The holidays are certainly a cheery time of year, but sometimes we need a little extra cheer to get through the season.
Whether you’re looking for a drink to warm you up on a cold winter night or you’re searching for something to serve at a holiday party, we’ve got options for everyone’s taste, plus some suggestions on supporting local businesses with your festive libations.
Hot Toddy
If you’re looking for a quick drink to warm you up on a chilly day, look no further. A hot toddy is a simple and classic cold-weather cocktail that sounds and looks fancier than it is (you probably have all the ingredients in your cabinets right now). Traditionally, these are made with bourbon or whiskey, but I love them with rum!
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces bourbon *Shop local: A shot of New Riff would work wonders.*
- 2 teaspoons honey *Shop local: Check out Beelicious Honey Shop in Ludlow.*
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup hot water
Instructions
In a mug, stir hot water, whiskey, lemon juice and honey until the honey dissolves. Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick.
Mulled wine
Craving something warm, spicy and delicious that will also make your house smell great? Mulled wine is the perfect drink to have simmering on your stove during any holiday party. Also known as “glühwein,” which translates to “glowing wine,” the recipe is a popular Germanic holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine *Shop local: Check out Ripple Wine Bar for a great bottle.*
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 whole cloves
- 3-4 star anise pods *Shop local: Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices has spices in bulk.*
- 1 orange sliced
- ¼ cup sugar, honey, maple syrup or your preferred sweetener
- ¼ cup brandy (or more, who cares?)
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and bring to a simmer for about 20 minutes. This can also be done in a slow cooker on low for about an hour. Serve in mugs, garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange slices. Enjoy!
Spiked Eggnog
If you don’t want to use a dozen eggs and spend hours (if not days or even weeks, depending on the recipe) making your own eggnog, store-bought is fine. This rich, creamy cocktail is controversial, but to many (including myself), it wouldn’t be the holiday season without at least one glass.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces eggnog *Shop local: Stop by a farmers market around the holidays. You might just find a bottle.*
- 1.5 ounces dark rum, bourbon or brandy
Instructions
Mix ingredients together, or for a unique twist, shake carefully over ice. This can also be done in a pitcher portion, with the liquor amount proportionate to the eggnog. Garnish with a little ground nutmeg.
Irish Coffee
Back off espresso martini! Here comes the original coffee cocktail. (Just kidding, espresso martinis, we still love you.) If you’re needing a bit of a pick-me-up after several holiday parties and too much interaction with your extended family, we’ve got you covered.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces of fresh hot coffee
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or whatever sweetener you prefer)
- 1.5 ounces Irish whiskey
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Brew coffee, pour into a mug, add sweetener and stir until dissolved, stir in whiskey and top with whipped cream.
Cranberry Moscow mule
This seasonal take on the classic Moscow mule makes for a fun and light cocktail. If you’ve got someone who prefers fruity, vodka-based drinks, this is the one for them! While you don’t need the fancy copper cups, they do look very festive.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 4 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 lime, cut in half
- crushed ice cubes
- fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
Fill a copper mug or glass with ice. Shake cranberry juice, vodka and the juice of half a lime in a cocktail shaker over ice. Pour into glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with cranberries, a lime wedge and a rosemary stalk.