Your tree and halls are decked, your goose (or pork, or lamb, etc.) is ordered, and maybe even everyone on your gift list has been crossed off-or maybe, you've just entered full-blown Panic Mode after reading that sentence and realizing that Christmas really is just a few sleeps away.
Either way, you could probably use a drink, and when the time finally comes to gather your loved ones together for a Christmas meal they'll likely enjoy one, too. Give them (and yourself) the gift of a terrific tipple and mix up one-or all-of these festive Christmas cocktails:
Egg-free Cashew Eggnog | Elmhurst Milked
This vegan recipe is cashew milk-based, which is richer-tasting than cow's milk and so makes a deliciously creamy eggnog.
.5 cup sugar
.5 tsp of cinnamon
1 pinch clove (or to taste)
2 cups Elmhurst Milked Cashews
2 tbsp rum
2 tbsp bourbon
.5 cup coconut milk or small cube silken tofu (optional)
Mint sprig or cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Blend dry ingredient in a bowl with a hand blender. Slowly add in nut milk and alcohol. Move hand mixer up and down while blending for a frothy texture (for even fluffier texture, use handheld milk frother). Chill until cold and top with garnish.
Flatiron Flip | Lead bartender Travis Oler of Italienne in New York, NY
This twist on traditional, non-vegan eggnog substitutes ginger for the cinnamon-which when combined with the honey, makes a very warming and soothing cocktail.
1.25 oz. Old Forester bourbon
.75 oz. Art in the Age (ginger) Snap
.75 oz. honey
.75 oz. cream
1 egg yolk
Grated chocolate, pecan, and nutmeg for garnish
Combine all ingredients in shaker with 2-3 ice cubes. Discard ice and dry shake. Strain into coup glass. To garnish, grate chocolate, pecan, and nutmeg.
Hot Buttered Rum | Center Bar in New York, NY
A sophisticated take on the Christmastime classic, we suggest brewing a big pot of the tea and allowing your guests to pass it amongst themselves, encouraging interaction.
2 oz. Zacapa 23yr Rum
.5 oz. Pommeau
.5 oz. Hamilton Pimento Dram
Brown sugar butter (to taste)
Pot of clove tea
Ensure tea pot is full of hot water with a clove tea bag inside and set aside. In a milk steaming tin, add rum, Pommeau, dram, and butter. In a pulsing fashion, steam cocktail base 4-6 times. Pour cocktail base into glass mug. Stir. Serve with iced tea spoon and tea pot.
Hot Jungle Bird | Cape House in Brooklyn, NY
Planning to serve a Christmas ham? The pineapple in this cocktail will complement it nicely, and it's one of the easiest drinks on this list to make.
.75 oz. El Dorado Rum 5 year
.75 oz. Lemon Hart Blackpool Spiced Rum
.75 oz. Giffard, Caribbean Pineapple
.75 oz. Caffo Red Bitter
1 oz. hot water
Combine ingredients in mug and stir.
The Red Sky at Night | Left Bank in New York, NY
Proving rosé really isn't just for summer, this wintry spiked wine with pine liqueur brings your Christmas tree right to the table.
2 oz. rosé
1 oz. bourbon
.5 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. allspice dram
.25 oz. Zirbenz Pine Liqueur
.25 oz. lemon juice
2 sprigs of rosemary
Shake ingredients on ice, double strain into wine glass. No ice. Lemon peel garnish optional.
St-Germain Rosemary Punch | St-Germain Global Brand Ambassador Camille Ralph Vidal
This light and refreshing iced tea-based punch is a great low-booze option for before, during, or after Christmas dinner-or even for Christmas brunch.
1 cup Bombay Sapphire Gin
1 cup St-Germain French Elderflower Liqueur
.5 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups freshly brewed jasmine tea
10 dashes orange bitters
8 rosemary sprigs
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl and stir well with plenty of ice to chill. Ladle into punch glasses or rocks glasses. Serves 4-6 people.
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