Life
15 Holiday Drinks We Want to Sip Right Now
Sure, there's nothing like a good batch of holiday cookies to bake and share with family and friends. But they alone do not pave the path to holiday merriment, as evidenced by this epically gorgeous collection of festive holiday drinks. Does a maple cranberry bourbon martini sound good to you? How about a creamsicle mimosa? Or a classic old-fashioned with (gasp) homemade brandied cherries? Got a sleigh to guide? How about a warm mug of (virgin!) wassail, or a caramel apple cider float? These holiday spirits are sure to get you in the spirit. So grab some cookies (obviously), but grab your cocktail shaker too. You're going to be thirsty after this...
Image: Family Fresh Cooking
Chocolate Bourbon Eggnog
When it comes to this recipe from The Gouda Life, I don't even know where to start. First she makes eggnog. Then she adds chocolate. Then she adds bourbon. I die. Dear Santa, bring me this drink. I've been very good this year.
Image: The Gouda Life
Apple Spice Cocktails
Does one ever get sick of apple spiced goodness? In this apple spice cocktail recipe from Love and Lemons, apple juice is simmered with cinnamon sticks and star anise, mixed with vanilla vodka, and garnished with fresh apple slices. So delightful.
Image: Love and Lemons
Maple Cranberry Bourbon Martini
Maple and bourbon are old flavor friends. And when they make nice with cranberry, the three come together to say "Happy Holidays" in a big way. Mix up a batch of these maple cranberry bourbon martinis from Family Fresh Cooking and see what I mean.
Image: Family Fresh Cooking
Fresh Cranberry Ginger Margaritas
Tart cranberry. Spicy ginger. Warm vanilla. And tequila? Yes, please! These fresh cranberry ginger margaritas from How Sweet It Is are oh so pleasing with their sugared cranberry garnish. One of these will have you feeling very merry in no time.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Pear and Ginger-Sage Cocktail
These magical pear and ginger-sage cocktails from A Cozy Kitchen start with a a ginger-sage simple syrup. Think that sounds pretty good? Imagine it mixed with pear nectar — and vodka. A couple of these will have you rocking around the Christmas tree.
Image: A Cozy Kitchen
Classic Old-Fashioned with Brandied Cherries
There's nothing like a good old-fashioned. And when it's topped with a (deep breath) brandied cherry, there's really nothing like it. I have so many FEELINGS about this festive sip from The Gouda Life. And all of them are good.
Image: The Gouda Life
Eggnog Chai Smoothie
You know what's a fun trick? Stuffing eggnog, chai mix, and sugar into a blender and calling it a smoothie. Health food win! Disguise your decadent eggnog by incorporating it into this divine drink from Averie Cooks. You are so smart — and so well fed!
Image: Averie Cooks
Bourbon Apple Sangria
Nostalgic for the halcyon days of summer sangria? We've got you covered with this bourbon apple sangria from Climbing Grier Mountain. It's perfect, no matter if your preference is Christmas in July or July at Christmas.
Image: Climbing Grier Mountain
Slow Cooker Cider Wassail
"Wassail" is a part of our holiday lexicon, but what is it really? In this version from A Spicy Perspective, apple cider is slow simmered with orange juice, hibiscus tea, cinnamon, cloves, juniper, ginger, and fresh fruit. The best part? It's all done right in the slow cooker. Which, this time of year, equals more time for Christmas shopping.
Image: A Spicy Perspective
Honey Sage Gin Fizz
Feeling naughty? I've got just the thing. How about a couple of these honey sage gin fizz cocktails from How Sweet It Is? Sounds amazing, right? And that's even before you knew it has a smoky bacon honey rim. The stuff of dreams, folks. Right over here.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Paleo Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Marshmallow Cookies
Cocktails shouldn't have all the fun. This Paleo hot cocoa from Against All Grain — with its creamy coconut milk, deep dark chocolate, and a mess of honey — is having quite a bit of fun itself. Who needs booze when you can get chocolate drunk?
Image: Against All Grain
Blueberry Glögg
Glögg is the quintessential Scandinavian Christmas drink of hot red wine mulled with warm winter spices, dried fruits, and a big serving of pepparkakor (ie, gingerbread) on the side. This update from Green Kitchen Stories incorporates blueberry puree to create something extra special for you and yours. Don't forget the gingerbread!
Image: Green Kitchen Stories
Creamsicle Mimosas
There are mimosas and then there are MIMOSAS. This creamsicle variety via How Sweet It Is is of the second camp. The one in CAPS LOCK. All you need is orange juice, marshmallow vodka (that's a thing), champagne, and whipped cream, and you're good to go.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Caramel Apple Cider Floats
Looking for something even the kiddies can enjoy? This idea from Mel's Kitchen takes the concept of the soda float to a whole new level. With ginger ale, apple cider, vanilla ice cream, and a caramel drizzle, this drink is sure to get you on the nice list. Already on the naughty list? Throw a bit of rum in there and toast your bad behavior.
Image: Mel's Kitchen
Fiery Eggnog Martini
Santa is known for his penchant for cookies, but my sources tell me he's also keen on a good martini — especially when it's as fun and as merry as this fiery eggnog martini from Back To Her Roots. 100 proof cinnamon schnapps? That is undoubtedly Santa's kind of party.
Image: Back To Her Roots
