The holidays are officially here and you know what that means: bad presents, loud relatives, and skinny jean-busting meals. The season may not always be filled with greetings, but who says you need to be a Scrooge reminiscing over Christmas past, especially when festive cocktails are involved? It’s time to host cozy get-togethers and winter bashes before New Year’s Eve rolls around the corner, which is why we’re revealing the top holiday drinks for 2010. Thirsty for a Hot Apple Toddy or St. Nick’s Naughty or Nice Punch? We have the yummy recipes right here. Consider them as gifts from us to you!
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
It’s December and yet you’re still not feeling the spirit of the holiday, right? Mr. Grinch would be proud. Make this simple fizzy concoction that features mind blowing absinthe. Perhaps your tune will change, or not. Either way, we wouldn’t blame you for not giving this wildly intoxicating cocktail away.
Ingredients
1 oz. Absinthe (We used LUCID Absinthe)
1 ½ oz. Melon liqueur (We used Midori Melon Liqueur)
Splash of Ginger ale
2-3 Lime wedges
1 Lime
Preparation
In a rocks glass, muddle two lime wedges. Add ice, melon liqueur, and absinthe. Shake vigorously and return to rocks glass. Add ginger ale and garnish with a lime spiral.
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: Hot Apple Toddy
Nothing beats the bone chilling winds of winter quite like this classic, but let’s face it, there’s only so many times you can savor the same piping hot brandy or whiskey. Spice up your night with a tantalizing remake of this old favorite. Not only does the Hot Apple Toddy include fresh apple juice, but it also features smooth pear liqueur that’s certain to brighten up the season, minus too dusty Christmas lights.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Apple juice
1 ½ oz. Pear liqueur (We used Xanté Pear Liqueur)
1 Cinnamon stick
Preparation
Combine apple juice and liqueur. Heat and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: Sleigh Bells
What will patrons at Manhattan’s iconic 21 Club sip on while mingling with not-so-secret stars? A Sleigh Bells cocktail, of course! For those wanting to give egg nogs a break, consider this fusion of vanilla-infused brandy, peppermint schnapps, and candy canes dipped in chocolate. Christmas is all about giving, so treat yourself to the winter wonderland of drinks!
Ingredients
1 oz. Baileys
1 oz. Vanilla-infused brandy (We used Navan)
1 oz. Peppermint schnapps
Candy canes dipped in chocolate chilled.
Preparation
Mix Baileys, brandy, and peppermint schnapps. Shake and serve up. Lay a candy cane dipped in chocolate across the rim of glass.
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: Eggnog
Who could possibly resist thick, creamy, and luscious Eggnog? Christmas wouldn’t be complete without this decadent liquid dessert, especially when tropical rum and vodka are involved. While many recipes call for countless ingredients and time consuming tips on perfecting it, this variation of the egg nog, created by mixologist John Pomeroy, is nearly fool proof. Be warned, you’ll be tempted to drink more than three.
Ingredients
1 Egg
.75 oz. Superfine sugar
1.5 oz. Vodka (We used Purity)
1 oz. Dark rum
1 oz. Milk
.5 oz. Heavy cream
Pinch of grated nutmeg
1 Cinnamon stick
Preparation
Separate the egg, beating whites until peaking. Then, beat the yolk strenuously, slowly adding sugar. Continue until sugar dissolves. Pour vodka, stirring continuously. Add rum, milk, and cream. Fold the egg whites into the mixture and then stir in the nutmeg. Serve hot or cold, grating fresh nutmeg on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: St. Nick’s Naughty or Nice Punch
Have you been good this year or should Santa leave you a lump of coal? Either way, serve yourself a punch that’s certain to bring out your wild side at any party. St. Nick’s Naughty or Nice Punch is a medley of peach tea, lime juice, and whole cloves. However, don’t let this candy colored cocktail fool you. It also features hot pink liqueur and pineapple-infused vodka. Merry drinking!
Ingredients
2 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1 oz. Pineapple-infused vodka (We used SKYY Infusions Pineapple)
2 oz. Brewed peach herbal tea
½ oz. Lime juice
Pinch of ground clove
1 oz. Club soda (Use lemon-lime soda for sweeter punch)
Whole Cloves
Citrus wheels
Preparation
Pour all ingredients into a punch bowl just before guests are due to arrive. Float clove encrusted citrus wheels on the surface of the punch for décor and aroma. Ladle into ice-filled wine glasses when serving.
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: Winter Caipirinha
Heat up your Christmas night with a sizzling hot concoction that comes from the same country that brought you the barely there bikini. It may be too cold to show off a swimsuit-ready bod, but you can still channel your inner Brazilian with a Winter Caipirinha, a seasonal take on the official drink of Carnaval. This ruby hue number is wonderfully spicy and above all, a lip smacking treat.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Cachaca (We used Leblon Cachaca)
8 Rosemary sprigs
¾ oz. Pomegranate juice
½ oz. Simple syrup
½ Lime juice
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Top Holiday 2010 Cocktail: Mistletoe
Break the ice during any intimate occasion by making your beau a Mistletoe. This martini is one of the simplest Christmas cocktails you can ever prepare. The minty, refreshing recipe unites mango-infused vodka with pomegranate juice, creating an elixir of passion. Trust us, once you and your special someone savor a Mistletoe together, you won’t be complaining about staying indoors for the entire night.
Ingredients
2 oz. Mango-infused vodka (We used Finlandia Mango)
1 oz. Pomegranate juice
Splash of Triple Sec
Sugar
1 Mint sprig
Preparation
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour in a martini glass with a white or green sugar rim. Garnish with a mint sprig.
