December is one of the biggest party months of the year, which means that it’s time to spread some cheer by serving the season’s top signature drinks. However, before you begin popping bottles, do you know which recipes are in this year? Don’t fret, we have them all covered. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, or just want to savor a cold one, we have the
best festive cocktail recipes to light up your night anytime. Too cold outside? Simply stay indoors and transform your bar into the most sought after party of 2011.
Scrooge Driver
Anyone can easily mix OJ and vodka, but why have the usual, bland recipe when you can celebrate the holidays with a more luscious libation? This year, spice things up with a Scrooge Driver, courtesy of the
Empire Hotel in New York City. One sip is certain to make you feel at ease before the family gets together for dinner. The Scrooge Driver is a mean cocktail, but its fusion of crisp gin, potent absinthe, and French wine will undoubtedly win you over.
Ingredients
1 oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin
1 oz. Blood Orange Liqueur
1 oz. Lillet
A dash of Absinthe
1 Maraschino cherry
1 Orange wedge
Preparation
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange wedge.
Gelt-y Pleasure
Now here’s a drink that’s bubbe-approved. Light up your Hanukah season with a Gelt-y Pleasure, a Kosher recipe that’s so simple to make, you’ll wondered why you haven’t been savoring it eight times already. Brighten up the festival of lights with this sparkling cocktail, a hit at the
Empire Hotel in New York and your next familial get-together.
Ingredients
6 oz. Kosher red wine
1.5 oz. Manischewitz Peach Cordial
1 Tbsp. Sugar
Lemon wedges
Orange wedges
Club Soda
Preparation
Add red wine, peach cordial, and sugar in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Pour in a chilled glass. Add lemon and orange wedges. Top with club soda.
Mischief at Midnight
There’s nothing like a spicy cocktail to heat up those chilly winter nights and when there’s hearty apple cider involved, you know it’s going to be an unforgettable evening. During the holidays, enjoy a glass or two of Mischief at Midnight, a juicy concoction highlighting homemade cider, apple-infused vodka, and lip smacking cinnamon syrup. The Mischief at Midnight can be found at Empire Hotel’s Lobby Bar or your next Saturday night bash. Either way, it’s the best gift any thirsty patron can get.
Ingredients
2 oz. Stoli Gala Applik
.75 oz. Lemon juice
.75 oz. Homemade cinnamon syrup
.5 oz. Apple cider
1 Cinnamon stick
Preparation
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Pour in a cocktail glass. Garnish with one cinnamon stick.
Ho, Ho Hot Toddy
Feeling under the weather? Make this cure-all now. Is your health in check? Drink up anyway. Empire Hotel’s Ho, Ho Hot Toddy is a seasonal revamped of the cocktail classic. This recipe takes away sugar and spice and instead, adds all the nice things you should have in your bar now, like mouthwatering gingerbread liqueur and premier whiskey. Staying indoors has never felt this good.
Ingredients
2 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey
1 oz. Gingerbread liqueur
4 oz. Steamed milk
1 Candy Cane
Preparation
Add all ingredients in a cocktail mug. Gently stir. Garnish with a candy cane.
Winter Spice Sangria
Those icy, fruit-filled Spanish wines may seem like a distant memory, but you don’t have to wait until summer just to savor this sun-soaked elixir. This rendition of the classic sangria celebrates the flavors of winter with comforting hits of cinnamon, tangy cranberries, and bright citrus notes. Serve this for any large, last-minute party and crowds will unite just to obtain a glass. Just make sure you prepare enough to keep the festivities going all through the night.
Ingredients
1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto
4 oz. Cinnamon Schnapps
3 Clementines, quartered
6 oz. Cranberries
18 oz. Sparkling clementine juice or soda
6 oz. Cranberry juice
4 Cinnamon sticks
Ground allspice
Preparation
Add wine, schnapps, fruits, cranberry juice, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher. Cover tightly and place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Right before serving, add sparkling clementine juice or soda. Sprinkle allspice on top.
