The holiday season is finally here. What better way to celebrate than to rug up in front of the fire with a hot toddy, or an orange-maple old fashioned? But holiday drinks are not just for the fireside. They can be enjoyed at any time of the day. You can serve a fizzy cocktail with your holiday cheese platter, pork roast, and plum pudding, or pair your sweet mince pies with mulled wine. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a Christmas party or New Year’s get-together, a great drinks menu will always be noticed, so make sure you spend as much time on it as the food menu. With this in mind, we’ve chosen four festive sips that will complement your Christmas table and get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Holiday Punch
A bowl of punch is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s cool, easy to make, and the possibilities are endless. In fact, the recipes for punch are as weird and wonderful as the Christmas sweaters we like to wear during this time of the year! For a sweet and balanced punch, we recommend seasonal ingredients like cranberry juice, orange juice, apple cider, and ginger ale. While you can leave it virgin for the kids, a splash of vodka or bourbon will give it a nice kick for the adults. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, and orange slices for visual appeal. The best part is pouring it into your glass the old-fashioned way – with a duck mouth ladle! Serve these delicious drinks in these elegant coupe martini glasses.
Spiced Eggnog
Nothing says Christmas like eggnog. But if you buy it pre-made or don’t make it correctly, it can taste eggy, saccharine, and unpleasant. We recommend making it from scratch with fresh eggs, cream, milk, sugar, rum (or brandy), freshly grated nutmeg, and a vanilla bean. Trust us, it makes all the difference. Most recipes advise you to heat up the egg mixture to avoid the risk of salmonella. Not only does it make it safe for your family and guests, it also tastes better.
What’s more, drinking warm eggnog can really hit the spot on a frosty evening. If you want to drink it the traditional way, chill the eggnog in a pitcher and serve it with whipped cream. For those who want a holiday drink without the calories, or if you’re nursing a winter cold, substitute with a hot toddy. This may not be as luxurious as eggnog, but the blend of rum (or brandy), honey, lemon, spices, and hot water can be soothing before bed. Keep all of your desired ingredients and seasonings separate but available in this convenient seasoning case.
Classic Snowball
What better way to top off a snowball fight than with a Classic Snowball. Start with an ice-filled glass filled with Advocaat liqueur and lemonade. Add a splash of lime or lime cordial, then stir gently with a cocktail spoon. Try not to dissipate the bubbles. They give the cocktail a frothy, mouth-tingling charm! Top it off with a bright maraschino cherry for a pop of Christmas color. If you’re not familiar with Advocaat, it’s a Dutch liqueur made from brandy, sugar, and eggs. It has a thick, custard-like consistency – not unlike eggnog! The Snowball was a Christmas staple up until the 1970s, but we think it should make a comeback, so put it on your holiday drinks menu.
Cranberry Spritzer
This alcohol-free cocktail is great for teetotallers, children, or those who want to limit their alcohol intake over the holidays. It’s refreshing and simple to make – even the kids can get involved. In a glass or cocktail shaker, throw in some cranberry juice, sparkling water, a squeeze of lime juice, and some ice cubes. Stir the ingredients gently and serve with fresh cranberries. For a different spin, add pineapple juice and honey – or a jigger of vodka if you want to get it up on its feet!
You don’t have to be a bartender to make show-stopping holiday drinks for your family and friends this year. With the right bar utensils from Unique Restaurant Supplies, you can whip up a candy cane cocktail or hot buttered rum in no time at all. Check out our shop for a full range of bar supplies and other kitchen products. If you’re looking for recommendations or want assistance with your order, email our friendly customer service team. Bottoms up!
