Christmas time is finally here and there’s no better way to get in the spirit than by dressing up in your best holiday-themed costume and drinking until the reindeer come home. SantaCon is just a day away and this day-drinking festivity can either be one of the highlights of your holiday season or just another inebriated mess. Don’t just wake up and start chugging beers or taking straight shots of Burnett’s. Instead, keep it classy with these six festive cocktails.
Alps Coffee
To get an early start, you’re probably going to need some coffee. Kill two birds with one stone by making the only kind of drink that will wake you up while simultaneously getting you buzzed. Mix brewed hot coffee, hazelnut liqueur, cherry brandy and sugar and cream to taste. Top it off by adding whipped cream, grated nutmeg and chocolate shavings.
Adapted from Fox News Magazine
Christmas Punch
Not only are pomegranates in season, but they are also a symbol of Christmas in Greece, making them the perfect flavor for a Christmas punch. The drink is made by mixing pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, vodka, orange-flavored liqueur, club soda, lemon juice and sugar. Not only does the punch have the red color of the season, but the club soda and citrus notes keep the drink light and refreshing. Plus, with something like this, you can make a big batch to share with your friends.
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living
Spiced Chocolate Eggnog
Inspired by the flavors of Mexican chocolate, this recipe takes this quintessential holiday drink to the next level. Put a cinnamon stick in a pot along with store-bought eggnog. Heat over medium-high heat without letting it come to a boil. Remove from heat and add either melted chocolate or chocolate syrup to taste. Then, pour the mixture into a bowl and place the bowl in a shallow ice bath to cool, stirring often. Once cooled, add bourbon or brandy to bring some warmth back to the mix.
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living
Blackberry Ombré Sparklers
Blackberries and champagne are a fabulous and unexpected combination that will wow your friends. Make a blackberry syrup by mixing equal parts blackberries, water and sugar in a saucepan and bringing them to boil (to make enough for four people, you’ll want to use one cup of berries). Reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the berries soften and a pinkish-purple syrup forms. Remove from heat and strain the mixture over a bowl to separate the blackberries from the syrup. Once cooled, place 4 tablespoons of the syrup into the bottom of a flute and top with champagne.
Adapted from The Cookie Rookie
Fireside Choco-Chat
Take your favorite childhood drink up a notch by adding a kick to your hot chocolate. Prepare a packet of hot chocolate and mix it with Pinnacle Marshmallow vodka and peppermint schnapps. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed peppermint. Hot chocolate is wonderful on its own, so adding the contrast of refreshing peppermint is just what you need to stay up and take on the night.
Adapted from Cosmopolitan
Naugh-TY Elf
TY KU citrus liqueur is a blend of Yuzu and other Asian super fruits. Mixing it with light white cranberry juice, ginger liqueur and lime juice will yield a festive, bright green cocktail. Not only is it delicious and light in calories, but the ginger will help to settle your stomach after a long day of drinking.
Adapted from Cosmopolitan
With all of these fun recipes to play with, you don’t want to ruin your day (or your friends’) by overdoing it. Know your limits, drink lots of water and remember to eat, so you never have to find out how Christmas-spiced vomit looks.