Creating Holiday Cocktails

Whether you are hosting a party this holiday season or want to create a festive drink to make your tree trimming a bit jollier, we have some holiday cocktail recipes to help make your spirits merry and bright.

The Peppermint Patty

A favorite from 3800 Ocean at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa in Riviera Beach, FL will have visions of candy canes dancing in your head.

Ingredients:

Build in a glass with a crushed peppermint candy rim

• ½ oz Peppermint Schnapps
• ½ oz Vanilla Vodka
• ½ oz Cream
• ½ Frangelico
• ½ Chocolate Liqueur

Directions:

1. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.
2. Enjoy!

Cran-Apple Fizz

This is a pretty red drink using Stillhouse, a 100% clear corn American whiskey that's distilled in Columbia, TN and available in five flavors—Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot. This one uses the Apple Crisp. Available for purchase nationwide here.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Stillhouse Apple Crisp Whiskey
• 2 oz Cranberry Juice
• 2 oz Soda

Directions:

1. Serve over ice in an old fashioned glass.
2. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Stillhouse Mule

Also made from Stillhouse, this uses the original Stillhouse Original whiskey and is for the traditionalist who prefers the American version of a Moscow mule.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Stillhouse Original Whiskey
• 3 oz Ginger Beer
• 4 Squeezes of Lime

Directions:

1. Blend and serve over ice in a copper mug.
2. Garnish with a lime wheel.

The Hanzo

The Hanzo, from jade bar at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, AZ—because holiday spice is always nice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cinnamon Smoked Bulleit Bourbon
• ¼ oz Five-Spice Simple Syrup
• 2 Dashes Cardamom Bitters

Directions:

1. Serve over rocks.
2. Garnish with orange zest.

Taste of the Holidays

Thanks to its garland-inspired garnish, this tall red-and-green treat from KANU Lounge at The Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, NY not only tastes but looks like the holidays.

Ingredients:

Build in a Tom Collins glass.

• 2 oz Blue Line Gin
• 1 oz Christmas Syrup (orange, clove, nutmeg simple syrup)
• 1 oz Cranberry Syrup
• Splash of Club Soda

Directions:

1. Add ice.
2. Garnish with a drunken cranberry speared on a rosemary sprig.

Give the Bartender the Night Off

The recipes above are super easy, but for an even easier night of tree-trimming fun, pick up a few bottles of VITANI martinis. These aluminum bottles have premium vodka infused with top quality ingredients to provide five great martinis. If you happen to reside here in Arizona, they are available at AJ's Fine Foods or you can find out more online at DrinkVitani.com.

I have two favorite flavors. The first is a traditional Cosmo Martini—premium vodka infused with natural cranberry, orange and triple sec.

 

The other is the Elderpear Martini—premium vodka infused with natural pear, honey and elderflower. Other flavors include a Dirty Martini (vodka with real olive brine); Citrus Ginger Martini (with natural ginger, lemon and lime); and Cucumber Martini (infused with natural cucumber).

We hope, as you trim the tree, deck the halls and greet friends and family from near and far this holiday season that you save a little time to enjoy relaxing and the peace of the season. Whip up a few of these drinks using these fun holiday cocktail recipes and may your new year be merry and bright.