Holiday Drinks: Christmas Cocktails

The holidays are here. Christmas is a time that friends and family gather together, exchange gifts, and delight in the magic of the season. You are in the midst of party planning, writing invitations, and menu planning. Have you thought about your drink menu? Enhance the Christmas spirit by serving up a little holiday cheer!

Three Wise Men

1/3 oz. Jack Daniels
1/3 oz. Jim Beam
1/3 oz. Johnny Walker

This shooter is quite easy to mix and men seem to really like it. In a shot glass, pour in Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, and Johnny Walker. This is a stout shot. I recommend limiting servings.

For the ladies you may want to try something a little milder. Women tend to enjoy sweet or sour cocktails. For the women at your gathering you can try one of the following:

Peppermint Patty

½ oz. Peppermint schnapps
½ oz. Dark crème de cacao
1 oz. Heavy cream (half and half)

To mix a Peppermint Patty, fill a rocks glass with ice add you peppermint schnapps, dark crème de cacao and cream. Stir well and serve. You may garnish with a sprig of mint or a mini candy cane if you like.

White Christmas Dream

1 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Heavy cream (half and half)
1 oz. Vodka

In a mixing glass, pour in your Amaretto, cream, and Vodka. Shake and strain the liquid into a chilled cocktail glass. For tips on preparing a shaken drink see "Bartender Basics for Holiday Parties."

Want to serve many without a lot of effort? Try a pitcher drink! Pitcher cocktails are easy to prepare but must remain refrigerated.

Christmas Cocktail

3 cups of Vodka
1-½ cups of Cointreau (triple sec)
1-½ cups Cranberry juice
1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

In a tall pitcher combine Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry juice, and lime juice. Stir well and refrigerate. Serve over ice and garnish with slice of lime.

Christmas is the season for eggnog. Everybody loves the rich and creamy taste and it just smells like Christmas. Have you ever tried homemade eggnog? It is truly delightful.

Traditional Eggnog

1 dozen eggs
2 cups of superfine granulated sugar
2 cups of Dark Rum
2 cups of Cognac or Brandy
2 cups of Cream (half and half)
6 cups of Milk
Nutmeg

Carefully separate the eggs and set the whites aside. In a large bowl beat the yolks and sugar until thick. Stir in your dark rum, Cognac, milk and cream until well blended. Pour the yolk mixture into a large punch bowl. Refrigerate to chill completely. Just before serving, beat the egg whites until they are stiff. Gently fold the stiffened whites into the mixture, taking care not to beat or stir the nog. Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve. Do not add ice, as it will destroy the taste.

Need a virgin drink for the kids? Try a punch. Punches should be kept cold with a block of ice instead of cubes. Freezing water in a large container can make a block of ice. The block can be easily removed by setting the frozen container in hot water for a minute.

Pineapple-Cranberry Juice Punch

2 qt. Unsweetened pineapple juice
2 qt. Cranberry juice cocktail
16 oz. Club Soda
16 oz. Ginger Ale

Chill all ingredients prior to mixing. Combine pineapple and cranberry juices with the club soda and ginger ale. Add a block of ice. Stir well and garnish with pineapple slices.

For your eggnog and punches, be sure to have a serving ladle so guests are not tempted to dip their cups into the bowls.

Serving drinks comes with responsibility. Please be sure to serve food along with your cocktails. Observe how much your guests are drinking and cut them off if necessary. Remember drinking and driving does not mix.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Recipes adapted from:
Feller, Robyn M. The Complete Bartender. New York: Berkley Books, 1990.