Festive Holiday Cocktails
Tis the season to put on a tall red and white hat, hang up some lights, and maybe pour yourself a little drink to help you relax. Today, I’m going to share some of my favorite holiday cocktails that will hopefully put you in a festive mindset for this holiday season.
Candy Cane Alexander
This drink is a spin on a classic Brandy Alexander, a drink made with brandy, chocolate liquor, and heavy cream for a drink that tastes a bit like spiked hot chocolate and is already perfect for the holidays but, I’m going to give it a twist with a bit of peppermint schnapps for that classic holiday chocolate-peppermint flavor.
To make this drink, grab your shaker and combine 1/2 ounce of peppermint schnapps with 1 ounce each of creme de cacao (A chocolate flavored liquor), heavy cream, and brandy. Any brandy brand you like will work for this.
Add some ice to the shaker, and give it a vigorous shake to combine and chill the drink. Strain it into a cocktail glass, then if you want, you can garnish it with a little candy cane to give your holiday guests an idea of what they’re about to drink.
This drink was an experiment for me, but boy am I glad I tried it. That refreshing taste of the peppermint blends wonderfully with the nutty cocoa flavor and the fruity brandy for a slightly creamy cocktail that’s very easy to whip up.
Jack Rose
The Jack Rose is a slightly forgotten but highly delicious drink that is perfect to have with your holiday dinner, especially Thanksgiving. It might sound like it’s named for some famous person or bartender named Jack Rose, but it’s actually named for the fact that it has applejack and a rosy color.
The Jack Rose also could not be easier to make. Just combine 1/2 ounce each of fresh lime juice and grenadine and 2 ounces of apple brandy, aka applejack, in your shaker. Give it a generous shake with some ice, then strain it into a coup or any cocktail glass. I love how the tart grenadine blends with the crisp apple flavor for a drink that is the essence of fall.
Bonus Drink! If you add a little dash of absinthe to your Jack Rose, you can call that a Pan American Clipper.
Spiced Cider Margarita
The margarita is by far the most iconic and recognizable tequila cocktail in the world and has spawned dozens of variations. Today, I’m giving it a bit of a twist with some apple cider and a bit of cinnamon, for a lovely holiday flavor.
To get started cut a slit out of a lemon wedge, then rub the lemon wedge along the edge of your cocktail glass. Dip the rim of the glass in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to coat, then set aside.
In a shaker, combine 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 2 ounces of apple cider, and 2 ounces of tequila with some ice. Shake vigorously, add a large ice cube to the prepared glass, and strain the cider mixture on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and, if you want, a few slices of apple threaded onto a toothpick.
I love this cocktail because it has a nice apple flavor with a hint of spice from the bitters and the cinnamon, plus it is a cocktail that is very easy to drink.
French 75
New Year’s is a time for sparkling wine, fireworks, and a song that hardly anyone seems to know the words to. Given that fact, I think that the French 75 is one of, if not, the perfect New Year’s Eve cocktail for you to end the year with a bang.
To make a French 75, start by pouring 1/2 ounce each of lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker. Technically, a French 75 can be made with either French cognac or gin, but for today’s demonstration, I will be using cognac. With that said, add 2 ounces of French cognac to the shaker, Add some ice, and shake vigorously.
Strain into a cocktail glass, then to make this a classic 75, add 3 ounces of champagne or other dry sparkling wine. To open champagne, start by untwisting the thin wire at the top but keep the top on as it is there for your protection. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, then twist the cork and the bottle in opposite directions until you hear a slight pop sound, not the loud pop that we all associate with champagne. Pour as needed, then garnish the drink with a lemon twist.
And that is your French 75, a drink that might sound high-class and fancy but is actually named after a military canon because it feels like you got hit with one when you drink it.
Mix up any one of these holiday cocktails, and you will be guaranteed a festive taste all season long.
