Holiday Cocktails Bring Cheer and Connection
Mixologist-approved Cocktail Formula | The Vacation Tipple recipe
This holiday season, gathering with loved ones might look a little different, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some festive drinks to bring us together. Here are three cocktail recipes that are sure to add a touch of holiday cheer to your celebrations.
Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
A refreshing and visually striking holiday cocktail, the Cranberry Gin Fizz pairs sweet-tart cranberry, citrus, fizz, and botanical gin for a drink that’s crisp without being overly sweet.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- ½ orange, sliced
- 1½ cups gin (Beefeater or Tanqueray suggested)
- 1 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
- Candied cranberries (for garnish)
- 4 mint sprigs (for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
- Make the Syrup: Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reserve 1 cup syrup and set aside any extra for later use.
- Candied Cranberries: Heat the syrup to a boil, add cranberries, and simmer 2–3 minutes until berries start to burst. Let cool in syrup. Reserve 3 cranberries per cocktail for garnish.
- Muddle Fruit: In a large pitcher, combine 2 tablespoons drained cranberries, 6 tablespoons cranberry syrup, lemon wedges, and orange slices. Muddle vigorously.
- Infuse with Gin: Stir in gin and let steep for at least 5 minutes.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a strainer into another pitcher.
- Assemble: Fill four glasses with crushed ice and ¼ cup ginger beer or ale each.
- Shake and Serve: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add half the cranberry mixture, shake for 10 seconds, and strain into two glasses. Repeat for remaining mixture.
- Finish: Top each glass with additional ice, garnish with candied cranberries and a mint sprig.
Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail
A fragrant, herby alternative with vodka, cranberry juice, and rosemary simple syrup—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Single Serving: - Ice - 4 ounces cranberry juice - 2 ounces vodka - ½ ounce rosemary simple syrup - Rosemary sprig, lime wedge, or fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Pitcher (8 servings): - 2 cups vodka - 4 cups cranberry juice - ½ cup rosemary simple syrup
Preparation Instructions
Single Serving: 1. Fill a double old fashioned glass with ice. 2. Add rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, and vodka. 3. Stir well and garnish with rosemary, lime wedge, or fresh cranberries.
For a Crowd: 1. Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and rosemary simple syrup in a pitcher. 2. Stir until well mixed. 3. Pour over ice in individual glasses and garnish.
Sex on the Beach Cocktail
A fun, fruity beach classic that also serves as a cheerful, colorful option for holiday parties.
Ingredients
Single Serving: - 1½ oz vodka - ½ oz peach schnapps - 2 oz cranberry juice - 2 oz orange juice - Orange slice (for garnish)
Pitcher (4 servings): - 6 oz vodka - 2 oz peach schnapps - 8 oz cranberry juice - 8 oz orange juice - Orange slices (for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
- Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large bottle or pitcher.
- Shake: Shake well before serving.
- Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with orange slices.
A Summary of Holiday Cocktails
| Cocktail | Key Ingredients | Prep Style | Origin/Notes | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------| | Cranberry Gin Fizz | Gin, cranberry, citrus, ginger ale | Shaken, strained | Modern holiday twist on gin fizz | | Cranberry Rosemary | Vodka, cranberry juice, rosemary syrup | Stirred, batched | Contemporary, herby holiday drink | | Sex on the Beach | Vodka, peach schnapps, fruit juices | Shaken, batched | 1980s Florida, tropical, festive |
These cocktails offer a range of flavors and presentations, each suitable for bringing festive cheer to holiday gatherings. Whether you prefer a crisp and botanical gin fizz, a fragrant and herby vodka cocktail, or a fun and fruity classic, there's a holiday cocktail here for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, mix up a batch, and enjoy the holiday season with a little extra cheer.
This holiday season, enhance your lifestyle with a variety of food-and-drink options that will surely elevate your home-and-garden celebrations. Whether you're preparing cranberry-infused cocktails like the Cranberry Gin Fizz or the Cranberry Rosemary Cocktail, or opting for a classic party favorite like the Sex on the Beach, these recipes will create a delightful atmosphere and bring connection among loved ones.
