Cocktail recipes designed for the everyday entertainer!
Add some cheer to your seasonal celebrations with one of these festive cocktail recipes! Whether you’re toasting to friends at a party, opening presents with family, or sharing a holiday meal with neighbors, you’ll find that these Santa-approved adult beverages fit any occasion.
How did we come up with these wintery concoctions? The job was tough, but someone had to do it! After getting some of our favorite ingredients, we measured and mixed until we came up with just the right balance of flavors.
For those who’d rather let someone else do the bartending, we’ve also included a few of our favorite holiday drinks from local restaurants in Downtown Colorado Springs at the end!
Chocolate Cherry Cordial
Sip on this delightful drink as you spend time decorating and opening gifts this holiday season. This cocktail version of the oh-so-loved chocolate treat is sure to add a special touch to your yuletide festivities.
Ingredients
- 1oz Amaretto Liqueur
- 2oz Creme de Cocoa
- 2oz Half and Half
- 2oz cherry juice
- 1/4tsp vanilla extract
- maraschino cherries
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries as pictured.
Holly & Ivy
Let this charming concoction keep you warm and cozy while the snow creates a winter wonderland!
Ingredients
- 3oz pomegranate or cranberry juice
- 2oz pomegranate flavored vodka (or gin)
- 1oz maple syrup
- 1/2-1oz fresh lime juice (1-2 wedges)
- fresh mint leaves
- pomegranate seeds, lime wheel and mint leaves for garnish
Directions
- Muddle mint leaves with maple syrup at the bottom of glass. Add ice, then add vodka/gin and both juices. Stir and garnish as pictured.
Not sure how to open a pomegranate?
- Heavier is better – when purchasing your pomegranate, choose the heaviest one; this means there are more seeds inside.
- Pop the top – use a pairing knife to remove the flower from the top of the pomegranate.
- Score the sides – cut the outermost layer of the pomegranate into four quarters.
- Peel open – peel apart the pomegranate at the scored lines, gently hitting the pomegranate on your countertop if necessary in order to loosen the skin.
- Deseed – carefully flip a quarter piece inside out to more easily remove the seeds. Discard the yellow/grayish flesh.
Colorado Icicle
Toast to new beginnings, resolutions, and another year of blessings for you and those you love as you sip on this colorful champagne cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
- .5oz Cointreau
- champagne (chilled)
- honey and course sanding sugar (for garnish)
Directions
- Pour the honey and sanding sugar into two separate shallow dishes. Evenly coat the rim of the champagne flute in honey. Then dip the rim into the sugar and set the glass aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, filled with ice, add the Blue Curacao Liqueur and Cointreau. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared champagne flute.
- Top with the chilled champagne, leaving a 1/4 inch of room at the top of the glass.
- Feeling Truly Inspired? Try making your own sanding sugar!
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated or any crystalline variety)
- 1.2 tsp liquid food coloring (any color)
- Mix and bake in oven at 350° for 10 minutes. Store remaining sugar in sealed container.
Rather Someone Else Do the Mixing?
Visit one of our food tour partners in downtown Colorado Springs for a delicious and hassle-free alternative. Here a few or our favorites:
1. Spice Island Grill’s Sorrel Caribbean Cooler
Sorrel is a flower native to Jamaica that is in full bloom this time of year. It’s deep red color combined with classic Jamaican spices makes it nearly as good as a beach vacation!
2. The Famous Steakhouse’s Moscow Mule
A classic cocktail with a Colorado twist! Popularized in the 1950’s, this refreshing drink is served in a copper mug and mixes Spring44 Vodka (local to Loveland Colorado), fresh lime and ginger beer.
3. Sonterra Grill’s German Hot Chocolate
Indulge your inner child with a chocolaty favorite spiked with Malibu rum and topped with whipped cream. The perfect treat on a snowy day!
Still searching for the perfect gift for your favorite foodie?! Check out our Gift Guide from a post earlier this month!
Cheers!
