As the holiday season approaches, weekends are smattered with parties and get-togethers, and there’s this unanimous spirit of celebration and joy. During this festive time, there’s almost always a need for beverages to complement the gathering and the spread of food. This year, plan to serve drinks that are unique and delicious, but also be sure to provide a selection for your guests that caters to everyone’s different tastes and ABV preferences.
Winter is a welcome season for warm (and hearty) cocktails, but many may prefer a sweeter martini or even something that is craveable but without the high alcohol content. Give your guests options with the beverages you offer, and consider offering distinctly different flavor profiles and tapping into notable beverage trends. Whatever drink recipes you create this holiday, use these categories as a guide to offering versatility and consider these seasonal favorites that are sure to be fan favorites.
Full Strength
Apple and Brandy Hot Toddy
Need something to warm up with? Spice up cold days with this warm and delicious cocktail. This holiday classic is perfect for winter nights when you need a cozy pick-me-up.
¾ oz Monin Honey Organic Sweetener
¾ oz Monin Cinnamon Syrup
2 oz Brandy
12 oz hot apple cider
Instructions: Fill a 16 oz. serving glass/mug full of hot water to warm. Discard the hot water and pour ingredients into the serving glass in order listed. Stir gently to mix and garnish with a dried apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Low ABV
Citrus Snow
This tastes like a grown-up creamsicle!! To get this beautiful foam on top, pour the whole drink into a cold foamer (like the ones used for lattes and cappuccinos). This whips up nice and fluffy. Then shake with ice to get it well chilled before straining into the coupe. You could easily use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) as a replacement for the egg whites in this, if concerned about it being vegan friendly.
1 ¼ oz Aperol Aperitif
¾ oz Monin Winter Citrus Syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz egg white
Instructions: Chill a 6 oz. coupe glass and rim with powdered sugar. Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with 2/3 ice in order listed. Cap, shake and strain into the chilled serving glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon slice.
Mocktails
Gingerbread Punch
A favorite holiday flavor is gingerbread. This non-alcoholic punch packs a lot of flavor with fresh juices mixed with ginger, for a perfectly festive sip that is ideal for all ages.
¾ oz Monin Gingerbread Syrup
½ oz fresh Meyer lemon juice
3 oz fresh pressed apple juice
3 oz Q Ginger Beer
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker in the order listed, except ginger beer. Cap and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled 16 oz. serving glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice, ginger and/or mint leaves.
Health & Wellness
Turmeric Matcha Mocktail
Adding black pepper to turmeric will further enhance the benefits it provides. The spices in this recipe, along with the added bitters, give this tea a unique home-crafted, mocktail flavor.
¾ oz Monin Golden Turmeric Syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice
2 dashes of black pepper
4 oz Matcha green tea
2 dashes of bitters
Instructions: Fill a 16 oz. serving glass full of ice. Pour ingredients into the serving glass in the order listed. Stir gently to mix, and then garnish with a lemon slice, mint sprig and star anise.
The post Holiday Drinks Four Ways by Monin appeared first on in the Mix Magazine.
