It’s easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about hosting a cocktail party, especially during the busy holiday season. There are so many options and products available! But with these hosting tips and cocktail recipes, you’ll delight your guests and keep your holiday stress level low.
Tips for Hosting a Holiday Cocktail Party
- Decide how formal you want the party to be and make sure to communicate to your guests if they should wear their holiday best or keep it casual.
- Keep it simple; plan to prepare drinks ahead of time or set up a little bar area in your home so guests can help themselves.
- Give your guests something to munch on while enjoying their cocktails. Try a local caterer or you can find quick and easy selections at Kroger, too!
- Have your holiday playlist queued up and ready to set a cozy tone (check out Spotify for options).
- Keep a card or board game at the ready to keep the night lively.
- Have a some of non-alcoholic drinks available for your designated drivers.
As for what cocktail recipes to prepare, I have you covered! I picked three of my favorite, festive, and easy-to-make cocktails that will please a variety of palettes and delight your guests.
Holiday Cocktail Recipes:
Candy Cane Martini
This one is a classic! I enjoy a good martini, especially a festive one. If you are a sucker for peppermint, this one is definitely going to fall on your list of favorites.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces white chocolate liqueur (Godiva)
- 1.5 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce creme de cacao (white or clear)
- 1 ounce half & half
- 0.5 ounces peppermint schnapps
- White chocolate syrup & crushed peppermints/candy canes to garnish
How to prepare:
- Begin by preparing your martini glass. Rim the edge of the glass with the white chocolate syrup, then dip it into your crushed peppermints. Set the glass aside.
- Add the white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, half & half, & peppermint schnapps to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake the cocktail & strain into your martini glass!
Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
This cocktail recipes is a perfect choice for those of us who enjoy a warm cozy holiday drink. I know I do! This cocktail is a great way to keep you warm as it gets colder outside.
Ingredients:
- 2-4 cups of bourbon, depending on how strong you like your drinks
- 4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1 sliced mandarin orange
- 2-3 inch cinnamon sticks
- 2 inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 5 star anise
- ½ – 1 cup maple syrup
How to prepare:
- Pour the cranberry juice into a medium-sized pot. Add the mandarin orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, and star anise – bring to a boil. Reduce the heat & simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the juice to remove the spices.
- Add a ½ cup of maple syrup to your pot. Taste & add more maple syrup as desired.
- Pour 1 ounce of bourbon into your glass, then top with 1 ounce of the cranberry & spice mixture.
Pomegranate Mimosa
Lastly, we are giving the classic mimosa a seasonal makeover to add to your holiday get-togethers. For this recipe, you can choose your favorite bubbly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lime sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 750 ml bottle of your favorite bubbly (champagne, prosecco or cava)
- 3 cups pomegranate juice, use 100% if possible for a more authentic pomegranate flavor
- 6 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
How to prepare:
- Use the slice of lime & run it along the rim of each glass (I recommend champagne flutes, but any will work). Dip the rim in your granulated sugar.
- Fill each glass halfway full of pomegranate juice. Fill the rest with your chosen bubbly, adding less or more if desired.
- Garnish with 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds & sprig of rosemary for that holiday look.
Feel like going out instead of hosting? Try these unique spots to host a holiday event or simply check out some of our local light displays.
