Holiday Party Cocktails:
Be the Hero of Your Holiday Gatherings
The holiday season is upon us, and we all know what that means: endless parties, gatherings, and events where everyone’s looking to unwind, reconnect, and sip on something delicious. Whether you’re playing host for the annual family get-together, trying to impress at your workplace gathering, or simply looking to upgrade your hometown holiday bash, there’s one way to become the unsung hero of any event – bring the cocktails! Becoming the volunteer bartender is a quick ticket to fame (and the perfect excuse to hide out from Aunt Meg’s latest “when are you settling down?” questions).
Ready to elevate your holiday parties with some fantastic, crowd-pleasing holiday party cocktails? Let’s dive into some cocktail ideas, batching tips, and everything you’ll need to make sure your cocktail game is on point.
Holiday Party Cocktail Ideas
From warm, cozy drinks to fresh, festive flavors, holiday party cocktails offer endless opportunities to impress your guests. Here are a few recipes to add to your holiday repertoire, all inspired by the HipStirs Holiday Cocktail Guide.
Cranberry Pie Margarita
Ingredients: HipStirs Cranberry Pie Syrup, tequila, lime juice, and cranberry juice
Directions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a slice of lime.
This cranberry-forward twist on the classic margarita is perfect for a Thanksgiving feast or Christmas gathering. The bright flavors of cranberry mixed with the tang of lime and a hint of cinnamon make it both festive and refreshing.
Lavender Hot Toddy
Ingredients: Whiskey, HipStirs Lavender Haze Syrup, lemon juice, and hot water
Directions: Stir ingredients together in a mug and garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.
This drink is perfect for chilly nights and outdoor gatherings. The lavender adds a delicate, aromatic note, while the warmth of the whiskey and the hot water make it cozy and comforting.
Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned
Ingredients: Bourbon, HipStirs Pumpkin Spice Syrup, and bitters
Directions: Stir bourbon, pumpkin spice syrup, and bitters in a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange.
Cozy up with this seasonal twist on an Old Fashioned. The warmth of bourbon combined with the spiced notes of pumpkin makes it a go-to for any holiday evening. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a holiday blanket.
Winter Old Fashioned
Ingredients: HipStirs Old Fashioned Syrup, bourbon, Liquid Alchemist Falernum, aromatic bitters, cacao bitters
Directions: Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled and pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with a dried orange wheel.
This cozy twist on the classic Old Fashioned adds a touch of winter warmth with hints of cacao and spice. Perfect for sipping by the fire or impressing guests at holiday gatherings, this cocktail is both rich and seasonally festive.
Tips for Batching Holiday Party Cocktails
When you’re the designated cocktail maker, batching is a lifesaver. Making cocktails one by one is great for intimate gatherings, but at larger parties, batching is the way to go. Here’s how to streamline your holiday party cocktails:
- Choose Your Recipe Wisely: Not all cocktails are ideal for batching. Go for recipes that don’t require delicate muddling or shaking right before serving. Drinks like the Cranberry Pie Margarita and Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned are perfect for batching.
- Multiply Ingredients Evenly: If your recipe is for one drink, multiply each ingredient by the number of guests to ensure everyone gets a sip. Remember, it’s better to have extra than to run out mid-party!
- Add Dilution: When making individual cocktails, ice naturally dilutes the drink as it’s shaken or stirred. To replicate this for a batched cocktail, add about 20% water to your mix (or around 1/5 of the total volume).
- Chill in Advance: Batch your cocktails a couple of hours before the party, then pop them in the fridge. This way, they’re perfectly chilled and ready to serve.
- Garnish When Serving: To keep things looking fresh, hold off on garnishes until serving. Set up a garnish bar so guests can add their own – it’s an easy way to get everyone involved!
Garnishes, Tools, and Supplies
To set up your holiday bar and really wow your guests, here’s what you’ll need:
- Garnishes: Fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, lemon wheels, mint leaves, and rosemary sprigs are easy to find during the holidays and add a festive touch.
- Glassware: Rock glasses, martini glasses, and copper mugs are must-haves for serving these holiday cocktails.
- Tools: A cocktail shaker, jigger for measuring, and stirring spoon are essentials for mixing up each drink.
- HipStirs Syrups: Make sure to stock up on holiday favorites like Pumpkin Spice, Cranberry Pie, Lavender Haze, and Old Fashioned Syrup. These syrups elevate any cocktail and add a seasonal flair that your guests will love.
Download the Cocktail Recipe Guide!
Ready to be the MVP of holiday hosting? Our Holiday Cocktail Guide has all the recipes, tips, and inspiration you need to make your gatherings unforgettable. With step-by-step instructions for crowd-pleasing holiday party cocktails, you’ll have everything you need to impress your guests.
