Entertaining can be exhausting, but it doesn’t need to be that way. If you’re looking for no-nonsense, simple drinks to serve your guests during the holiday season, here’s your go-to guide. There’s something for everyone, from vodka aficionados to gin lovers to coffee liqueur fans, in these five cocktails. The garnishes are optional, which means the prep is even easier. Pick a recipe and give it a go — you’ll be shaking up sippers like a pro in time (a true mixologist in the making) without spending too much time away from your guest(s).
Planning to spend the holidays in Boston? Here’s a complete list of open restaurants.
Tenure England Holiday Punch
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups Tenure England Vodka
- 2 cups lemonade
- 2 cups ginger ale
- Mint leaves
- Fresh cranberries
Mix all liquid ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl (you’ll need about a three-quart or larger). Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint and cranberries. Serves eight.
Irish Winter Spiked Coffee
- 3 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey
- 1 1/2 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
- 1 1/2 ounce Irish cream liqueur
- 8 ounces coffee (freshly brewed)
- Garnish: whipped cream
Combine ingredients in a mug or Irish coffee glass. Stir to combine. Top with whipped cream. Serves two.
Rosemary’s Baby
for rosemary’s baby
- 4 ounces Short Path Distillery’s Winter Gin
- 2 ounce cranberry
- 1/2 ounce lime
- 2 ounce fig syrup*
- Rosemary sprig garnish
Add all ingredients to a shaker, fill with ice, and shake until chilled. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a single rosemary spring. Serves two.
for the fig syrup
- 2 3/4 cups water
- 2 cups white sugar
- 7/8 cups quartered dried mission figs
Add water to saucepan and bring to a low simmer. Add figs and allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes. Strain out 2 cups of water and set aside, discarding remaining figs and seeds. Combine fig water with sugar, and stir until dissolved. Add to a sealed container and refrigerate. Yields about four cups and keeps up to one month.
Vanil Hot Chocolate
- 1 1/2 parts Stoli® Vanil™
- 1/2 part coffee liqueur
- 4 parts hot chocolate
- Marshmallows
Mix liquid ingredients together. Serve topped with marshmallows for garnish.
Rossa Fizz
- 2 orange segments
- 2 teaspoons of Muscovado sugar (or alternatively, use plain sugar)
- A splash of soda
- 1 oz of gentian liqueur or aperitif
- Top up with Sanpellegrino Aranciata Rossa
In the bottom of a sturdy, large glass (14 oz capacity), gently muddle the orange with the sugar and let it combine well by adding a splash of soda. Add some ice cubes, the gentian liqueur or aperitif and top it up with Sanpellegrino Aranciata Rossa. Decorate with another orange segment and a twig of rosemary.
