December 7, 2023 | Thomas Gronvold

December is a month filled with joy, celebration, and cozy gatherings. What better way to enhance the festive spirit and stay warm than with a delightful selection of cocktails? We’ve curated 10 brand-new cocktail recipes that capture the essence of December, combining seasonal ingredients with a touch of holiday magic. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to unwind by the fire, these cocktails are sure to add warmth and cheer to your December evenings.

Recipe 1: Spiced Apple Cider Punch

Embrace the flavors of the season with this Spiced Apple Cider Punch. It’s a delightful blend of apple cider, warming spices, and a touch of citrus, perfect for sipping by the fireplace.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 cup dark rum
• 1/2 cup orange liqueur
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 2 orange slices
• Ice cubes
• Orange zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, dark rum, and orange liqueur.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves for a hint of spice.
3. Stir well and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with orange slices and a sprinkle of orange zest.

Recipe 2: Candy Cane Martini

Get into the holiday spirit with a Candy Cane Martini. This festive cocktail combines the sweetness of peppermint with the elegance of a classic martini.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• Crushed candy canes for rimming
• Peppermint candy for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes by moistening the rim with water and dipping it into the crushed candy.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao with ice.
3. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a small peppermint candy cane.

Recipe 3: Winter Wonderland Hot Chocolate

Cozy up to a cup of Winter Wonderland Hot Chocolate. This indulgent cocktail combines the richness of hot chocolate with a delightful twist, making it perfect for those chilly December evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 4 oz hot chocolate
• Whipped cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. Prepare a cup of hot chocolate.
2. Stir in Baileys Irish Cream until well combined.
3. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.

Recipe 4: Cranberry Orange Sparkler

Add a spark of festivity to your December gatherings with the Cranberry Orange Sparkler. This effervescent cocktail combines the tangy goodness of cranberries with a citrusy twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 4 oz champagne or sparkling wine
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Orange zest twist

Instructions:

1. In a champagne flute, pour cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
2. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
3. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a twist of orange zest.

Recipe 5: Peppermint White Russian

Elevate your holiday cocktail game with a Peppermint White Russian. This creamy and minty twist on the classic White Russian is a delightful treat for the season.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 2 oz heavy cream
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps over the ice.
3. Stir well.
4. Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
5. Garnish with crushed peppermint candies.

Recipe 6: Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Embrace the warmth of gingerbread cookies in a cocktail form with this Gingerbread Old Fashioned. It’s a sophisticated sipper with a festive twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and Angostura bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
4. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink, then garnish with the peel.

Recipe 7: Holiday Mule

Spice up your holiday gatherings with a Holiday Mule. This seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines cranberry, ginger, and a hint of cinnamon for a festive kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries and a lime wheel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
3. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel.

Recipe 8: Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday celebrations with a Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail. This sparkling drink combines the vibrant flavors of pomegranate and champagne.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz pomegranate liqueur or juice
• 4 oz champagne or sparkling wine
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour pomegranate liqueur or juice into a champagne flute.
2. Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
3. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor.

Recipe 9: Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour

Warm up your taste buds with a Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour. This cozy cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Lemon twist and cinnamon stick for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist and a cinnamon stick.

Recipe 10: Hot Buttered Rum

Embrace the warmth and comfort of the holiday season with a Hot Buttered Rum. This soothing and spiced cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 2 tbsp spiced butter mixture (butter, brown sugar, and spices)
• Hot water
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof glass or mug, add the spiced butter mixture.
2. Pour in the dark rum.
3. Fill the glass with hot water and stir until the butter mixture is fully melted.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Summary

As December ushers in the holiday season and a time for celebrations, the right cocktail recipes can truly elevate your festive gatherings. These 10 new cocktail creations are designed to add a touch of warmth and merriment to your December evenings, making them perfect for the season of joy.

Christmas, in particular, is the ideal time to explore new cocktails. It’s a season of traditions, but it’s also a season of creativity and togetherness. By introducing these delightful concoctions to your holiday repertoire, you not only infuse a sense of adventure into your festivities but also offer your loved ones a memorable experience. Whether you’re gathered around the tree, hosting a party, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, these cocktails are sure to bring smiles and cheer to all.

So, as the snow falls and the twinkling lights brighten the night, don’t hesitate to try out these 10 new cocktail recipes for December. They are not just drinks; they are an invitation to create lasting memories and embrace the spirit of the season. Raise your glass to the magic of December, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of discovery. Cheers to a season of celebration, and here’s to new traditions and unforgettable moments!