12 Days of Cocktails: A Festive Recipe for Every Day Before Christmas
Celebrate the season with twelve days of festive cocktails that bring warmth, cheer, and a touch of indulgence to your holiday countdown. From timeless classics to modern twists, these recipes will add a festive sparkle to your celebrations.
Day 1: Classic Mulled Wine
Warm and spiced, mulled wine sets a cozy tone for the season.
Ingredients: Red wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, honey, and brandy.
Method: Heat ingredients in a pot over low heat (do not boil). Serve warm in mugs with a slice of orange.
Day 2: Eggnog Old Fashioned
A decadent take on the classic Old Fashioned.
Ingredients: Bourbon, eggnog, Angostura bitters, grated nutmeg.
Method: Stir bourbon and bitters with ice, strain into a glass, and top with eggnog. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Day 3: Peppermint Martini
Bright and refreshing, this martini brings a candy cane twist.
Ingredients: Vodka, white crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, crushed candy canes for garnish.
Method: Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a martini glass, and rim with crushed candy canes.
Day 4: Cranberry Moscow Mule
A tart and bubbly crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer, lime juice, fresh cranberries.
Method: Combine ingredients in a copper mug over ice. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.
Day 5: Hot Buttered Rum
Warm and indulgent, perfect for fireside evenings.
Ingredients: Dark rum, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, hot water.
Method: Combine ingredients in a mug, stir until butter melts, and garnish with cinnamon stick.
Day 6: Pomegranate Royale
Add elegance with this sparkling sip.
Ingredients: Pomegranate juice, prosecco, pomegranate arils.
Method: Add a splash of pomegranate juice to a flute, top with prosecco, and garnish with arils.
Day 7: Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
A holiday twist on a summer favorite.
Ingredients: Tequila, apple cider, lime juice, triple sec, cinnamon-sugar rim.
Method: Shake ingredients with ice, strain into a glass rimmed with cinnamon-sugar, and serve.
Day 8: Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Rich and spiced, this cocktail energizes any gathering.
Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, gingerbread syrup.
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a gingerbread cookie.
Day 9: Winter Sangria
A chilled option perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients: Red wine, orange liqueur, apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, sparkling water.
Method: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, let chill for at least an hour, and top with sparkling water before serving.
Day 10: Chocolate Orange Manhattan
A citrusy twist on a whiskey classic.
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, chocolate bitters, orange peel.
Method: Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
Day 11: Rosemary Gin Fizz
Light and fragrant, this drink is a refreshing addition.
Ingredients: Gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water, rosemary sprigs.
Method: Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, strain into a glass, and top with soda. Garnish with rosemary.
Day 12: Champagne Snowball
Finish the countdown with a bubbly toast.
Ingredients: Champagne, elderflower liqueur, a splash of vodka, and a sugared rim.
Method: Rim the glass with sugar, add elderflower liqueur and vodka, and top with champagne.
Celebrate with the Art of the Cocktail
Take your mixology skills to the next level with an Art of the Cocktail class. Learn the secrets behind holiday favorites and explore innovative techniques under the guidance of expert mixologists. Whether you’re preparing for a small gathering or planning a festive event in NYC, this hands-on experience will enhance your cocktail repertoire.
