Holiday Drink Recipes: Wow Your Friends

Eat, drink, and be merry. Easier said than done. Here are our holiday drink recipes for throwing a festive party that will get everyone in the holiday spirits...

For when you don’t know where to start…

Get the basics for your bar cart. Buy a starter pack, or get the goods individually:

• Cocktail shaker. This one works. Or you could always use a mason jar, protein shaker, etc. No judgment.

• Jigger (tiny measuring cup). You could also use shot glasses to measure. And for the other thing.

• Barspoon/muddler. You need both. So get a multipurpose bar spoon with a flat top to crush things like this one.

• Extra points if you get a strainer. 

• ICE. Get it yourself because someone always forgets to pick up a bag.

For when the kitchen shelf isn’t cutting it…

Ditch the DIY bar cart and upgrade to one on wheels. Try this for a clean look, this for boho vibes, or this to be a farmer in those clothes. Psst...get a round one for tight corners and small spaces.

For when you need the booze…

Get some darks (whiskey, bourbon, or rum), some lights (gin, vodka, or tequila), and some that make you feel fancy (aperol, campari, or St-Germain). In a pinch? Stock up with Drizly.

PS: stay away from flavored liquor for now. You’ll limit yourself when it comes time to start mixing. If you do want to add some flavor, make your own syrup. Extra.

For when you need the right glass for the job…

We know you’ve got the wine glasses covered. But make sure you have a mix of short aka rocks glasses, tall aka highball glasses, and coupes (rhymes with boop) for martinis/champs/mixed bevs.

For when you don’t want to stand at the bar cart all night…

Spread a cup of holiday cheer. Literally. Keep your bottles on the cart, but get a tray to move your drinks from the libation station to your guests. Cheers.

How to make spirits brighter...

The holidays come once a year, so make it count by decking the halls with festive booze. Ahead, three cocktails that aren’t eggnog. Sorry, not sorry.

For when you’re hosting a crowd…

Make a big batch drink recipe like a White Winter Sangria. Sharing is caring.

What you need: Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay (2 bottles), sparkling apple cider (¾ cup), sugar (¼ cup), cranberries (¼ cup halved, ¾ cup whole), 2 apples (chopped), rosemary sprigs

What you need to do: Combine everything into a big pitcher. Stir it up to dissolve the sugar and then stick it in the fridge. Leave it there for 4 hours. No skimming off the top. Serve cold and garnish with rosemary sprig.

Pro tip: if you have an extra pitcher, make a second batch ahead of time. Letting the ingredients hang out in the fridge for longer means it’ll taste even better than your first.

For when you want to impress your friends...

Make an old favorite festive. This cocktail is almost as easy as opening a bottle of wine. Here’s how to make a Cranberry Mule:

What you need: Vodka (2 oz), ginger beer (3 oz), unsweetened cranberry juice (2 oz), lime juice (1/4 cup).

What you need to do: Mix everything but the ginger beer together. Top it off with the fizzy stuff. Garnish your cups with frozen cranberries (we want them frosty to stay on-theme). Copper mugs not required, but highly encouraged.

For when you’ve been gift shopping all day…

You’re cold. Your feet hurt. You want to cozy up. Do it with a Hot Toddy.

What you need: Hot water (8 oz), tea bag, bourbon (2 oz), honey (1 tbsp), lemon juice (1 tsp), lemon slice

What you need to do: Pour hot water into your fave mug. Steep for half the length of “Last Christmas” by Wham!. Remove the tea bag. Add honey, bourbon, and lemon juice. Stir. Garnish with lemon slice. Sink in and sip.

PS: These are partner products, which means if you purchase, theSkimm may get something in return.