As holiday travel hits its peak, some people are ready to set sail to the ultimate seasonal escape. Onboard Celebrity Cruises, the talented mixologists and beverage team has created some spectacular holiday cocktails. These twists on familiar favorites will be a new toasting tradition.
Celebrity Cruises has a highly regarded beverage program. While many people are fascinated by the talents of the bartenders at the Martini Bar, it is the spirits and cocktails that have guests longing for the next sip.
Recently, the beverage team added a specialty, unique Rabbit Hole single barrel bourbon to the Celebrity Ascent. Available exclusively on board, that carefully chosen bourbon is another example how the Celebrity team appreciates that guests thirst for elevated, special offerings that can only be found on their ships.
This holiday season, Celebrity Cruises has a few special seasonal cocktails. While some destinations may be more sunny than snowy, these libations bring all the festive vibes. Whether paired with the food and immersive dining experiences or sipped after at the end of the day, these cocktails are delightful.
Since some people might only be dreaming about their next cruise adventure on an Edge ship or an escape to a dreamy destination, the Celebrity Cruises beverage team graciously shared the recipes for three of its holiday cocktails.
Campfire Mules
The classic mule is often vodka and ginger beer. The warm, spicy notes can ward off any chill. In this version, the vodka is swapped for bourbon. With some sweetness from the maple syrup, it feels like a cozy cocktail that would be perfect by the fire or a stunning sunset.
Here’s how to make Campfire Mules.
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. Buffalo Trace
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1 bar spoon of maple syrup
Top up with ginger beer
Marshmallows, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Fill a rocks or wine glass with ice. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup and gently stir to combine. Top off with beer and stir again to combine.
Toast marshmallows (if using) with a blowtorch or directly over the flame of a gas stove. Thread marshmallows onto a stick and garnish glass.
While not part of this recipe, the Buffalo Trace could be swapped for 1 oz of a traditional bourbon and ½ oz of Mash and Mallow S’mores Whiskey. That flavored liquor highlights the sweetness of the cocktail. If this swap is made, it would be best to cut back a little on the maple syrup to keep the balance.
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Gin and tonics are a popular cruise ship cocktail. The light, refreshing beverage is perfect on a sunny day. This seasonal option highlights herbal notes with the thyme. The fragrant nature of the cocktail instantly makes all the holiday memories come front and center.
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
1⁄2 oz thyme simple syrup
1 1⁄2 oz cranberry juice
Top up with club soda
Instructions
Fill a glass about halfway full of ice. Add the gin, thyme simple syrup and cranberry juice. Stir well.
Top with club soda and stir gently to mix together.
Garnish with sprigs of thyme and fresh cranberries. Enjoy!
Peppermint Chocolate Martini
Anyone who has been on Celebrity Cruises appreciates that the Martini Bar is the hot spot. When the lights dance, the mixologists put on their show. The talent to stack all those shakers together is no small feat.
With this seasonal martini, it is the perfect beverage to end the night. Even if another dessert tempts, the sweet, bright flavors of this peppermint chocolate martini is the satisfying night cap to another adventure filled day onboard.
Ingredients
1 1⁄2 oz chocolate liqueur
1 oz white crème de cacao dark
1 ounce vanilla vodka
1⁄2 ounce Crème de menthe white
1⁄2 ounce heavy cream
Instructions
If desired, dip the rim of the serving glass into the chocolate sauce and then swirl it in the crush candy cane. Set aside.
Add the chocolate liqueur, white crème de cacao, vanilla vodka, crème de menthe white, heavy cream and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Put on the top and shake vigorously, about 10 seconds.
Strain into the martini glass.
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? It is time to shake up one of these seasonal cocktails and toast to good times.