Stand-Out Cocktails for Holiday Events – Classic Twists and Fresh Ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, planning memorable cocktails for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings can add a special touch to your festivities. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Thanksgiving dinner or a festive Christmas party, a well-crafted cocktail menu will leave a lasting impression. From modern twists on traditional recipes to inventive new creations, here are some ideas to make your holiday cocktails unforgettable.

And for those who want to take their mixology skills to the next level, join us for our Art of the Cocktail class on November 12 for hands-on cocktail instruction and inspiration.

Thanksgiving Cocktails – Cozy and Festive with a Twist

Thanksgiving calls for warm, comforting flavors that celebrate the season. Here are some cocktail ideas that put a modern spin on fall favorites.

1. Spiced Apple Old Fashioned

A Thanksgiving twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail combines the richness of bourbon with a spiced apple syrup that highlights the flavors of autumn.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz spiced apple syrup (see below)

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Ice

• Apple slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Spiced Apple Syrup: Combine 1 cup apple juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and a few cloves in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool and strain.

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, spiced apple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.

2. Stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

3. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

2. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This fun twist on a White Russian incorporates the flavors of pumpkin spice—perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)

• 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice syrup (or pumpkin pie spice mixed with simple syrup)

• Ice

• Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice, add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice syrup.

2. Top with cream or half-and-half, stirring gently.

3. Garnish with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

Christmas Cocktails – Elegant and Festive Flavors

Christmas cocktails are all about embracing the season’s rich flavors, festive garnishes, and cozy warmth. Here are a few creative ideas to try.

3. Cranberry and Rosemary Gin Fizz

This festive take on a Gin Fizz incorporates cranberry and rosemary for a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• 3/4 oz rosemary simple syrup (see below)

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• Club soda, to top

• Fresh rosemary sprig and cranberries, for garnish

Rosemary Simple Syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary until the sugar dissolves. Cool and strain.

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, cranberry juice, rosemary syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

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

4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini

A delicious dessert cocktail, this drink combines vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint for a fun and festive end to the evening.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps

• Ice

• Crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes.

2. In a shaker, combine vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps with ice.

3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.

4. Garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.

Festive Garnishes to Elevate Your Holiday Cocktails

A well-chosen garnish can take your holiday cocktails from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some garnish ideas to consider:

• Sugared Cranberries: Roll cranberries in sugar for a frosted look, perfect for garnishing gin-based holiday cocktails.

• Cinnamon Sticks: Add warmth to fall and winter drinks with a cinnamon stick garnish.

• Citrus Wheels: Dry slices of orange, lemon, or grapefruit for a rustic, aromatic garnish.

• Candy Cane Rims: For peppermint-flavored drinks, crush candy canes and use them to rim the glass for a festive touch.

Make Your Cocktails Stand Out this Season

This holiday season, impress your guests with cocktails that bring warmth, creativity, and festive flavors to your gatherings. Each drink, whether a cozy Old Fashioned or a sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz, adds a unique experience to your Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration.

To hone your mixology skills and get inspired, join our Art of the Cocktail class on November 12. We’ll explore seasonal cocktails, Scotch-based creations, and expert techniques for crafting memorable drinks. Reserve your spot today to make this holiday season truly special!