Mint mixed with vodka and martini glasses
Black currant nectar and empty shot glasses
Drunk Christmas caroling with friends who can’t sing
These are a few of my favorite things
We might have rhymed “glasses” with “glasses” there, but it’s the holidays and you shouldn’t be judging. This time of year can get stressful, what with all the presents to buy, family members to avoid, and parties to plan or attend. We can’t help you out with those first two problems, but we can help you out in the party department. Whether you are throwing a classy cocktail event or attending your college friend’s tacky Christmas house party, we’ve got you covered drink-wise. So take a deep breath, de-stress, and try your hand at a few of these holiday cocktails this year. Dazzle your friends and family with your newfound mixology skills! But hey, you can enjoy these drinks with friends or you can drink them alone. It’s the holidays after all, and we’re not judging.
Spiced Holiday Punch
This cranberry and apple based punch can be prepared with or without alcohol. Fill the kids’ glasses to the brim, but leave some room in your own glass for a generous pour of sparkling wine. Find the recipe at My Recipes.
Candy Cane Cooler
There are a lot of bad candy cane cocktails out there. This is a good one though, because it doesn’t have bits of anything weird in it and it’s not a scary color. Find the recipe at Food Network.
Pear of Desire
Pear of Desire was named with this quote in mind: “The savage man eats out of necessity; the civilized man eats out of desire.” Don’t be a savage this Christmas and drink some damn pears. Find the recipe at Food and Wine.
Smuggler’s Coffee
Start Christmas morning off right with this strong, alcoholic coffee. It’s even got a bit of nutritious orange in it so feel free to skip breakfast and go straight to opening presents, mug in hand. Find the recipe at My Recipes.
Cherry Gin-gria
Layers of raspberries, gin, maraschino cherries, and red wine… When a drink looks this complicated, you know it’s going to be good. Find the recipe at Food Network.
Champagne Mojitos
I am a firm believer in mojitos for every season, every holiday, every occasion. These have champagne in them which means they are fancy! Find the recipe at Food and Wine.
Black Currant Champagne
Here’s another simple, yet fancy champagne drank. This cocktail’s made with tart blackcurrant nectar and garnished with blackberries. Find the recipe at My Recipes.
The Grinch
Flavored with muskmelon and lemon juice, this green drink will make your heart grow three sizes this Christmas. It will also lower your inhibitions substantially, so keep that big heart of yours on lock lest you suffer the curse of Wham’s “Last Christmas.” Find the recipe at Mix that Drink.
Jingle Juice
To be honest, I might have included this cocktail based on its name alone. “Jingle Juice” sounds too precious. Find the recipe at My Recipes.
Merry Berry Christmas, Sugar!
This drink is meant to “make the kids feel like a part of the festivities” if you serve it without alcohol. What does that even mean? Are we letting kids pretend to get turnt by serving this drink? And, last time I checked, Christmas festivities are pretty much all about kids. All the adults get is cocktail parties. Now we’re giving that to the kids too? NO. Put alcohol in this delicious berry concoction and serve it to adults who deserve it. Find the recipe at My Recipes.
Holly Jolly Jelly Shots
Bonus: shots! Okay, so they’re not cocktails. But these jelly shots are beautiful, and you are guaranteed to impress when you show up at a party with these holly jolly babies. Find the recipe at Tablespoon.
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This article appears in Foodie Fixation.