Christmas is the season for get-togethers, and what would a Christmas party be without cocktails? Certified Culinary Professional Adam Seger shared his recipes for three of his favorite Christmas cocktails.
The recipes include spiked eggnog made with bourbon and brandy, a cranberry martini, a peppermint mocha martini made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps, and several other libations designed to spread holiday cheer.
So whether you’re celebrating Christmas at home or attending a party, these cocktails are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Table of Contents
Spiked Eggnog
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brandy
Directions:
1. Combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, nutmeg, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until light and creamy. When the milk mixture comes to a simmer, slowly pour it into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Immediately pour into a bowl set over ice, then stir in bourbon and brandy.
4. Refrigerate for several hours before serving chilled with freshly grated nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Cranberry Martini
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
2. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Peppermint Mocha Martini
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread (i.e., Nutella) or a high-quality cocoa powder
- 1-ounce vodka
- 1-ounce coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa®
Directions:
1. Combine the milk, cocoa powder, and chocolate-hazelnut spread in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a simmer.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour into a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a shaker filled with ice and add vodka and coffee liqueur. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a peppermint candy cane, if desired.
Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau®
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
2. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge, if desired.
Classic Eggnog
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons brandy
Directions:
1. Combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, nutmeg, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until light and creamy. When the milk mixture comes to a simmer, slowly pour it into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Immediately pour into a bowl set over ice, then stir in bourbon and brandy.
4. Refrigerate for several hours before serving chilled.
Enjoy these festive cocktails this holiday season!
