Every week we pull together some great Canadian recipes from Canadian food bloggers around the web featuring one main ingredient or dish. Be prepared for winter entertaining this year with a few new holiday cocktail recipes in your back pocket!
When the festive season arrives it's time to mix and mingle! Spending time with family and old friends tops the list for most of us of "must do" activities - not to mention celebrating with new friends, colleagues, neighbours and your fellow book club members or rec league hockey teammates.
In other words, it's time to party! And parties need something to sip on! We've got 20 holiday cocktails that are sure to add some extra pizazz to your gatherings. Most are extremely easy to make and can even be made by the pitcher for fast and easy pouring. Others require a little more prep but if you have some sophisticated mixologists on your list they're going to be impressed!
But before we start here's one of our holiday time-saving entertaining tips:
Make Some Simple Syrups!
The name doesn't lie - simple syrups are just that: simple! Simple syrups are a bartender's best friend. There's no need to water down your holiday booze budget buying simple syrups when you can literally have one cooked up and ready to use in under 5 minutes. They store in the fridge for weeks (we add a teaspoon of vodka to our batches for even longer fridge life) and the flavour combos are limitless.
Everything you need to know about making your own simple syrups can be found right here along with 4 different flavour combos to try. There's even tips on how to sub in natural sweeteners (the rules change a bit if you're not using sugar).
And remember - simple syrups aren't just for cocktails. You can use them in mocktails, tea, hot chocolate or to brighten up sparkling water. You can even use them in your cooking!
Need more hosting tips? Here's our Guide To Hosting A Holiday Cocktail Party on A Budget.
Now that you've prepped ahead, let's say cheers with the cocktails! Here's 20 holiday cocktails your guests will love!
Remember to always drink responsibly, provide non-alcoholic options and ensure your guests have a safe way to get home when the festivities end!
1. Cranberry Apple Mojito
This sweet and tangy Cranberry Apple Mojito from Teak & Thyme will be a favourite at your holiday table. It looks beautifully festive, tastes delicious, and is the perfect winter twist on a fruity cocktail.
2. Cinnamon Orange Glogg
by In the Kitch
Glögg is a Swedish variation of mulled wine best served hot and shared with great company. This Cinnamon Orange Glögg from In The Kitch will bring the feeling of European Christmas night markets right into your home!
3. Gingerbread Man-hatten
This Gingerbread Man-Hatten from Jillian Rae Cooks is a spin on a classic Manhattan cocktail, using gingerbread whisky but without the cherries. (You can buy it online if you can’t find it at your local liquor store).
4. Polish Apple Pie Cocktail with Cinnamon Simple Syrup
by Eyes Bigger Than My Stomach
This Polish Apple Pie Cocktail with Cinnamon Simple Syrup from Eyes Bigger Than My Stomach is a very easy to make vodka based cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season. The extra cinnamon simple syrup is a great addition to other holiday drinks too!
5. Bailey's Candy Cane Cocktail
This Baileys Candy Cane Cocktail from Slow the Cook Down is sure to get you in a festive mood! Creamy Baileys is shaken with creme de menthe and creme de cacao for a mint chocolate taste explosion. Don’t forget that candy cane and dark chocolate rim!
6. Ponche de Frutas - Mexican Hot Fruit Punch
This Ponche de Frutas from a Taste for Travel is a hot fruit punch made of fresh and dried fruits served at Christmas and on New Year's Eve in Mexico, Guatemala and Latin America. Spike it with dark or white rum. You can use any mixture of fruit but pineapple, plantain, and pineapples are musts!
7. Cranberry Rosé Fizz
This Cranberry Rosé Fizz from Cooking in My Genes is a combination of sweet and tart plus a little sparkle making this a cocktail full of holiday flavours!
8. Pomegranate and Clementine Festive Margarita
Two of the season's most festive fruits make their way into Kravings Food Adventures Pomegranate and Clementine Margarita. Make the most of citrus season and give this margarita a try!
9. Smoked Saskatoon Rye Whisky Flip
Delicious and tart, smoky and complex, this Smoked Saskatoon Rye Whisky Flip from Dish 'n' the Kitchen is absolutely perfect for holiday entertaining. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or fresh ground nutmeg on top for an extra festive treat.
10. Ginger Beer Mimosas
Add some festive flavours to your holiday brunch with these Ginger Beer Mimosas from Crumb Top Baking. They’re a spin on traditional mimosas, with freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka, cardamom, ground ginger and ginger beer!
11. Cranberry French 75
This Cranberry French 75 cocktail from My Kitchen Love is a twist on the classic French 75 recipe. It's infused with cranberry to bring the holiday season together. Gin, sparkling wine, with bright cranberry and lemon flavours!
More Holiday Cocktail Ideas
Click on the photos to be taken to the recipes.
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Such a lovely inspiration for Holiday cocktails.