiked Eggnog Latte, made with eggnog, bourbon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
These cocktails are perfect for serving at a holiday brunch, and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. For example, you can add a splash of grenadine to the Cranberry Spritzer for a fruity twist, or substitute the bourbon in the Spiked Eggnog Latte with rum for a different flavor profile. With these cocktails, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and make your holiday brunch unforgettable.
How can I make Christmas cocktails more kid-friendly?
If you’re hosting a holiday party that includes kids, you’ll want to have some kid-friendly cocktail options on hand. One idea is to create a “mocktail” version of your favorite Christmas cocktail, using ingredients like sparkling juice, ginger ale, and grenadine. You can also consider serving hot chocolate or apple cider, which can be made festive with the addition of whipped cream, marshmallows, or a cinnamon stick.
Another idea is to create a signature “mocktail” for your holiday party, using ingredients like cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and sparkling water. You can also consider serving “virgin” versions of popular cocktails, such as a Virgin Mary (made with tomato juice and spices) or a Virgin Daiquiri (made with lime juice and simple syrup). With these options, you can make sure that all of your guests, including kids, have a fun and festive drink to enjoy.
What are some Christmas cocktails that are perfect for serving at a holiday dinner party?
If you’re hosting a holiday dinner party, you’ll want to serve cocktails that are sophisticated and elegant, and that pair well with a variety of foods. Some popular options include the Pomegranate Martini, made with vodka, pomegranate juice, and a splash of lime juice, and the Spiked Apple Cider, made with bourbon, apple cider, and a cinnamon stick.
These cocktails are perfect for serving at a holiday dinner party, and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. For example, you can add a splash of cranberry juice to the Pomegranate Martini for a fruity twist, or substitute the bourbon in the Spiked Apple Cider with rum for a different flavor profile. With these cocktails, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and make your holiday dinner party unforgettable.
How can I make Christmas cocktails more budget-friendly?
If you’re on a budget, you can still make delicious and festive Christmas cocktails without breaking the bank. One idea is to use less expensive spirits, such as vodka or rum, instead of more expensive options like bourbon or scotch. You can also consider using homemade mixers, such as simple syrup or grenadine, instead of store-bought options.
Another idea is to get creative with your ingredients, using items like cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale to add flavor and fizz to your cocktails. You can also consider serving cocktails in smaller glasses, or offering a “build your own cocktail” bar with a variety of mixers and garnishes. With these tips, you can make delicious and festive Christmas cocktails without breaking the bank.