Custom Cocktail Creations as Holiday Gifts
Finding the perfect holiday gift can be a challenge, but a custom bottled cocktail offers the perfect balance of thoughtfulness and creativity. Handcrafted and beautifully presented, these gifts allow you to share a piece of your mixology passion with loved ones. Here’s how to create and package custom cocktails as holiday gifts, complete with recipes, decoration ideas, and personal touches that make them unforgettable.
Step 1: Choose Your Cocktail Recipe
Select cocktails that are delicious, versatile, and can be bottled easily. Spirit-forward drinks like Old Fashioneds or margaritas work well because they don’t rely on fresh ingredients that could spoil.
Holiday Cocktail Recipes
1. Spiced Cranberry Margarita
Ingredients (per serving):
2 oz reposado tequila
1 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz orange liqueur
1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (equal parts sugar, water, and cinnamon boiled and cooled)
Dash of fresh lime juice
Batch Recipe: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings (e.g., 10 servings = 20 oz tequila, 10 oz cranberry juice, etc.). Mix in a pitcher and strain into bottles.
2. Vanilla Old Fashioned
Ingredients (per serving):
2 oz bourbon
1/4 oz vanilla syrup (equal parts sugar, water, and vanilla extract boiled and cooled)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Batch Recipe: Combine bourbon, vanilla syrup, and bitters. Provide instructions for serving over ice with an orange twist.
3. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Ingredients (per serving):
2 oz gin
1 oz pomegranate juice
1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup (equal parts sugar, water, and rosemary boiled and cooled)
Splash of club soda
Batch Recipe: Mix gin, pomegranate juice, and syrup in bottles. Instruct recipients to top with club soda when serving.
Step 2: Bottle and Decorate
Once your cocktails are mixed, bottle them in style to create a memorable presentation.
Bottle Selection
Size: Use small glass bottles (8-12 oz) for individual servings or larger bottles (16-32 oz) for multi-serve gifts.
Type: Swing-top bottles or corked bottles give a vintage, elegant look. Clear bottles allow the vibrant colors of your cocktails to shine.
Decoration Ideas
Labels: Create custom labels with the cocktail name, ingredients, and serving instructions. Use holiday-themed designs for extra flair.
Ribbons: Tie festive ribbons or twine around the neck of the bottle.
Seasonal Touches: Add sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices for decoration.
Step 3: Add a Personal Touch
Include a handwritten note with each bottle to make the gift even more special.
What to Include
Cocktail Inspiration: Share why you chose this drink—perhaps it’s a family favorite, or it reminds you of a special memory.
Serving Suggestions: Offer tips for garnishes, glassware, or pairing ideas.
Holiday Greeting: Add a warm holiday message to make the note feel personal and heartfelt.
Presentation Tips
The way you present your bottled cocktails can enhance the gift even further.
Gift Box or Bag
Place the bottle in a gift box with crinkle paper for cushioning. Add cocktail napkins, a mini shaker, or a jigger for a complete cocktail kit.
For a simpler option, use a festive gift bag with tissue paper.
Pairings
Edible Additions: Pair the cocktail with homemade cookies, spiced nuts, or gourmet chocolates.
Glassware: Include a set of cocktail glasses for a practical yet stylish touch.
Holiday Gifting Ideas
Custom bottled cocktails are versatile gifts suited for various recipients:
For Hosts: Bring a signature drink to holiday parties as a thoughtful, homemade gift.
For Colleagues: A bottled cocktail with a handwritten note is a personal yet professional gift.
For Family: Tailor each cocktail to the recipient’s preferences, ensuring a truly personal gift.
Elevate Your Gifting Game with Art of the Cocktail
For those who want to take their mixology skills to the next level, join our Art of the Cocktail class on December 10. You’ll learn to craft tequila-based holiday cocktails and explore techniques for creating show-stopping drinks. After the class, enjoy a festive dinner at Sweetbriar NYC, where you’ll discover how expertly made cocktails pair with wood-fired dishes.
Give the Gift of Flavor
Custom bottled cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re a reflection of your creativity and thoughtfulness. With beautiful presentation and personal touches, these gifts bring warmth and cheer to any holiday celebration.
This season, mix up something special and share the joy of handcrafted cocktails with the ones you love. Cheers to a season filled with flavor, fun, and unforgettable gifts.
