12 Days of Christmas Cocktails
Welcome to our festive series, “The 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails”!
As the holiday season unfolds, we’re thrilled to bring you a delightful journey through twelve unique and festive cocktails, each inspired by the classic Christmas carol. From the first day to the twelfth, we’ll explore a variety of flavors and spirits that capture the essence of the holidays. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just looking to add a little cheer to your holiday gatherings, our curated selection promises to bring a twist of joy and merriment to your celebrations. So, raise your glasses and get ready to embark on a merry adventure of taste and festivity!
Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Preparation
Add all ingredients besides the club soda to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Strain cocktail into glass over fresh ice and top with club soda.
Garnish and enjoy.
Enjoy a harmonious blend of flavors that start with the sweet and juicy essence of pear, highlighted by the rich notes of pear vodka and pear nectar. The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral touch, while the lemon juice adds a lively citrus zing, creating a well-balanced symphony of flavors. The effervescence from the club soda gives the cocktail a lively and refreshing character, making it perfect for sipping on a warm day or as a delightful aperitif. The mint sprig garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle minty aroma that complements the overall experience. This cocktail is a true celebration of the pear’s natural sweetness and the floral elegance of elderflower, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate fruity and floral cocktails in an upscale setting.
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Preparation
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Double strain cocktail into glass over no ice.
Garnish and enjoy.
The Two Turtle Doves is a decadent dessert cocktail that combines the best elements of chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla, and coffee. As you take your first sip, you’re greeted by the luxurious taste of chocolate liqueur, which smoothly blends with the nutty sweetness of hazelnut liqueur. The bold espresso infusion provides a caffeinated pick-me-up with its deep roasted notes, as well as a rich creamy texture. Chocolate shavings on top not only make for a visually appealing presentation but also deliver an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to every sip. Whether you enjoy it as an after-dinner treat or as a dessert alternative, the Two Turtle Doves is sure to satisfy your cravings for a rich and flavorful adult beverage.
Day 3: Three French Hens Sangria
Preparation
In a pitcher combine all of the ingredients including the sliced fruit.
Refrigerate covered, for at least two hours before serving over ice in a wine glass.
The Three French Hens Sangria is a delightful and vibrant cocktail that’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or warm-weather occasions. It combines the deep and rich character of red wine with the fruity sweetness of apple brandy and orange liqueur, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing drink. When you take a sip, you’ll first notice the bold and fruity notes of the red wine, which are complemented by the warm undertones of apple brandy. The orange liqueur adds a bright and citrusy twist, elevating the overall flavor profile and making it exceptionally enjoyable. The garnish of fresh fruit slices not only enhances the sangria’s visual appeal but also infuses it with the essence of ripe oranges, lemons, and apples, creating a harmonious and aromatic blend.
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Four Calling Birds
Ingredients
2 oz – White Rum
1 oz – Blackberry Syrup*
1 oz – Lime Juice
3-4 Sprigs – Mint
Topped – Club Soda
Garnish: Blackberries and Mint
Glassware: Double Old Fashioned or Collins
Preparation
Add all of the ingredients besides the club soda to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Dirty dump the cocktail into a glass and top with fresh ice and club soda.
Garnish and enjoy.
Blackberry Syrup*
Ingredients
1 liter – Simple Syrup
200g – Blackberries
1g – Salt
Preparation
Combine all of the ingredients into a pot and cook at a low heat for 1 hour.
Strain through a cheesecloth.
Transfer to an airtight container and let cool.
Date, label and refrigerate.
The Four Calling Birds is a vibrant and visually stunning cocktail that delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It begins with the sweet and fruity notes of blackberry syrup, which blend harmoniously with the clean and slightly sweet white rum. The addition of lime juice adds a refreshing and tangy dimension to the drink while balancing the sweetness. Muddled mint leaves infuse the cocktail with a cool and herbal aroma, and the club soda provides a bubbly effervescence that lightens the drink’s body and makes it incredibly refreshing.
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
Five Golden Rings
Ingredients
1 oz – Grand Marnier
1 – Sugar Cube
5 oz – Champagne
Garnish: Orange Twist
Glass: Coupe
Preparation
Place the sugar cube into the glass and soak it with the Grand Marnier.
Top off with champagne and garnish with an orange twist.
The Five Golden Rings cocktail is a timeless and sophisticated choice for celebrations and special occasions. It begins with the luxurious and complex flavors of Grand Marnier, which bring a blend of orange zest, sweet citrus, and subtle cognac notes to the forefront. A sugar cube infuses the drink with a gentle sweetness that isn’t overbearing. Lastly carefully top with chilled champagne, creating a cascade of bubbles and effervescence.
Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying
Preparation
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Double strain cocktail into glass over no ice.
Garnish and enjoy.
The Six Geese a-Laying is a lusciously creamy and warmly spiced holiday-inspired cocktail. It melds the sweet allure of vanilla vodka with the nutty complexity of amaretto, all elevated by the rich custardy texture and festive spices of eggnog. This indulgent blend, served in a martini glass and adorned with a fragrant dusting of grated nutmeg, captures the very essence of the holiday season, making it the perfect drink for festive celebrations and cozy gatherings by the fireplace.
Day 7: Seven Swans a-Swimming
Preparation
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Double strain cocktail into glass over fresh ice.
Garnish and enjoy.
Raspberry Syrup*
Ingredients
1 liter – Simple Syrup
200g – Raspberries
1g – Salt
Preparation
Combine all of the ingredients into a pot and cook at a low heat for 1 hour.
Strain through a cheesecloth.
Transfer to an airtight container and let cool uncovered.
Date, label and refrigerate.
The Seven Swans a-Swimming is a captivating fusion of tequila’s bold agave essence, vibrant raspberry syrup’s fruity sweetness, and tangy lime juice’s refreshing acidity, elevated by the aromatic complexity of allspice dram. Served in a margarita glass and adorned with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel, this cocktail offers a visually stunning and flavorful experience that marries the classic margarita with a playful twist, striking a harmonious balance between fruity, spicy, and citrusy elements. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a unique and refreshing libation with a touch of complexity and intrigue.
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
Preparation
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Double strain cocktail into glass over no ice.
Garnish and enjoy.
The Nine Ladies Dancing cocktail exudes a festive Christmas spirit, served elegantly in a martini glass. Cranberry vodka at its base fortifies the other flavors and highlights the holiday spirit. Complementing this are the citrusy notes from the triple sec and lime juice, adding a tangy zest and a hint of greenish hue that refreshes the palate. The splash of white cranberry juice finely balances the drink, introducing a crisp and subtly sweet dimension. Garnished with fresh cranberries, the cocktail gains a textural depth and an extra pop of color, while the rosemary sprig not only adds an aromatic flair but also a touch of green, reminiscent of Christmas greenery. This cocktail is a delightful blend of flavors and aesthetics, perfectly capturing the essence of a joyful and cozy Christmas celebration.
Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping
Ten Lords a-Leaping
Ingredients
2 oz – Rye Whiskey
1 oz – Apricot Syrup*
1 oz – Lemon Juice
1 oz – Egg White
Garnish: Candied Apricot
Glassware: Old Fashioned
Preparation
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker tin without ice.
Add ice and shake for 8 seconds.
Double strain cocktail back into one of the shaker tins.
Dry shake for another 8 seconds.
Pour contents into glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish and enjoy.
Apricot Syrup*
Ingredients
1 liter – Simple Syrup
200g – Apricots
1g – Salt
Preparation
Combine all of the ingredients into a pot and cook at a low heat for 1 hour.
Strain through a cheesecloth.
Transfer to an airtight container and let cool uncovered.
Date, label and refrigerate.
The Ten Lords a-Leaping cocktail is a sophisticated and inviting blend, perfect for those who appreciate the warmth and depth of classic spirits. Served in an Old Fashioned glass, its base of rye whiskey, providing a rich spicy note and a robust foundation. Beautifully complemented by sweet apricot syrup, adding a fruity and subtly tart sweetness that enhances the drink’s complexity. Fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, bringing a refreshing citrus zing that balances the flavors. A key element of this cocktail is the inclusion of an egg white, which, when shaken, gives the drink a silky, frothy texture, making each sip luxuriously smooth. The drink is elegantly garnished with a slice of candied apricot, which not only adds a decorative touch but also reinforces the apricot notes in the drink. This cocktail is a delightful fusion of bold and delicate flavors, ideal for savoring on a relaxed evening or as a sophisticated accompaniment to a meal.
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ingredients
2 oz – Gin
2 oz – Pomegranate Juice
6 oz or Topped – Ginger Beer
Garnish: Pomegranate Aprils and Mint
Glassware: Copper Mug
Preparation
Add ingredients to a copper mug filled with ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
Garnish and Enjoy.
Eleven Pipers Piping is a vibrant and refreshing play on a Moscow mule, perfect for those who enjoy a balance of fruity and zesty flavors. Served in a traditional copper mug, it starts with a base of crisp gin, providing a clean botanical foundation that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart profile pomegranate juice. Topped with ginger beer brings a spicy effervescence that complements the gin’s botanicals and the pomegranate’s sweetness. Garnishing with pomegranate arils adds a burst of color and a juicy, crunchy texture, while a sprig of fresh mint lends a cool, aromatic finish. This cocktail is a delightful blend of contrasting flavors – the warmth of the ginger beer, the crispness of the gin, and the sweet depth of the pomegranate juice, all coming together to create a uniquely refreshing and aesthetically pleasing drink.
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Twelve Drummers Drumming
Ingredients
2 oz – Bourbon Whiskey
.5 oz – Thyme-Honey Syrup*
.5 oz – Lemon Juice
Topped – Hot Water
Garnish: Cinnamon Stick (star anise, cloves, etc…) and Lemon Wheel or Peel
Glassware: Hot Toddy
Preparation
Add ingredients to the glass besides the hot water.
Add the hot water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish and enjoy!
Thyme-Honey Syrup*
Ingredients
2 parts – Thyme-Infused Honey
1 part – Hot Water
Preparation
Soften the honey by adding hot water to it and stirring until fully combined.
Transfer to an airtight container and let cool uncovered.
Date, label and refrigerate.
The Twelve Drummers Drumming cocktail is a warm, soothing concoction, ideal for chilly evenings or as a comforting nightcap. Served in a hot toddy glass, it begins with a base of of bourbon whiskey, imparting a rich, smooth depth with hints of vanilla and oak. Bourbon’s robust flavor is sweetened by thyme-honey syrup, adding a natural mellow sweetness and herbal flavor. Complementing this is lemon juice, which cuts through the sweetness with a refreshing citrus tang, bringing balance to the drink. The cocktail is then topped with hot water, making it wonderfully warming and more mellow, perfect for sipping slowly. A cinnamon stick or other winter spices serve as both garnish and flavor. Infusing the drink with its warm, spicy aroma, and adding a subtle complexity to the overall flavor profile. This cocktail is a classic example of simple ingredients coming together to create a drink that’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for relaxing moments.
Raising a Toast to Festive Cheer
As our journey through “The 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails” comes to a close, we hope you’ve enjoyed this festive tour of flavors as much as we enjoyed curating it. From classic winter warmers to innovative new creations, each cocktail was chosen to add a special sparkle to your holiday celebrations. We encourage you to revisit these recipes throughout the year whenever you need a dash of holiday spirit. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season and a new year brimming with happiness and good cheer!
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