The Best Holiday Drinks for Your Festive Celebrations

The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy festive drinks with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for something special to sip by the fire, the right drink can add a touch of magic to your celebrations. Here are some of the best holiday drinks to elevate your festivities, complete with descriptions, recipes, and serving suggestions.1. Mulled Wine

Description: Mulled wine is a warm, spiced wine that’s perfect for cold winter nights. It’s made by simmering red wine with a blend of aromatic spices, citrus zest, and a touch of sweetness. The result is a comforting and fragrant beverage that embodies the spirit of the holidays.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1 orange (sliced)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• Instructions:
  1. Combine the red wine, brandy, orange slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and honey or sugar in a large pot.
  2. Heat gently over medium heat until the mixture is steaming (do not boil).
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Strain the spices and serve the mulled wine warm, garnished with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick.

Serving Suggestion: Serve mulled wine in heat-resistant glasses or mugs to keep it warm longer. Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for an added festive touch.2. Eggnog

Description: A classic holiday drink, eggnog is rich, creamy, and indulgent. Traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and nutmeg, it’s often spiked with rum, bourbon, or brandy for an extra kick.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 to 1 cup rum, bourbon, or brandy (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
• Instructions:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until creamy and light in color.
  2. In a saucepan, combine the milk and cream and heat until just simmering. Do not boil.
  3. Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the alcohol (if using) and vanilla extract.
  6. Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator until cold. Serve in glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.

Serving Suggestion: Serve eggnog in festive mugs or glasses with a dusting of nutmeg on top. For an extra touch, rim the glasses with a mix of sugar and cinnamon.3. Hot Toddy

Description: The Hot Toddy is a warm, soothing cocktail made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. It’s perfect for a cozy evening by the fire and is also traditionally believed to help soothe a sore throat.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 shot of whiskey (bourbon or rye works well)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Lemon slice and cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• Instructions:
  1. In a mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
  2. Top with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
  3. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a sturdy mug to keep the drink warm. For added flavor, steep a tea bag (such as chamomile or black tea) in the hot water before adding it to the mug.4. Cranberry Margaritas

Description: A festive twist on the classic margarita, this cocktail features cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. It’s vibrant and refreshing, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • Fresh cranberries and lime wheel (for garnish)
  • Salt (for rimming the glass)
• Instructions:
  1. Rim the glass with salt and fill it with ice.
  2. In a shaker, combine the tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec with ice.
  3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a festive glass rimmed with salt. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel to enhance the holiday presentation.5. Peppermint Martini

Description: This refreshing martini combines vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao, creating a festive and minty drink that’s perfect for the holidays.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz white crème de cacao
  • Candy cane (for garnish)
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao.
  2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  3. Garnish with a candy cane.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a chilled martini glass, garnished with a candy cane hanging off the rim. For an extra festive touch, rim the glass with crushed candy canes.

These festive drinks are sure to add cheer to your holiday celebrations. Whether you prefer the warmth of a Mulled Wine or the refreshing twist of a Cranberry Margarita, having these recipes on hand will make your holiday gatherings memorable. Visit Pina Wine & Spirits to find all the ingredients you need and discover more holiday drink ideas. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect spirits and wines to elevate your holiday festivities. Cheers to a joyous and festive holiday season!