The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some festive cocktails? Christmas ornaments are a staple of the season, and we've taken inspiration from these beautiful decorations to create 7 Christmas ornament-inspired cocktails that you'll love. From sparkling snowflakes to vibrant red berries, these drinks are sure to add some cheer to your holiday party.
The art of crafting cocktails is a lot like decorating a Christmas tree. You start with a base, add some flair, and finish it off with a touch of sparkle. Just as each ornament brings its own unique charm to the tree, each of these cocktails has its own special ingredients and flavors that will make your taste buds feel like they're trimming the tree.
So, let's get started and see what festive creations we can come up with!
1. Snowflake Martini
This elegant cocktail is as delicate as a snowflake, with a crisp, clean flavor that's perfect for the holiday season. Made with vodka, lime juice, and a splash of sparkling water, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Splash of sparkling water
- Edible silver glitter (optional)
Combine vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a lime wheel.
Why it's like a snowflake:
Just like a snowflake, this cocktail is delicate and ephemeral. The sparkling water adds a touch of magic, making it feel like a fleeting winter wonderland in a glass.
2. Candy Cane Old Fashioned
This twist on the classic Old Fashioned is a festive take on a winter favorite. With the addition of peppermint schnapps and crushed candy canes, this drink is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Combine bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Add peppermint schnapps and stir to combine. Garnish with a crushed candy cane.
Why it's like a candy cane:
Just like a candy cane, this cocktail is a classic holiday treat with a fun twist. The peppermint schnapps adds a refreshing and festive flavor that's sure to put a smile on your face.
3. Gingerbread Man
This spicy and sweet cocktail is inspired by the classic holiday cookie. With the addition of ginger liqueur and molasses, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1/2 oz ginger liqueur
- 1/2 oz molasses
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Splash of ginger beer
Combine rum, ginger liqueur, molasses, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wheel.
Why it's like a gingerbread man:
Just like a gingerbread man, this cocktail is spicy and sweet, with a hint of molasses that adds a rich and velvety texture.
4. Santa's Little Helper
This festive cocktail is inspired by the big man himself, Santa Claus. With the addition of cherry liqueur and a splash of sparkling water, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz cherry liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Splash of sparkling water
- Cherry garnish
Combine gin, cherry liqueur, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a cherry.
Why it's like Santa's little helper:
Just like Santa's little helper, this cocktail is small but mighty, with a bright red color that's sure to catch your eye.
5. Reindeer's Refresher
This refreshing cocktail is inspired by the reindeer that pull Santa's sleigh. With the addition of cranberry juice and a splash of sparkling water, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Splash of sparkling water
- Lime wheel garnish
Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wheel.
Why it's like a reindeer's refresher:
Just like a reindeer's refresher, this cocktail is crisp and refreshing, with a bright red color that's sure to catch your eye.
6. Elf's Kiss
This sweet and tangy cocktail is inspired by the mischievous elves that help Santa get everything done. With the addition of peach schnapps and a splash of sparkling water, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
- 2 oz peach schnapps
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Splash of sparkling water
- Peach slice garnish
Combine peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a peach slice.
Why it's like an elf's kiss:
Just like an elf's kiss, this cocktail is sweet and playful, with a bright pink color that's sure to catch your eye.
7. North Pole Noel
This festive cocktail is inspired by the North Pole, where Santa and his elves work their magic. With the addition of eggnog and a splash of nutmeg, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz eggnog
- 1/2 oz fresh nutmeg
- Splash of cinnamon
Combine bourbon, eggnog, and nutmeg in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
Why it's like the North Pole Noel:
Just like the North Pole, this cocktail is warm and inviting, with a rich and creamy texture that's sure to make you feel like you're sipping on a winter wonderland.
We hope you've enjoyed these 7 Christmas ornament-inspired cocktails as much as we have! Whether you're a fan of sweet and spicy or crisp and refreshing, there's something on this list for everyone. So why not get creative and start experimenting with your own holiday cocktails? Who knows, you might just create the next big thing!
We'd love to hear from you in the comments below! What's your favorite holiday cocktail? Do you have any special ingredients or recipes you'd like to share? Let's get the conversation started!
And don't forget to share this article with your friends and family who love cocktails as much as you do!
What's the best way to garnish a holiday cocktail?
+The best way to garnish a holiday cocktail is to use festive and seasonal ingredients like cranberries, rosemary, and candy canes. You can also use edible glitter and ice cubes to add a touch of sparkle to your drink.
Can I make these cocktails ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make these cocktails ahead of time, but it's best to prepare the ingredients and assemble the drinks just before serving. This will ensure that the flavors and textures are at their best.
What's the best way to serve holiday cocktails?
+The best way to serve holiday cocktails is to use festive glasses and garnishes, and to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can also serve the cocktails in a punch bowl or a large pitcher to make it easier for guests to serve themselves.