I'm The Designated Christmas Bartender Because Of These 9 Cocktails
My festive recipes are the best way to ring in the season.
I've always taken Christmas very seriously. My childhood home is the de facto holiday hosting house, which means that we fire on all cylinders in the kitchen. My mom bakes desserts, my dad cooks a massive spread of New Mexican classics, and I step into several roles, including as the resident bartender. Sure, we could settle for the standard selection of wine, beer, and mixed drinks, but it's the most festive time of the year—why shouldn't our drinks fit the occasion?
Since I joined the Delish team, I've developed dozens of recipes that span every meal, mood, and cuisine. This time of year, however, the recipes that really shine are my winter cocktails. Many of these drinks are even making an appearance at several Delish holiday celebrations this year. Whether your guests prefer vodka, rum, tequila, or whiskey, there's a Christmas cocktail for everybody on this list. I love all kinds of drinks, from sweet and sparkly to strong and spiced, so I know you'll find something to make for your celebrations too.
And the best part? The inevitable holiday hustle means you'll probably have more important kitchen projects to tackle, but luckily most of these recipes are low effort, able to be made in big batches, or both. Assistant Editor Of Audience Development Izabela Campos already pre-batched an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version of my bright, herbaceous Yule Mule for her holiday party. Deputy Recipe Editor Jill Baughman is batching up a big pitcher of my adorably festive Rum Rum Rudolph for friends and family. Digital Food Producer/Editor Camille Lowder is upgrading her family's typical tequila drinks by whipping up my cranberry palomas. While I can't be the bartender at your Christmas party, my recipes are so straightforward that you won't even need one.
Need more last-minute holiday hosting inspiration? We have appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts that'll make every party more fun and festive. If you do make any of these cocktails this year, let me know in the comments below how they turned out. Happy holidays, everyone!
Rum Rum Rudolph
This Christmas version of a rum & coke is inspired by Rudolph the reindeer’s bright red nose. To get the vibrant hue, we use tart cherry juice. The juice imparts a mild tartness that balances the sweetness of the soda. To really bring the holiday spirit home, we use a cherry and rosemary sprigs to make our own adorable version of Rudolph.
Get the Rum Rum Rudolph recipe.
Hot Toddy
A fire might be delightful when the weather outside is frightful—but the only way I want to warm up on a cold night is with a hot toddy. This hot cocktail comes together in just one mug. Simply combine all the ingredients in your cup, stir until the honey is dissolved, and enjoy!
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
Christmas Punch
There’s no better way to liven up a holiday party than with a big pitcher of punch. A lot of recipes use Kool-Aid, liters of soda, and even ice cream to build their cocktails for sweetness, but this Christmas punch forgoes all the added sugar and instead derives its natural sweetness from apple cider.
Get the Christmas Punch recipe.
Cranberry Paloma
Just like a classic paloma, this cranberry paloma is made with a base of tequila and grapefruit. It gets a boost of sweetness and tartness with the addition of cranberry juice cocktail. This sweetened cranberry-based beverage replaces the need for sugary sodas or simple syrup. Bonus: It adds a gorgeous red hue to your glass.
Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.
Champurrado
Unlike plain, watery hot chocolate you make with the powdered stuff, this champurrado is thick, rich, and decadent. It’s technically considered a type of atole, a warm drink invented by the Aztecs that's thickened with masa harina. Instead of tasting like a Choco Taco, though, the masa lends a delicately sweet corn flavor and gives the champurrado a delightful richness.
Get the Champurrado recipe.
Yule Mule
This Yule Mule is just as refreshing and bright as the traditional version, but makes a few festive swaps that make it perfect for the holidays. Instead of lime juice, we opt for the classic winter combination of cranberry and orange. We also give the mule a holiday twist by using rosemary instead of mint.
Get the Yule Mule recipe.
Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is a fixture at holiday celebrations, soirées hosted by the likes of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, and even episodes of Emily in Paris. Beyond its très chic reputation, it’s also simple to prepare and has a je ne sais quoi that makes any event extra-special.
Get the Kir Royale recipe.
Brandy Alexander
Making a Brandy Alexander couldn’t be easier: Just add equal parts of brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream for a sophisticated and luxurious post-holiday dinner cocktail. The Brandy Alexander is the perfect drink to round out a dinner party without having to make a complicated dessert. Think of it as a boozy, ultra-fancy chocolate milkshake!
Get the Brandy Alexander recipe.
Wassail
Wassail is a warm, spiced punch that’s traditionally served when celebrating the ancient English Yuletide tradition of the same name. It can be served with or without the addition of bourbon or brandy. The combination of warm spices, like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, infuse a heady, wintery essence into each steaming mug.
Get the Wassail recipe.
