Category Archives: Christmas Cocktails

Themed cocktails centering around the holiday spirit of good cheer, winter wonderland and jingle bells. Merry Christmas and all that jazz!

Barefoot Mistletoe Cosmo

Posted on December 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Cosmopolitan cocktails were once all the rage when sipped by celebrities and glamorized in Girls Night Out settings in popular television shows. They received not so pleasant reviews by trendy mixologists and cocktail bars when they became so common every cocktail menu in the country listed a Cosmo as signature drink. They were often sloppily made, sugary and cotton candy pink. However, the Cosmo is a contemporary classic that has remained a cocktail favorite of many; myself included.

Every fabulous classic cocktail and contemporary classic inspires a new generation of cocktails. With wine cocktails rising in popularity it just makes sense to spin a new favorite to sample and enjoy. After all, the whole concept of cocktails and happy hour is having fun with good friends and good spirits. Enjoy a happy holiday season!

Barefoot Mistletoe Cosmo – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Barefoot Merlot Wine

1 measure Boysenberry Syrup

1-1/2 measure Cranberry Juice

1/2 measure Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Slice or Skewered Cranberries Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice or skewered cranberries according to preference

Cocktail Recipe and Photo commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Corporate Mixology, Wine Cocktails

Tagged Barefoot Mistletoe Cosmo, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Boysenberry Syrup, Christmas, Corporate Mixology, Cosmo, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lime, Wine

Camarena Frost

Posted on December 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

Camarena Frost may give the impression of chilly snowball, but the warming effect of this cocktail is simply phenomenal. This dessert style cocktail contains excellent tequila and spice aroma with sweet, nutty chocolate flavor. It is considerably warm in the finish as cinnamon mingles with light touch within the cocktail as a whole.

Camarena Frost – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Camarena Reposado Tequila

1/2 measure White Crème de Cacao

1/2 measure Hazelnut Liqueur

1 measure Heavy Whipping Cream

Sprinkled Cinnamon Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Corporate Mixology

Tagged Camarena Frost, Camarena Tequila, Christmas, Corporate Mixology, Creme de Cacao, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Tequila

Blushing Blue

Posted on December 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Holiday brunch with friends and family is a great way to spread holiday cheer. Skip the usual Mimosa or Bellini and serve something truly unique to guests. Blushing Blue uses the deeply lush Blueberry Lavender Syrup. This versatile syrup is lovely sipped with champagne or club soda, but goes the distance as luscious dipping syrup for a few brunch food favorites like pancakes and waffles.

Blushing Blue – created by Cheri Loughlin

3/4 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3 ounces Brut Champagne

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place chilled syrup and fresh juice in champagne flute. Top with champagne. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon twist.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Christmas Cocktails

Tagged Blueberry Lavender Syrup, Blushing Blue, Champagne, Club Soda, Fresh Lemon, Holiday

Spiced Guava Punch

Posted on December 15, 2012 | Comments Off

Holiday parties, open house events and spur of the moment informal gatherings call for quantity and quality cocktails for guests. Be prepared for the unexpected impromptu gathering by keeping a make ahead party punch chilled and ready to pour.

Spiced Guava Punch – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-750ml bottle Guava Rum

6 ounces Spiced Rum

12 ounces Lemon Juice

8 ounces Velvet Falernum

8 ounces Brown Sugar Syrup

3 ounces Orgeat (Almond Syrup)

15 ounces Water

Brut Champagne

Orange Twist Garnish

Place all ingredients except champagne in large container. Stir. Refrigerate several hours until ready to serve. Serve from punch bowl or pitcher in rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with champagne. Garnish with orange twist. Spiced Guava Punch can be topped with Club Soda rather than champagne. – This recipe will fit into 3 empty standard size 750ml bottles which takes up less space than most pitchers. Save empty liquor bottles. Strip off labeling. Use the bottle for an easy pour and serve option for your next gathering.

I used Cruzan Rum since it was already in my liquor cabinet. Use whichever brand you usually purchase or have on hand.

Comments Off

Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Fall & Thanksgiving, Halloween Cocktails

Tagged Almond Syrup, Brown Sugar Syrup, Champagne, Club Soda, Fresh Lemon, Guava Rum, Holiday, Orgeat, Punch, Spiced Guava Punch, Spiced Rum, Velvet Falernum

Bountiful Harvest

Posted on December 14, 2012 | Comments Off

Planning drinks for your holiday party shouldn’t leave you frazzled. Though the holidays are a happy, joyous time, they often bring stress for those trying to reach festive perfection. Bountiful Harvest brings versatility to the holiday season with single serve or holiday punch options. Mix. Chill. Relax.

Bountiful Harvest – created by Cheri Loughlin

6-3/4 ounce Ginger Vodka

4-1/2 ounce Caramel Apple Liqueur

13-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

Lime Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in pitcher. Stir. Chill. Serve in rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime twist. – This recipe will fit into an empty standard size 750ml bottle which takes up less space than most pitchers. Save an empty liquor bottle. Strip off labeling. Use the bottle for an easy pour and serve option for your next gathering.

Single Serve Option: 1-1/2 ounce Ginger Vodka, 1 ounce Caramel Apple Liqueur, 2-3/4 ounce Cranberry Juice, Lime Twist Garnish. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime twist. OR build in large rocks glass over fresh ice.

I used Yazi Ginger Vodka and Hiram Walker Caramel Apple Liqueur while creating this cocktail.

Comments Off

Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Fall & Thanksgiving, Halloween Cocktails

Tagged Bountiful Harvest, Caramel Apple Liqueur, Cranberry Juice, Ginger Vodka, Punch

Fireside Cappuccino

Posted on December 13, 2012 | Comments Off

This mocha flavored cappuccino mix hits the spot on a chilly morning or as a late night treat. Sipping fireside is just an additional bonus if the crackle of a fire is your thing.

Fireside Cappucino mix is easy to put together and keep on hand rather than run out to the local coffee shop for a quick fix. It’s also a wonderful gift for friends, family or new neighbors.

Fireside Cappuccino

1 cup Powdered Chocolate Milk Mix

1 cup Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

3/4 cup Unsweetened Instant Coffee

3/4 cup Sugar

1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1 Tablespoon Dried Orange Peel – optional

Combine all ingredients in gallon size Ziplock bag. Shake to thoroughly blend. Mix can be placed in blender or food processor to mix if desired. Store in sealed jar or canister.

Assemble: Place 2 heaping Tablespoons of Fireside Cappucino Mix in heatproof mug. Top with 8 ounces hot water. Stir. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles if desired.

Comments Off

Posted in Barista Cafe, Christmas Cocktails

Tagged Cappucino, Chocolate Milk, Cinnamon, Coffee, Coffee Creamer, Fireside Cappuccino, Holiday, Mocha Cappucino, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Nutmeg, Orange Peel, Sugar

Blue Bourbon Frost

Posted on December 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

Drinks that go long are excellent for holiday parties and informal gatherings. Club soda provides celebratory sparkle to this holiday hued cocktail. Recipe for Blueberry Lavender Syrup can be found on this site in the Bar Basics section by following the link within the recipe.

Blue Bourbon Frost – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Bourbon

1/2 ounce Blueberry Lavender Syrup

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

2 ounces Club Soda

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon twist.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Christmas Cocktails

Tagged Blue Bourbon Frost, Blueberry Lavender Syrup, Bourbon, Club Soda, Fresh Lemon, Holiday

Spiced Silver Bell

Posted on December 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

Nice lightly spiced cranberry flavor. More depth than plain cranberry and tequila, but just as simple with the easy to make syrup. Gentle enough for summer sipping, mild spice tones for fall flair. Great holiday party rocks drink.

Spiced Silver Bell – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Camarena Silver Tequila

1/2 measure Lime Juice

1/2 measure Cranberry Spice Syrup

2 measures Ginger Beer

Lime Wedge Garnish

Combine liquids in large rocks glass in order given. Stir. Garnish with lime wedge.

Cranberry Spice Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 cup Brown Sugar

3/4 cup Water

4 Cinnamon Sticks

1 teaspoon Whole Allspice

1 teaspoon Whole Clove

1 tablespoon Orange Zest

1 cup Fresh Cranberries

Place all ingredients in saucepan over medium low heat. Stir continually until skins of cranberries begin to pop and they easily mash with back of spoon. Lightly mash cranberries, but not so much to create “sauce.” Remove from heat. Strain into heat proof container. Allow to cool. Refrigerate.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Christmas Cocktails, Corporate Mixology

Tagged Camarena Tequila, Christmas, Corporate Mixology, Cranberry Syrup, Fresh Lime, Ginger Beer, Spiced Silver Bell, Tequila

Barefoot Holiday Sparkler

Posted on December 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

This beautiful sparkling holiday cocktail almost comes across with classic margarita like quality. Pomegranate smoothes out the slight lime tartness while bubbly acts as the nice sparkler bite in place of tequila. It’s a bubbly lime sensation. Let the holiday festivities begin!

Barefoot Holiday Sparkler – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Pomegranate Juice

1/2 measure Lime Juice

1/4 measure Simple Syrup

3 measures Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry

Lime Twist Garnish

Combine juices and syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry. Garnish with lime twist.

Cocktail Recipe and Photo commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Champagne & Bubbly, Christmas Cocktails, Corporate Mixology

Tagged Barefoot Holiday Sparkler, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Champagne, Christmas, Corporate Mixology, Fresh Lime, Pomegranate Juice, Simple Syrup

Spiced Cherry Manhattan

Posted on December 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

The holiday season always turns my attention toward more classically styled drinks such as the Manhattan due to its warmth and the feeling of tradition. A great way to dress the drink for the holiday season, while keeping in tune with its classic nature is the addition of spiced cherries. Homemade spiced cherries can be made in batches so there are extra jars to give as gifts.

The Spiced Cherry Manhattan is an adaptation of the classic cocktail. The homemade Bourbon Spiced Cherries bring lush flavor and terrific kick to the cocktail without the usual sweet vermouth and bitters addition.

Find the recipe for Bourbon Spiced Cherries and other essential syrup recipes in the Bar Basics section.

Spiced Cherry Manhattan – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Bourbon

1/2 ounce Bourbon Spiced Cherries Syrup

Bourbon Spiced Cherry Garnish

Combine bourbon and syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice or strain into chilled cocktail glass according to preference. Garnish with bourbon spiced cherry.