The holiday season is the perfect time to shake up your cocktail lineup. These lesser-known Christmas cocktails are sure to impress your guests and add something exciting to any casual event.
1. Cranberry Sage Margarita
Give your margarita a festive twist by infusing tequila with fresh sage and muddled cranberries. Add lime juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of Cointreau for a tart and herbaceous sip. Serve it over ice in a glass rimmed with sugar and crushed sage leaves.
2. Peppermint Espresso Martini
This rich cocktail combines deep flavors of espresso with a hint of mint. Mix vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and a splash of peppermint schnapps together. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with crushed candy canes or a sprig of mint.
3. Spiced Pear Fizz
Capture the cozy essence of winter fruits with a spiced pear fizz. Muddle ripe pear slices with cinnamon and a touch of honey. Add gin, lemon juice, and sparkling water, then shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a thin slice of pear and a cinnamon stick.
4. Roasted Chestnut Old Fashioned
Elevate the classic old fashioned with a holiday twist. Make a roasted chestnut syrup by simmering chopped chestnuts, brown sugar, and water. Mix the syrup with bourbon, Angostura bitters, and orange zest. Serve over a large ice cube with a roasted chestnut skewer.
5. Gingerbread Flip
Sip your favorite holiday sweet with a Gingerbread Flip. Combine spiced rum, gingerbread syrup, a whole egg, and cream in a shaker. Shake thoroughly to emulsify, then strain into a coupe glass. Top with grated nutmeg or crushed gingerbread cookies for a creamy cocktail.
Cover Photo by Amy Vosters
