Beyond Eggnog: Unexpected Holiday Cocktails You Need to Try

When it comes to holiday cocktails, classics like eggnog and mulled wine will always have a place on the menu. But for those looking to elevate their festive drinks, it’s time to venture beyond the traditional. From savory elements to seasonal infusions and surprising flavor pairings, these creative cocktail ideas will add a sophisticated and unexpected twist to your holiday celebrations.

1. Cocktails with Savory Elements

Savory ingredients bring balance and complexity to cocktails, making them perfect for festive gatherings.

Rosemary Gin Fizz

This aromatic cocktail blends herbal notes with refreshing citrus.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)

• 1 oz lemon juice

• Club soda

• Sprig of rosemary for garnish

Method:

1. Shake gin, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice.

2. Strain into a highball glass over ice.

3. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4 sprigs of rosemary until sugar dissolves. Let steep for 30 minutes, strain, and cool.

Sage Margarita

A seasonal twist on the classic margarita, with sage bringing earthy warmth.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz reposado tequila

• 1 oz lime juice

• 1/2 oz agave syrup

• 3 fresh sage leaves

• Spiced salt rim (blend kosher salt with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg)

Method:

1. Muddle sage leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake with ice.

2. Strain into a glass rimmed with spiced salt and filled with ice.

2. Infusions with Seasonal Ingredients

Homemade infusions allow you to customize cocktails with festive flavors.

Pear-Infused Vodka Martini

A light, elegant cocktail that highlights the sweetness of ripe pears.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz pear-infused vodka (recipe below)

• 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur

• 1/2 oz dry vermouth

• Slice of fresh pear for garnish

Method:

1. Combine vodka, elderflower liqueur, and vermouth in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

2. Garnish with a slice of fresh pear.

Pear-Infused Vodka: Slice 2 ripe pears and place them in a jar with 1 cup of vodka. Let infuse for 3-5 days, then strain.

Clove-Infused Whiskey Hot Toddy

Warm and spiced, this drink is perfect for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz clove-infused whiskey (recipe below)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• Hot water

• Cinnamon stick and lemon wheel for garnish

Method:

1. Combine whiskey, honey, and lemon juice in a mug.

2. Top with hot water and stir gently. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.

Clove-Infused Whiskey: Add 10 whole cloves to 1 cup of whiskey. Let infuse for 2 days, then strain.

3. Surprising Flavor Pairings

Uncommon combinations like chocolate and mezcal or fig and gin bring intrigue and elegance to your holiday drinks.

Chocolate Mezcal Manhattan

Smoky mezcal meets the richness of chocolate in this refined twist on a classic.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1/4 oz chocolate liqueur

• Dash of chocolate bitters

• Orange twist for garnish

Method:

1. Stir mezcal, vermouth, chocolate liqueur, and bitters with ice.

2. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Fig and Gin Smash

A sweet and herbal cocktail that pairs perfectly with holiday appetizers.
Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, heated and cooled)

• 1 fresh fig, sliced

• Thyme sprig for garnish

Method:

1. Muddle fig slices in a shaker. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake with ice.

2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a thyme sprig.

Why Go Beyond the Classics?

Exploring unexpected flavors and innovative techniques allows you to impress your guests and elevate your holiday gatherings. By incorporating savory elements, seasonal infusions, and bold pairings, you can create cocktails that are not only delicious but also conversation-worthy.

Join Us for the Art of the Cocktail Class on December 10

Ready to take your holiday cocktail game to the next level? At our December Art of the Cocktail class, you’ll learn how to craft creative drinks using premium reposado tequila and seasonal ingredients.

• What You’ll Explore: Hands-on mixology techniques, unexpected flavor pairings, and tips for crafting show-stopping cocktails.

• Featured Spirits: Discover the warmth and versatility of reposado tequilas like Mijenta, Código 1530, and Patrón El Alto.

• Extend the Night: After class, enjoy a festive dinner at Sweetbriar NYC, pairing expertly crafted cocktails with wood-fired dishes​​.

Raise a Glass to Creativity This Holiday Season

Step beyond the ordinary and surprise your guests with holiday cocktails that delight and inspire. From sage margaritas to chocolate mezcal creations, these unexpected drinks are sure to add sophistication to your celebrations.

Reserve your spot at the Art of the Cocktail class and toast to a season of flavor, creativity, and good cheer.