Quick and Easy Holiday Cocktails

Candy Canes and peppermint make a highlight in this year’s most flavorful, desirable cocktail recipes. Make sure to keep your bar stocked with essential ingredients for those unexpected, thirsty guests and impromptu gatherings by the tree.

Candy Cane Vodka

Allow some prep-time before serving this to guests at your holiday events this year. Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS

 5 candy canes, broken into small pieces

2 cups plain vodka

Combine the broken candy canes with the cups of vodka into a mason jar and shake. Place concoction into the fridge for 3-4 hours until liquid is vibrantly red and the candy canes have dissolved. Now, serve and mix to your liking!

Moscow Mule

An everyday classic with the perfect minty kick for the season. Serves 2.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. vodka

2 oz. fresh lime juice

Ginger beer

Lime wedges, for serving Mint, for serving Ice

Grab two copper mugs, filled with ice. Pour 1 oz. of vodka and ½ oz. lime juice over ice in each mug. Use ginger beers to top off the cup, stir, and garnish with lime and mint leaves. Cheers! This everyday classic is perfect to sip while sitting on the porch with your loved one.

Candy Cane Kahlua Hot Chocolate

The perfect twist to your favorite childhood holiday drink. Serves 1.

INGREDIENTS

½ c. whole milk

½ c. heavy cream

1 candy cane

3 tbsp. sipping chocolate

¼ tsp. vanilla extract

1 ½ oz. Kahlua Whipped cream

Candy canes

In a saucepan over low heat, warm the milk cream. Add 1 candy cane and stir until melted. Next, stir in sipping chocolate and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and stir in Kahlua – however much your heart desires. Grab your favorite holiday mug, pour your drink, and garnish it with whipped cream and crumbled up candy canes! Enjoy and relax.

Warm Bourbon Cider

A hot bourbon cocktail that will impress yoco-workersers at this year’s holiday office party. Serves 20.

 INGREDIENTS

1 gal. fresh apple cider

5 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 ½ tsp. ground nutmeg

2 ½ tsp. ground ginger

3 c. bourbon

Heat your apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a stockpot on the oven. Once hot, but not yet boiling, remove from heat and add the bourbon. Stir well to properly distribute spices and cider. Now, pour and sip gingerly, be sure not to burn yourself!

Pomegranate Royale

A simple yet perfectly twisted version of the New Year’s Eve classic drink. Serves 1.

INGREDIENTS

5 pomegranate seeds

1 oz. pomegranate liqueur

4 oz. champagne, prosecco, cava, or any dry sparkling wine

Simply add pomegranate seeds to a champagne flute, add flavored liqueur, then top off with champagne or dry sparkling wine of your choice!

Peabody Candy Cane Martini

A stocking stuffer turned ingredient to this strong, simple, and sweet holiday drink. Serves 1.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz. vodka

1 tsp. peppermint schnapps

Crushed candy cane

Candy canes

Grab yourself a martini shaker, toss in all ingredients, and get to shaking. Strain liquid into a chilled cocktail glass. Finish off the drink with a festive, crushed candy cane “rimmer.” Leave one candy cane resting in the drink to provide a stronger flavor and a fun snack to eat while you drink.

Irish Coffee

Everyone’s favorite nightcap during these colder months. Serves 8.

INGREDIENTS

3 c. heavy or whipping cream

7 tbsp. sugar

1 c. Irish whiskey

6 c. rich, hot brewed coffee

Grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream and 3 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form; the consistency should be perfect for pouring. Pour hot water into 8 wine glasses to warm them. Drain them; add 2 tablespoons of Irish whiskey to each glass. The 4 remaining tablespoons of sugar should be stirred into the coffee until dissolved. Fill each glass to within 1¼ inch from the rim. Gradually pour whipped cream over a spoon, turned upside down into the coffee. If done correctly, the cream should be an inch thick. Sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon on top as desired. Now, kick your feet up and enjoy a nice fire and a nightcap to end your evening.