2 Great Holiday Cocktails

There’s nothing like enjoying a great cocktail during the holidays; whether you are hanging out with friends, or welcoming family from far away home, holiday cocktails can set the mood. The best thing about holiday drinks is that you can leave out the alcohol for those that don’t or can’t drink. Even kids can join in holiday traditions when you have non-alcoholic punches such as eggnog. Years ago, families would have one big bowl of punch just for the kids, usually made with pineapple juice, ginger ale, and orange juice. Recipes for Christmas punch can be found all over the internet and in old fashion recipe books.

If it’s going to be an adults-only party, you can make your guests happy by mixing up two bowls of alcoholic holiday punch based on these old fashioned recipes. It isn’t often you find the old Christmas punches at parties these days, so why not make your own? Try a twist on the old fashioned favorite, and spike it!

This special punch is a new twist on a Christmas punch recipe from the 1900s. To update this entry to the holiday cocktails list, don’t worry about boiling sugar and cranberries together to make a syrup like in the old days. Instead, pour a 32 ounce bottle of cranberry juice into a punch bowl. Add 1/2 cup vodka. Pour in one jar of maraschino cherries, including the juice. Just before serving, pour in one can of pineapple juice and one bottle of ginger ale. Add ice. You may also float an ice ring in the bowl for a more old fashioned feel. Just because it says “punch” doesn’t mean it isn’t a great part of holiday cocktails.

While this drink is not technically served as a punch in modern times, several hundred years ago it was. Wassail has a long history, and was traditionally served in a large bowl to guests during holiday festivities. The drink was made from cider and fruit. Today’s recipe has been modernized and is now served in mugs, in a similar way to mulled cider or wine. It is part of any folklore-loving holiday cocktails list. The addition of spiced rum adds an adult taste to this warming, winter favorite of holiday cocktails.

You will need 6 cups of apple cider, 6 ounces of spice rum, 2 1/2 cups apricot nectar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cloves, 4 whole allspice, and 3 cinnamon sticks. Pour all ingredients except the rum into a large, heavy bottomed pot. Heat to boiling and remove from heat. Allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and add the rum. Serve warm in mugs. For a fun accent, garnish with a stick of cinnamon. It is a great addition to your holiday cocktails list.