Holiday Cheers: 3 Festive Cocktails and Mocktails for Your Seasonal Soirees
When it comes to holiday entertaining, the perfect drink menu can set the tone for a memorable evening. Whether you’re catering to cocktail connoisseurs or looking for delightful non-alcoholic options, these three cocktails and their mocktail counterparts are sure to add a sparkle to your festive celebrations. Let’s raise a glass to holiday cheer and explore these tantalizing recipes!
Spiced Cranberry Margarita / Cranberry Fizz Mocktail
Cocktail: Spiced Cranberry Margarita
Ingredients: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, 2 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Instructions: In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a glass rimmed with sugar and spice (mix of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg). Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel.
Mocktail: Cranberry Fizz
Ingredients: 3 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, sparkling water, a pinch of cinnamon.
Instructions: In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Peppermint White Russian / Creamy Peppermint Punch
Cocktail: Peppermint White Russian
Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 2 oz heavy cream.
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice and pour in vodka, peppermint schnapps, and coffee liqueur. Gently pour heavy cream on top and stir to combine. Garnish with a peppermint stick.
Mocktail: Creamy Peppermint Punch
Ingredients: 3 oz milk or almond milk, 1 oz peppermint syrup, a splash of vanilla extract, whipped cream.
Instructions: Combine milk, peppermint syrup, and vanilla extract in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.
Winter Sangria / Festive Fruit Punch
Cocktail: Winter Sangria
Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine, 1/4 cup brandy, 1/4 cup orange liqueur, 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced apple, 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 cinnamon sticks and cranberries.
Instructions: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick and cranberries.
Mocktail: Festive Fruit Punch
Ingredients: 3 cups cranberry juice, 1 cup apple juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced apple, 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 cinnamon sticks.
Instructions: In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of orange or apple.
These holiday cocktails and mocktails are sure to delight your guests with their festive flavors and elegant presentation. Whether you’re toasting with alcohol or enjoying a non-alcoholic treat, these drinks are perfect for adding a touch of merriment to your holiday gatherings. Remember, the key to great holiday entertaining is to enjoy the company and the cheer that comes with the season. Happy holidays!
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