Holiday Drink Recipes

When Andy Williams first sang about the most wonderful time of the year back in 1963, he just had to be at least partly inspired by holiday cocktails that help to make it the hap-happiest season of all.  When there are parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow, we recommend trying some of these liquor, wine and champagne drink recipes.

Egg Nog: The holidays are all about tradition, and there is no more traditional holiday drink than egg nog.  The classic ingredients are milk or cream, beaten eggs, sugar, nutmeg and rum, although brandy, cognac and whiskey are common liquor substitutes.  Egg nog is served cold, usually in a punch bowl.

A traditional recipe calls for 12 egg yolks, beaten until light in color.  Slowly add two cups of rum while beating at a slow speed.  Chill for three hours.  Add ½ teaspoon of salt and beat until it peaks.  Whip three pints of heavy cream until stiff and fold in to the yolk mixture.  Fold in the beaten egg whites and chill for one hour.  Serve with nutmeg sprinkled on top.  Add milk for a thinner consistency.

Grinch: The sweet flavors of this green cocktail will make you think of the reformed Grinch who understood the true meaning of Christmas, not the ornery Grinch who was so annoyed by the noise, noise, NOISE!  Pour two ounces of melon-flavored Midori, ½ ounce of lemon juice, one teaspoon of simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake well, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with a maraschino cherry.  All of the adult Whos in Whoville would be proud.

Candy Cane: This refreshing dessert drink epitomizes holiday indulgence with its peppermint, chocolate and berry flavors.  Pour ¾ ounce of SKYY Berry Vodka, ¾ ounce of Peppermint Schnapps, ¾ ounce of white Crème de Cacao and ¼ ounce grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake well and pour into a cocktail glass rimmed with crushed candy canes or peppermint candy.  Fill with half and half and top with a splash of soda water.

Caroling Wine:  Warm up on a cold winter night this sweet and fruity concoction.  In a large saucepan, combine one cup of water, two cups of brown sugar, two cups of pineapple juice and one cup of orange juice.  Season with six whole cloves, three whole allspice berries, two cinnamon sticks and ½ teaspoon of salt.  Cut two oranges into strips and stir into the mixture.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.  Pour in four cups of red wine, heat to the boiling point and remove from heat.  Serve hot with a cinnamon stick and enjoy the warmth of a fire without the fire.

Mulled Wine:  Or Glogg, as it’s called in Sweden.  This popular winter drink typically combines red wine with traditional holiday spices.  Pour two bottles of red wine into a large pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Wrap two ounces of dried orange zest, two ounces of cinnamon sticks, 20 whole cardamom seeds and 25 whole cloves in a cheesecloth, secure with string and drop into the pot.  Boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Stir in one pound of almonds and one pound of raisins and boil for 15 more minutes.  Place a wire grill over the pot and cover with sugar cubes.  Pour on five ounces of brandy, completely saturating the sugar.  Light the sugar with a match and let it flame.  Cover the pot to put out the flame when the sugar has melted.  Remove the spice bag and serve hot with almonds and raisins.

Pomegranate Spritzers: Fruity and refreshing, this holiday favorite is perfect for brunch after watching the kids tear through their gifts.  Combine one bottle of fruity white wine, perhaps a Riesling or Chardonnay, with one cup of chilled sparkling water in a large pitcher.  Pour two tablespoons of pomegranate syrup into a glass and add wine mixture.  With one cup of pomegranate syrup, this recipe will make eight servings.

Champagne
Holiday Champagne Punch: Drain a 20-ounce can of pineapple chunks, reserving ¾ cup of juice.  Stir together the pineapple juice, one bottle of chilled white wine, one bottle of chilled champagne and ¼ cup of lemon juice in a punch bowl.  In a cocktail glass, pour the punch over a sugar cube and serve with small skewers of cut strawberries, kiwi and pineapple for a tropical and bubbly alternative to egg nog.

Holiday Bellini:  There’s no need to wait for New Year’s Eve to enjoy this joyful drink.  Pour one ounce of apricot nectar or liqueur into a champagne flute and fill to the top with four ounces of chilled champagne.  Stir gently.  The apricot puts a new twist on this holiday classic that usually includes peach nectar, offering a more festive color.