While the bottles of bubbly are easy to pop, others prefer to shake up some jolly cocktail for the festive holiday season. Whether the preferred spirit is tequila, whiskey, vodka, or rum, there is a spirited sipper that will have everyone feeling merry.
Jolly Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail. With this version, the warm, comforting spice flavors bring cozy vibes. Whether enjoyed by the fire or simply sitting on the couch, this Irish whiskey cocktail will have everyone smiling.
Ingredients:
2 ½ oz Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
½ oz Homemade All Spice Liqueur
¼ oz Honey
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Method:
Stir all the ingredients over ice using a bar spoon to add the honey. Serve in Rocks glass over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange twist.
Bourbon Grinch Punch
Every season the Green One makes his mischievous appearance. From doughnuts to his love of onions, there are plenty of ways he influences food and beverages. This cocktail captures his vibrant color and curious side. It is sweet, tart, and very festive.
Ingredients:
2 oz Templeton Fortitude Bourbon
1 oz Green Chartreuse liqueur
1 oz lemon juice
½ simple syrup
Sparkling water
Garnish: maraschino cherry and lime slice
Method:
Combine Templeton Fortitude Bourbon, Green Chartreuse liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared glass. If desired, top with sparkling water for a lighter version, Garnish with a maraschino cherry and lime slice.
Gingerbread Man
From the gingerbread house to the classic cookies, gingerbread flavors are everywhere. The flavor is equally as delicious in a cocktail. This recipe from Sammy Hagar is perfectly sweet for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Sammy’s Beach Platinum Rum
¼ ounce Sammy’s Beach Bar Red Head Rum
¾ ounce Amaro Averna (Italian bitter digestif)
¼ ounce Monin Gingerbread Syrup
¼ ounce fresh lime juice
Garnish: fresh orange wheel
Cranberry Spritz
Cranberries not only capture the color of the season but they are a classic flavor. This tequila cocktail is vibrant and bright. When all the other heavy food and flavor is on the table, it can cut through the richness.
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Cuervo Tradicional Blanco
1 oz Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz Lime Juice
3 oz Sparkling Wine
Glass: Wine
Garnish: Skewered Cranberries
Directions:
Add first three ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a wine glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling wine and gently stir to combine. Garnish with skewered cranberries.
Midnight Pear-secco
Pear is another classic holiday flavor. This cocktail brings extra sparkle to any occasion. From the sparkly visual to the bubbly nature, it will become a new seasonal tradition.
Ingredients:
2 parts Reyka Vodka
1 part pear syrup
2 parts prosecco or sparkling wine
Edible gold dust
Pear slices
Method:
Add Reyka Vodka, pear syrup, and edible dust to a shaker. Shake to combine and strain into a coupe or champagne flute. Top with chilled prosecco or sparkling wine.
Cranberry Daiquiri
A daiquiri is a classic cocktail. This version switches the typical tropical vibe for the seasonal cranberry. For the drinker that wants a familiar cocktail with a twist, this option is a must try.
Ingredients:
1 part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
1 part Water
1 Cup Sugar
2 Wide Strips Orange Zest
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 ¼ Cups (4 oz) Fresh Cranberries
Method:
In a small saucepan, heat water and sugar together; add orange zest and a cinnamon stick. Heat sugar mixture on medium until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool.
Combine Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, juice, water and simple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Dip the rims of your glasses in water, then in sugar before serving the cocktails. Garnish each with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick.
Ready to shake up some jolly cocktails? Share what you are sipping with #FoodSided.