You’ve been busy — from stringing lights and sending Christmas cards, to shopping for everyone on your list and thinking of creative adventures for Elf on the Shelf (Did he already take a marshmallow “bubble” bath?).
Eliminate some of the stress of entertaining by batching your cocktails ahead of time. No need to add bartender to your list of holiday jobs. Our friends at Colonial Wines & Spirits are sharing some great cocktail recipes to fit any size party.
For a small gathering: White Christmas Eggnog
Makes one pitcher (2 quarts)
Recommended glass: Manhattan or similar
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of your favorite eggnog (without liquor)
- 11 oz. coffee liqueur (Kahlua recommended)
- 11 oz. peppermint vodka (Smirnoff Peppermint Twist recommended)
- ice cubes
Directions:
Mix the eggnog, coffee liqueur and peppermint vodka in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to make sure all ingredients are well blended. Transfer the mixed cocktail to a two-quart pitcher and chill.
Garnishes:
Have ice cubes and a few of these options near the pitcher so guests can serve themselves.
- ground cinnamon to rim the glass
- cinnamon sticks
- peppermint sticks
- fresh rosemary sprigs or a small bunch of mint
- nutmeg sprinkles
- star of anise
For a medium-sized gathering: Santa’s Reindeer Mule
Makes one punch bowl (2 quarts or larger)
Recommended glass: This is a showy cocktail, so use a rocks glass instead of a mule copper cup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vodka (Tito’s recommended)
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 6 limes)
- 2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 3 cups ginger beer (Fever-Tree recommended)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Garnishes:
- a sprig of rosemary
- frozen cranberries
For a large gathering: Christmas Sangria
Makes one dispenser (2 gallons)
Recommended glass: Collins
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (Silk & Spice recommended)
- 2 cups vodka (Tito’s recommended)
- 3 cups Fresca soda
- 2 cups limeade
- 12 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
- 36 oz. lime soda water (LaCroix recommended)
- 3 oranges
- 1 cup cranberries
- 3 limes
Note: Refrigerate all ingredients for one day before preparing this recipe.
Directions:
Slice oranges and limes. Combine sliced fruit, cranberries and vodka in the dispenser. Let the fruit and vodka sit together in the refrigerator for at least one hour (longer if you have time) to marry the flavors.
Add the Fresca, orange juice concentrate and limeade, stirring well. Pour in the bottle of wine and stir all ingredients well. Top with 36 oz. lime soda water.
Garnishes:
- orange and lime wheels
In search of a festive non-alcoholic drink instead? Try these four holiday mocktail recipes.