With the holidays approaching, whether you are hosting or visiting others, this list will help you put the ‘spirit’ into the holidays!
When traveling to new places we tend to focus on what to see, where to stay, and what to eat! It’s not often that we talk about the unique drinks to be had from our favorite destinations. Mix up some drinks from around the world this holiday season that will wow your guests and offer up some unique conversation starters.
Winter Pimm's Punch
If you’ve been dreaming of spending time in the UK, bring a little London home for the holidays with a Winter Pimm’s Punch. This is a great option to make in bulk for a large party or to save you time during your hosting duties by prepping it ahead of time.
500ml Pimm's
500ml Brandy
1½ apple juice or hard cider
ice
Garnish with:
cinnamon sticks
apple slices
orange slices
rosemary sprigs
Combine your ingredients, stir until incorporated, and pour over ice - garnish as you see fit
To serve warm - gently heat all ingredients - top with fruit garnishes once poured.
Make a zero-proof version of this cocktail try making this NA Pimm's Substitute
The Irish Coffee
This classic goes back to 1940’s and was created by a chef named Joe Sheridan. Irish Coffee is a no-brainer for the holidays. Serve it during late nights wrapping presents, as a perfect pairing with all the homemade desserts or quite possibly a liquid cure for any jet lag. This recipe sounds delicious, relaxing, and even a little rejuvenating! If you prefer iced coffee, you can make a chilled version of this as well!
1.5 oz of Irish Whiskey
.75 oz brown sugar syrup (simple syrup or sweetener of preference)
whipped cream or 1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur
espresso or coffee (hot or iced)
For the traditional warm version, fill a mug with hot water to preheat then empty - pour your hot coffee or espresso until the glass is about 3/4 full. Add your sweetener preference and stir until dissolved and mix in the Irish Whiskey of your choice! Top with whipped cream or for an added kick uses an Irish Cream Liqueur instead. That's it!
Kir Royale
Sure to please your guests, and simple to make, the Kir Royale is enjoyed in France during the holidays and used for dressing up tables everywhere. This drink only requires two ingredients. No cooking, no measuring, no mess! This is an easy way to dress up your NYE celebration whether an intimate night in or with a group of loved ones!
1 oz crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Garnish with:
Raspberries
Pour your creme de cassis into a fluted glass and top off with champagne or sparkling wine of your choice - pop a fresh raspberry or two in each glass for an elegant garnish.
Make swaps of NA sparkling grape juice or cider with a splash of cranberry juice or black currant juice for a kid-friendly celebratory drink!
The Alaska
If you are a fan of gin but need something new, try mixing up The Alaska. A rendition of a 1930’s cocktail not consumed in Alaska, but named for its color reminiscent of the gold highly sought after in this new territory It is similar to a martini in the way that it is simple to make and only needs a few ingredients on hand.
1.5 oz of gin
½ oz of yellow chartreuse
1 dash of orange bitters
Garnish with:
a lemon twist
Combine all ingredients into a shaker or glass, stir until chilled - strain into your serving glass, and garnish with a lemon peel.
Mulled Wine
The Europeans have perfected the art of drinking wine, even in winter! In Paris, they call it Vin Chaud and in Switzerland it is Glühwein. Mulled wine is a great way to warm up after bringing home that perfect Christmas tree, building a snowman with the kids, or after an active day out on the slopes. Not ready to mull your wine over an open campfire...use a crockpot instead!
1 bottle of full-bodied red wine
1/3 cup sugar, or honey
orange peel strips from 1 orange
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
lemon peel strips from 1 lemon
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (dried spice works as well)
1/4-inch piece of ginger, peeled and bruised
1 whole star of anise
1/2 vanilla bean pod or cardamom pods (can skip this if hard to find)
10 whole allspice berries
5 whole black peppercorns
1 to 2 bay leaves
While this may seem overwhelming - throw all of your ingredients into a pot - bring it to a simmer - do not let it boil - alcohol evaporates when boiling, we don't want to lose the good stuff! Reduce heat to low - cover and let simmer for 15 mins or up to 3 hours - Use a crockpot to set it and forget it until your guests arrive!
It is our hope you found one or two new holiday drinks to make for your guests (or yourself). Tell us in the comments below if you gave any a try! We wish you all the love and abundance this holiday season! Please drink responsibly.
If after a few of these delicious drinks, you find yourself inspired to take a trip, please let us know, we would love to help you plan it! You can schedule a Discovery Call with Cirillo Travel Group to get started!