5 Essential Cocktails for December 2024

Each month Chilled presents you with five essential cocktails based on our National Drink Day Calendar. Don’t forget to reference it so you can prepare for the upcoming holidays.

And just like that, we are getting ready to close out on another year. December is always jam-packed with chaos between last-minute shopping, holiday parties, and NYE celebrations. The holiday spirit invites us to slow down and celebrate with festive cocktails. Elevate your bar menu by adding seasonal twists to classics, or shake up something different and add a signature cocktail that highlights seasonal flavors. It will create a warm and cozy environment that encourages those to sip, savor, and try something new to expand their palette.

Here are five cocktails you should be drinking during December.

Caramel Cookie Cocoa

It makes sense that National Cookie Day is celebrated during this month. December 4 is the perfect excuse to indulge and mix two of our favorite treats: a cookie and a warming cocktail. This Caramel Cookie Cocoa makes cozying up on a cold and snowy day extra special. With the added salted caramel garnish, it’s the best of both sweet and salty, making every sip better than the next.

Screwdriver in Paradise

A classic cocktail is timeless for a reason. There is no better time to enjoy this tangy delight than on National Screwdriver Day (12/14). It’s the perfect drink for those who want to escape the colder weather and head somewhere tropical. Even if you live where the temperature doesn’t drop this time of year, December has a funny way of making things feel icy no matter where you are. If you want to add your seasonal twist, do equal parts of orange and cranberry juice and garnish with some pomegranate seeds.

The Ballad of Earl Grey and Chamomile

Using tea in cocktail-making is often overlooked since it’s traditionally enjoyed solo. December 15 marks International Tea Day, making it the perfect opportunity to explore the world of tea cocktail infusions and learn new ways to use this innovative ingredient. This warming cocktail has all of the familiar winter notes and flavors that are loved—cinnamon, apples, and honey. It may even have some medicinal benefits for those battling a cold.

Holiday White Sangria

The chill in the air won’t stop us from making this big-batch cocktail. On National Sangria Day (12/20), mix up this simple yet refreshing white wine sangria that is ideal for any upcoming holiday gatherings. It highlights all the seasonal suspects to make a vibrant and sweet cocktail. The coconut-dusted rim and rosemary sprig add just the right amount of earthiness to cut the sweetness the fruit and juice bring. It’s ideal for any party or celebration as it can be made prior and stored in the refrigerator until ready to sip.

Peanut Butter and Banana Nog

While eggnog might not be for everyone, those who love it will be blown away by this boozy twist. On December 24, celebrate National Eggnog Day with this creamy and nutty cocktail. It starts with a homemade eggnog, which adds an extra special touch and personalization to the drink. This rich holiday classic has notes of peanut butter and banana, making it optimal for any holiday brunch. After experiencing this cocktail, you won’t want to go back to a boring old glass of eggnog.

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