Cheers to the holiday season with these Christmas whiskey cocktails! Ten festive Christmas cocktails with whiskey to sip on this holiday.
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Happy holiday season, Rhubarbarians! As we enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, let's warm up the chilly nights with a touch of holiday spirit (literally lol), and sip on some Christmas cocktails!
The fireplace is crackling, the tree is glowing with twinkling lights, and you're cozy on the couch with a festive cocktail.
Or, maybe you're hosting a fun holiday celebration and clinking glasses full of holiday flavors and whiskey. Either way, it feels like Christmas magic.
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Why you'll love these
These festive Christmas cocktails with whiskey, bourbon, rye, or scotch are full of complex and warm flavors. Perfect for a holiday without being complicated.
- Seasonal favorites: These cocktails aren't just drinks; they're a celebration of holiday flavors. From the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to the tartness of spiced cranberry, these are perfect for the holidays.
- Versatility: Whether you're a whiskey aficionado or a casual sipper, there's a drink here for everyone. From bourbon to scotch, you can adjust each cocktail to your liking.
- Easy and elevated: No need for a mixologist degree! These recipes are worthy of a holiday without the fuss.
- Festive garnishes: Is there any better time to have fun with cocktail garnishes than the holidays? From cinnamon sticks to sugared cranberries to sprigs of rosemary and orange peel garnishes, these are stunning.
Choose the right whiskey
Selecting the perfect type of whiskey for your Christmas cocktails is important for crafting a cocktail that you and your guests will enjoy.
- Whiskey types: Bourbon, rye, and scotch each bring their unique character to the party. Bourbon, with its sweet and vanilla notes, is a classic choice. Rye introduces a spicier kick, while scotch, often peaty and smoky, lends a distinct depth. Choose whichever type you enjoy the most!
- Consider the crowd: Are you mixing for seasoned whiskey enthusiasts or a diverse group with varying preferences? Opt for a versatile bourbon if in doubt—it's favored by many people over smoky scotch!
- Price points: Quality need not break the bank, especially if you are serving to a crowd. Affordable yet commendable options like Four Roses, Bulleit, Buffalo Trace, or Maker's Mark are ideal for mixing. Save the pricier, aged bottles for savoring neat or on the rocks.
My overall recommended whiskey for Christmas cocktails is Bulleit bourbon. It is smooth and gently spiced, making it the most versatile choice for your holiday drinks.
Recipes
'Tis the season for clinking glasses, spreading cheer, and savoring the magic of the holidays! Here are your ten holiday whiskey cocktails to try this year.
A classic hot toddy is amazing for cozying up with a blanket and some Netflix on a cold day, but this apple cider spin on a toddy is perfect for a cozy holiday.
This cranberry manhattan, with its vibrant color and tart flavor is a festive twist on a manhattan cocktail. We add cranberry juice and fresh orange to the classic whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
The light and airy, yet creamy texture of this eggnog mixed with the flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and bourbon make for the perfect holiday cocktail.
This impressive and stunning cocktail is a fun twist on a whiskey sour with an added red wine float. It's a classic cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season.
5. Vegan whiskey chai with orange
Chai tea is steeped in sweetened almond milk and mixed with whiskey and fresh orange juice. Such a warm and cozy treat!
The holidays aren’t complete without all things gingerbread. This cocktail is sure to put everyone in a happy, festive mood.
7. Cinnamon maple whiskey sour
It’s a spiced twist to the traditional whiskey sour that is perfect for the holidays. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this whiskey sour in the comfort of your home.
Perfect for Christmas and cold winter nights, this Holly Jolly Christmas Cocktail is Santa approved! A warm hot chocolate base is mixed with some bourbon (or whiskey), nut, and butterscotch flavors.
9. Whiskey punch with drunken cherries
If you try one new punch recipe this holiday season, this is the one. This recipe has it all; a little sweet, a little citrus, and a cherry on top! This whiskey sour party punch is going to make you a star at your holiday party!
The Boulevardier is a riff on a classic Negroni, swapping whiskey for gin. It's just as refreshing as the Negroni, but a little less bitter - smooth, balanced. The ruby hue makes it a gorgeous holiday cocktail.
Serving suggestions
In my opinion, preparing the presentation of a Christmas cocktail is the most fun part, other than sipping, of course! Here are my tips for serving:
- Fancy glassware: Bust out the fancy glasses, it's the holidays! Go with the martini glasses, low ball cocktail glasses, and clear mugs so that you can see your beautiful creations.
- Festive garnishes: Elevate your drink presentation with festive garnishes. A cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary, sugared cranberries, or brandied cherries not only add flavor but transform your drink into a gorgeous holiday presentation.
- The ice cubes: For the cocktails served over ice, the right ice can make all the difference. Use large, clear cubes for slow dilution in cocktails like an old fashioned or boulevardier.
Food pairings to try:
- Enjoy cozied up by the tree with a slice of homemade gingerbread or pumpkin cranberry bread.
- Have appetizers out for guests like these cream cheese cranberry crescent rolls or cranberry glazed meatballs.
- Don't forget something sweet for your guests! Try these cranberry orange hand pies or classic homemade sugar plums.
So, crank the holiday tunes, create a warm and inviting environment, and cheers to the holiday season when you serve your Christmas whiskey cocktails!
Recommended equipment and resources
Here are some kitchen tools and essentials for making perfect holiday cocktails at home as well as resources and articles you may find helpful.
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker. Here's a set with a jigger, lid, and spoon!
- Citrus juicer. I love this OXO juicer.
- Gorgeous glassware: martini glasses, low ball cocktails glasses, and clear glass mugs. These vintage style martini glasses are awesome!
- Large ice cube mold. These huge round ones are so cool.
- Cocktail garnish picks. Simple silver ones are perfect.
- Microplaner. This OXO one is perfect for grating fresh nutmeg.
Resources:
- You can find all of the Christmas recipes on the site here.
- You can find all of the cocktail recipes on the site here.
- If you need a non-alcoholic option, try this cranberry orange mimosa mocktail or holiday spiced coffee.
FAQs
If you have a question it may be answered here! If not, drop a question in the comment section here and I'll answer as soon as I can.
A few of these can, but most are best when prepared right before serving. Try partially preparing them in advance by measuring out the liquids, chopping garnishes, etc.
Most of them, yes! Be sure to keep the ratios of ingredients the same when you scale up the amount of servings.
Absolutely! While having bar equipment can enhance the experience, many of these cocktails can be made with basic kitchen tools. Use a mason jar for shaking if you don't have a shaker, a long spoon for stirring, and improvise with what you have for straining.
Feel free to experiment, customize, and enjoy the festive spirit with these Christmas whiskey cocktails. If you have more questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to get creative and make these recipes your own! Cheers to a joyful and flavorful holiday season!
If you make any of these Christmas whiskey cocktails, please let us know on social media or in the comments below! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram with #Rhubarbarians.
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