Create new festive traditions with globally inspired holiday cocktails

While bottles of sparkling wine may be chilled, the flute does not have to be the only glass raised in a holiday toast. These globally inspired holiday cocktails can bring some extra spirited fun to the festivities.

From sandy beaches to snow covered mountains, seasonal celebrations take all forms. Although each locale might have its own traditions, holiday cocktails are often part of those moments.

While some people like an eggnog, coquito is often a popular choice in Puerto Rico. Although many families might have their own secret recipe, a few mixologists and resorts are willing to share their special sips.

Condado Ocean Club, the San Juan adults-only beach hotel, has a version on its menu which captures all the holiday cheer. While the mixologists share that the cocktail includes condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, white rum, vanilla, and cinnamon, there is a secret ingredient that they are keeping to themselves. After tasting one, guests might be able to figure it out.

For adults who are looking for ways to spark some romance during the holiday season, Sandals Carribean resorts have given traditional cocktails a Caribbean twist to the holidays.

In partnership with Teremana Tequila, the beverage team is shaking the festivities with a Jolly Old Fashioned. Made with Benedictine, the sipper can make it feel like the warm breeze rolling in off the shore.

Jolly Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz of Teremana Tequila
• ¾ oz of Benedictine
• ½ oz of Cointreau
• Flamed orange peel garnish

While that cocktail balances familiar and new, La Barca Cantina offers a twist on the popular Mexican coffee cocktail, Carajillo. Its Toasted Marshmallow Carajillo has people pushing aside that espresso martini for something that is a sweet twist on tradition.

As more people discover the carajillo, this option has captured the moment. It is flavorful, whimsical, and quite delicious.

Continuing the Mexican influence, Andaz Mexico City has a specialty cocktail for the holiday season. The Cabuya Rooftop Holiday cocktail, Balandra Cocktail, seems to blend parts of an Aperol Spritz and a paloma. It is bright, refreshing, and it might be the new brunch cocktail for the season.

Balandra Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 oz of tequila
• 1 oz of Aperol
• ½ oz of natural syrup
• ¼ oz of lemon juice
• 1 oz of grapefruit
• 1 oz of orange
• 2 oz of grapefruit soda
• Tajin Crusta
• edible flower

Method:

• Place all ingredients in shaker shake with ice except grapefruit soda
• Serve in an old-fashioned glass with ice
• After a double strain, add the grapefruit soda.
• Garnish with orange peel, edible flower and add the tajin crusta with edible dried flowers.

While some Mexican inspired cocktails might bring a touch of spice, one Caribbean cocktail brings a different flavor combination. Mamajuana is a popular choice in the Dominican Republic.

Usually combining rum, red wine and honey, the libation rests in a variety of herbs and even tree bark. It is a rich, warm, and a touch spicy flavor. It is a little unexpected but one that definitely brings spirit to the holiday celebration.

Mamajuana Old Passioned

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur
• 1 oz Candela Mamajuana Spiced Rum
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Method:

• Combine Chinola, Candela Mamajuana Spiced Rum and bitters in a glass with ice and stir. Strain over fresh ice into rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Lastly, why not take the holiday celebration out of this world. Although astronauts might not be shaking cocktails in the ISS, Titusville, Florida often celebrates its connection to the Kennedy Space Center. At The Space Bar, Snowballs in Space brings a combination of wonder and chill to the glass.

The hint of beach vibes with little nod to a snowy visual, this sweet concoction could have people flying high. For anyone ready to blast off, here is how to make Snowballs in Space from The Space Bar at Kennedy Space Center.

Snowballs in Space

Ingredients:

• 1oz Malibu
• 0.75oz Vanilla Vodka
• 0.75oz Blue Curacao
• 1oz Real Coconut
• 1 Sphere Ice Cube (2.5″ mold)
• Shredded Coconut (Rim)

Instructions:

• Rim martini glass with fine-shredded coconut. Shake all ingredients and pour over sphere ice cube.

Which globally inspired holiday cocktails are will be in your glass? Time to toast to good times.