Introduction
The holidays in Kansas City are a time for gathering, celebrating, and raising a glass with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner, throwing a New Year’s Eve party, or simply enjoying a cozy night by the fire, nothing sets the mood quite like a festive cocktail.
At Pina Wine & Spirits, we pride ourselves on being Kansas City’s go-to liquor store for all things beer, wine, and spirits. This holiday season, we’re making it easy to impress your guests with cocktail recipes that use ingredients you can pick up right in our stores. From bourbon classics to sparkling spritzes, here’s your guide to creating the perfect holiday cocktail lineup.
Why Choose Holiday Cocktails?
Holiday cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re an experience. They:
- Celebrate the season with festive flavors like cinnamon, cranberry, and peppermint.
- Bring people together, encouraging conversation and cheer.
- Elevate your party, offering something more memorable than a simple glass of wine or beer.
With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can turn your bar cart into the star of the season.
Cocktail Recipes with Pina Ingredients
1. Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Perfect for Thanksgiving or a winter gathering
Ingredients (available at Pina):
- 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Fresh cranberries and orange (for garnish)
- Club soda
Instructions:
- Muddle fresh cranberries in a shaker.
- Add bourbon, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with cranberries.
Why it works: Bourbon’s caramel notes balance the tart cranberry flavor, making this a festive yet smooth sipper.
2. Peppermint White Russian
A holiday twist on a creamy classic
Ingredients (from Pina):
- 2 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz cream or half & half
- Peppermint schnapps (splash)
- Crushed candy cane for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Pour vodka and Kahlúa over ice, stir gently.
- Add cream and a splash of peppermint schnapps.
- Garnish with crushed candy cane on the rim.
Why it works: This cocktail is indulgent, festive, and tastes like dessert in a glass.
3. Holiday Mulled Wine
A warm, aromatic drink for chilly Kansas City nights
Ingredients (from Pina):
- 1 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (choose from our wide wine selection)
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.
- Heat gently (do not boil) for 20–30 minutes.
- Strain into mugs and serve warm with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Why it works: Mulled wine is a timeless holiday tradition that fills your home with cozy aromas.
4. Sparkling Pomegranate Spritz
Light, bubbly, and perfect for holiday toasts
Ingredients (from Pina):
- 2 oz Aperol or Campari
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- Prosecco (La Marca available at Pina)
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Add Aperol and pomegranate juice to a flute.
- Top with chilled Prosecco.
- Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.
Why it works: This cocktail is colorful, refreshing, and ideal for raising a glass at Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
5. Hot Buttered Rum
A cozy fireside favorite
Ingredients (from Pina):
- 2 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Hot water
- Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions:
- Place butter, sugar, and spices in a mug.
- Pour hot water and stir until dissolved.
- Add rum and mix well.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Why it works: Rich, spiced, and warming, this drink is a holiday staple that never goes out of style.
6. Champagne Cranberry Mimosa
The perfect brunch cocktail for holiday mornings
Ingredients (from Pina):
- Champagne (Veuve Clicquot or Korbel)
- Cranberry juice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
- Fill a champagne flute halfway with cranberry juice.
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Why it works: Elegant, festive, and easy to make, this mimosa brings sparkle to any holiday gathering.
Tips for Hosting a Holiday Cocktail Party
To make your holiday bar stand out, keep these tips in mind:
- Offer variety: Provide at least one bourbon-based, one sparkling, and one warm drink.
- Batch cocktails: Prepare pitchers of sangria or mulled wine ahead of time.
- Create a garnish station: Citrus slices, herbs, and festive candy canes let guests customize their drinks.
- Pair with food: Bourbon cocktails pair well with barbecue sliders, while sparkling cocktails shine with cheese boards.
Why Shop Holiday Ingredients at Pina Wine & Spirits?
As Kansas City’s trusted liquor store since 2007, we offer:
- A wide selection of spirits including bourbon, vodka, rum, and liqueurs.
- Curated wine collections perfect for mulled wine or holiday toasts.
- Seasonal promotions to help you stock up affordably.
- Expert staff recommendations to guide your cocktail choices.
Unlike big-box retailers, we’re part of the community, and our mission is to help you celebrate with the best.
Conclusion
The holidays are all about creating memories, and cocktails are the perfect way to toast to family, friends, and festive traditions. With ingredients from Pina Wine & Spirits, you can mix up everything from a cozy mulled wine to a sparkling spritz.
So this holiday season, stop by any of our Kansas City locations, grab your ingredients, and shake, stir, or pour your way to the perfect party.
Cheers to festive cocktails, holiday cheer, and unforgettable moments!
