During the holiday season, there can be a lot of pressure to be the perfect host to friends and family. That includes making sure everyone is entertained, has plenty to eat and of course has a drink in their hand.
This year, rather than resorting to the typical Rum & Eggnog or Mulled Wine, why not impress your guests with a few creative alternatives? Here are five that aren’t too complicated to make, but will definitely be a conversation starter.
Bombay Galaxy Espresso Negroni
As a big fan of Negroni’s in general, this twist with coffee is a great holiday choice.
1 oz Star of Bombay Gin
1 oz Martini Rosso
1 oz Campari
0.5 oz Coffee
Orange wheel and coffee bean
Method: Stir ingredients into an ice-filled mixing glass. Fine-strain the liquid into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with the orange wheel and coffee bean.
Grey Goose Espresso Martini
Sticking with the coffee theme, this one is far too delicious to pass up. Honestly, you’ll drink three of these before you even realize it.
1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka
1 oz Espresso
0.75 oz Premium Coffee Liqueur
Method: Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake hard. Double-strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with shaved nutmeg for some extra spice.
Grand Punch Bowl
Rather than having to make a bunch of cocktails individually, this large batch cocktail is a great replacement for the Rum & Eggnog bowl.
2 cups Grand Marnier
2 bottles of Champagne (chilled)
0.5 cup Black Raspberry Liqueur
2 cups Pineapple Juice
4 cups Ginger Ale
2 cups Fresh Raspberries
Method: Combine all the ingredients in a large punch bowl and stir gently to combine.
Paper Plane
Simple, easy to make and absolutely delicious. This one can be enjoyed all year round.
1.5 oz Amaro
1.5 oz Aperol
1.5 oz Bourbon
1.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Method: combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for a good 20 seconds and strain into two chilled coupe glasses.
New York Sour
This has all the flavour of a classic whisky sour but wine some added dryness from the red wine to give it a winter profile. Egg whites are optional.
2 oz Rye Whiskey
0.75 oz Simple syrup
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Egg white
1 oz Dry Red Wine (Malbec works well)
Method: combine all ingredients, except wine, in a cocktail shaker and shake for 15 seconds until egg white emulsify with the citrus. Add ice and shake for additional 15 seconds to chill. Strain into rocks glass and top with a pour of red wine.
Ale/Sessions 