10 Holiday Cocktails That Are Almost Too Pretty To Drink
Everyone loves a well-mixed cocktail. So much so, that the aesthetic is almost too pleasing to actually drink it. And, the holiday season is all about aesthetic; the colors that blend in with winter, the different flavors, and the warmth and love that comes with being with their loved ones, no matter what holiday is celebrated. All that, with the combination of a well-balanced cocktail, makes for some very beautiful-looking beverages. Many combinations can be made with the various holiday flavors, here are 10 of the prettiest holiday cocktails that look almost to pretty to drink. And, of course, please drink responsibly.
1. Cranberry Mimosa
We all know the wonders of a mimosa; the perfect combination of orange juice and champagne, the perfect brunch drink. But, I’ll bet you’ve never seen it like this. Not only is this first of many holiday cocktails super pretty and festive, but it is also just as easy to make as it is delicious. Rim the champagne glasses with lime and sugar, and garnish with rosemary and cranberries to give the drink that simple holiday aesthetic. Get the full recipe at Delish.
2. Peppermintini
With peppermint being one of the many sweet treat flavors, it only makes sense that this festive cocktail is on the list. To really make it pretty, rim the glass with chocolate syrup and candy cane bits. Pour the remaining chocolate syrup to the bottom of the glass, and swirl it to where it fills to about 1/3 of the glass, and stick the glass in the freezer until the beverage is ready to serve. Get the full recipe at Delish.
3. The Grinch Cocktail
Inspired by Tipsy Bartender, and the Dr. Seuss classic, this holiday cocktail is one of the few that associate with the color green outside of the season. Blended with melon liqueur and absinthe to give the same color as the “Who”, who hated Christmas, this drink gives the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, especially if you’re a picky drinker. Get the full recipe at Tipsy Bartender.
4. Mistletoe Jell-o Shots
Adding the fun of Jell-o into the mix, this shot-based beverage is perfect to share with that special someone. Just don’t forget to share a smooch underneath it if you don’t have the real thing. To perfect this festive and romantic holiday tradition, rim a lime wedge on the edge of the shot glass, then dip it in red sanding sugar. Once the Jell-o has sat in the cold, garnish the shot with whipped cream, a mint leaf, and red hot candies. Get the full recipe at Delish.
5. Christmas Tree Shots
This next beverage is fun to make, especially if you want a challenge. Use a spoon to layer each ingredient on top of the other, much like decorating your house for Christmas. Start by pouring the grenadine, the skirt of the tree. Then, with the spoon, slowly pour the green crème de mint so it sits lightly on the bottom layer, like the Christmas tree leaving its natural scent. Repeat with the Bailey’s, like the fairy lights sitting gracefully on the tree. Top it with whipped cream and sprinkles to make it sparkle. Similar to other shots, you can choose to shoot it down all at once, or lightly sip on it to get all the different flavors. Get the full recipe at Tipsy Bartender.
6. Jack Frost Winter Cocktail
Just when you think winter is sure for killer holiday cocktails, it gets even better. How about a recreation of the Pina Colada, named after the personification version of winter? Everyone knows a pina colada; it’s the perfect combination of coconut and pineapple if you’re looking to get cool and tropical. This one adds Blue Curacao to make the warm and tropical feeling turn to winter. Rim the glass with light corn syrup, then dip it into a small plate of shredded coconut to look like Jack Frost’s ice-cold touch. Get the full recipe at Homemade Hooplah.
7. Sugar Cookie Martini
Why just make a drink based on this holiday beverage, when you can bake the actual treat at the same time? After frosting, the cookies, baked in any desired shape you want, frost the rims of the cocktail glass. After mixing this delicious holiday cocktail, garnish it with one of the decorated cookies to get the same taste Santa tastes from under the Christmas tree. Get the full recipe at Delish.
8. Mulled Wine
Hot wine isn’t something you think you need until you actually try it. Another holiday favorite, the ingredients used in Mulled Wine are a big part of making this holiday cocktail so elegant looking. The combination of the heat with citrus, cinnamon, spice, and (cheaper) wine is aces for getting cozy by the fire. One sip will instantly warm your heart. Get the full recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
9. Dirty Snowmen
Everyone loves hot chocolate. It can be topped with marshmallows, more chocolate, you can even add a little bit of Bailey’s Irish Whiskey to give it a little kick. That’s why the holidays are perfect to take that kick to a whole new level. To make it stand out, rim the glass with, of course, chocolate, and dip it in chocolate shavings. This holiday cocktail just went up several levels of chocolate, making it all the more beautiful to look at. Get the full recipe at Delish.
10. Eddie’s Eggnog
When I personally think of the holiday season, there’s one festive drink that always comes to mind: eggnog. It’s thick, creamy, and tastes great with rum. This is another recipe, a delicious take on the already delicious drink, that takes a little more time to make than some of these other drinks. But, the outcome is what makes it worth the time. Topped with a simple layer of ground nutmeg, this homemade holiday cocktail is another heart-warmer, perfect for the holidays. Get the full recipe at Delish.
