A new crop of Christmas cocktails is bringing life to the
phrase
”
drink in the holiday cheer
”
with everything from creamy winter confections to tart splashes
of tasty bah humbug. There’s a little something for every party
type and skill level behind the bar.
A new crop of Christmas cocktails is bringing life to the phrase “drink in the holiday cheer” with everything from creamy winter confections to tart splashes of tasty bah humbug. There’s a little something for every party type and skill level behind the bar.
Beverage selection plays an important role in setting the mood and tone for your party, so we’ve done the work of organizing them into categories. Impressive drinks will require extra effort, so begin thinking about them now, as infusions may take several days or weeks to create.
For the ginger vodka infusion, simply wash, peel and slice ginger. Place it in a glass jar with the vodka and let it sit. Shake the jar two to three times per day until the vodka develops a taste you favor. For mixed drinks, let it get just a little bit stronger than you desire the straight vodka to be since mixing will dilute the taste.
Other bar essentials you may want to invest in before the big day: Cocktail shakers, jiggers and glasses. Of these three, glassware is the most key item. To throw a truly classy adult party, the Solo cups have to go.
Discount brokers like IKEA offer exceptional deals on these items (think six stem glasses for $5 or less), leaving you with an ample supply. The price also guarantees that you won’t have a fit should one of your guests accidentally break a glass.
Shakers make the mixing and straining process so much easier, but a quick hand with a pair of tumblers can accomplish the same effect. Jiggers, double-sided ounce and 1/2 ounce measuring cups, will make pouring a much more scientific process, guaranteeing the drinks maintain their great taste as the evening wears on.
Here, then, are the recipes, and we’ve even included mocktails so the designated driver can raise a glass.
Frat Party
These shooters are sweet and easy going down but can eventually lead to behavior deemed a “party foul,” so watch out. Great for a game of Quarters, though.
Kandy Kane
3/4 oz Rumple Minze (Very strong mint schnapps)
1/4 oz Crème de Noyaux (Almond-flavored liquor)
Instructions: Layer in shot glass.
Santa Claus is Coming
to Town
Rumple Minze
Cinnamon Schnapps
Midori
Instructions: Combine equal parts in shot glass and top with whipped cream.
Bar on a Budget
Don’t have much of a bar selection? Focus on these selections, which each contain about three items. That way you won’t have to break the bank to test-drive them and you’ll look like a pro behind the bar even if it’s your first time.
Holly Berry
1/8 oz. Lemon Juice
1 1/2 oz. Gin
1 drizzle Raspberry Juice
Instructions: Shake lemon juice and gin over ice and strain into cocktail glass. Drizzle raspberry juice over top and finish with a pair of fresh raspberries if desired.
White Christmas Dream
1 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Heavy Cream
1 oz. Vodka
Instructions: Shake over ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
The Grinch
2 oz. Midori
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
1 t. simple syrup
Instructions: Shake over ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a red maraschino cherry. (You’ll need to make the simple syrup – used because sugar does not dissolve well into alcohol on its own – ahead of time by bringing a 3:1 mix of sugar and water to a boil for five minutes. Refrigerate. Use as needed.)
Impressing the Boss
(and the Ladies)
Gourmet cocktails require effort to craft – making your own infused vodkas or patiently mixing each glass of champagne – but are ever so perfect for savoring slowly, especially since that will help you avoid embarrassing stories floating around the office Monday morning.
Ginger Cosmopolitan
4 parts Ginger Vodka
2 parts Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 part Lime Juice
2 parts Cranberry Juice
Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve with a lime wedge.
Poinsettia
Champagne
1/4 oz. Triple Sec
Splash of Cranberry Juice
Instructions: Combine in champagne glass and garnish with a twist
Sugar Plum
Spiced Rum
Graf’s Fränkische Pfalume (German Plum Liquor)
Crème de Noyaux
Instructions: Shake equal parts with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed cocktail glass.
Economy-sized Fun
Take a trip back in time with these traditional Christmas punches. Not only will you get a bang for your buck, you’ll also forgo worrying about the mixing process since it should all be done by the time most guests arrive.
Wassail
1 gal. Apple Cider
8 sticks Cinnamon
1 Lemon, washed and sliced
1 Orange, washed and sliced
1 T. whole Cloves
1 T. Allspice
1 gal. White Wine
2 c. Rum
Instructions: Simmer non-alcoholic ingredients for one to two hours, adding rum and wine 10 minutes before serving.
Roman Holiday Punch
1/2 c. Lemon Juice
1 Fifth Marsala Wine
1 Fifth Rose Wine
1 Fifth Brandy
1 Pint Raspberry Sherbet
Instructions: Mix all ingredients except sherbet and chill. Add sherbet and serve.
Mocktails
For those who don’t drink or are holding the car keys, mocktails may be the answer. Non-alcoholic treats crafted with as much attention to detail as the finest martini, they are capable of lending a special air to a sober evening out.
Candy Cane Punch
1/4 c. Lemon Juice
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate (16 oz.)
1/4 c. Sugar
1 Egg White
6 Hard Peppermint Candies
4 Peppermint Candy Canes
Ginger Ale
Instructions: Put all ingredients except candy canes and ginger ale in blender, blending until candies liquefy. Divide evenly between four tall glasses and top with ginger ale. Stir gently with candy cane.
Virgin Mary
6 oz. Tomato Juice
1 dash Worcestershire
1 dash Tabasco
1 dash Lime Juice
1 dash Salt
1 dash Pepper
Celery Salt to taste
Instructions: Mix over ice and top with celery stalk and lime wedge.
