15+ Holiday Cocktail Recipes To Celebrate The Season
From a boozy Nutella hot cocoa to a remix on an espresso martini, we’ve rounded-up some of our favorite holiday cocktail recipes to celebrate the season. “These recipes are for those winter evenings when you’re watching the snow fall outside,” says Bar and Mixologist Manager Sam Clark.
Greet your guests with one of our holiday cocktail recipes below!
Figgy Pudding Cocktail
Cognac, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia and Angostura bitters mixed with the richness of fig and vanilla bean evoke the flavours of a classic Christmas pudding. “It’s a balance of rich and tart, with a hint of baking spice and a smooth, warm finish,” says Elsa Taylor, who created the cocktail. You make your own Salted Vanilla Syrup, which also works in coffee and on desserts.
Get The Roost’s recipe for the Figgy Pudding cocktail here.
Winter in Niagara Cocktail
“The pride and joy of the Niagara region of Canada is Icewine. Icewine adds body, acidity, and a great depth of flavor to shaken or stirred cocktails while also contributing tree fruit notes, like peach and apricot, as well as distinct smokiness and evergreen qualities. If you’ve not been to the Niagara region in the winter, this drink will definitely transport you there.” – Evelyn Chick
Get Evelyn’s recipe for the Winter in Niagara cocktail here.
Spiced Berry Beret Cocktail
“An explosion of berry flavors paired with reposado tequila, this Sangria-inspired punch is too good to last the entire party!” – Evelyn Chick
Get Evelyn’s recipe for the Spiced Berry Beret cocktail here.
After Dark Cocktail
Sam Clark, a manager of bars and mixology for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Western Canada, created the After Dark cocktail for Alpine Social. A remix of the popular espresso martini, this fresh take combines whisky, cacao, vanilla bean and coffee. “The After Dark is for those winter evenings spent in the company of friends and family, when you’re watching the snow fall outside,” says Sam. “It’s a true indulgence.”
Get Sam Clark’s recipe for the After Dark here.
Chai Tea Martini
Smooth Dillon’s Coffee Liqueur pairs with bold Chocolate Chai Tea in this indulgent martini to deliver a warm, aromatic experience.
Get the recipe here.
The Red Sky
While admiring the interiors at the recently redesigned rooftop bar at Park Hyatt Toronto, you’ll want to order a Red Sky cocktail. The refreshing drink is crisp, bubbly and has a hint of peppermint.
Get the recipe for the Red Sky cocktail here.
House & Home
Apple Pie Hot Toddy
Sweet and satisfying, this winter cocktail is layered with orchard apple sweetness, gentle spice, and festive winter warmth. Cheers!
Get the recipe here.
French 75 Cocktail
If you’d like some bubbly with brunch, try a lemony, gin-infused French 75 cocktail. It’s sweet, tart and delicious.
Get the recipe for the classic cocktail here.
House & Home
Cranberry Kir Royal
Impress your guests with this festive looking (and tasting) drink the moment they arrive at your door.
Get the Cranberry Kir Royal recipe here.
House & Home
The Alfonso
The head barman from Toronto’s popular Alo restaurant shares the recipe for this sparkling holiday drink.
Get the recipe for the Alfonso here.
House & Home
Mulled Wine Punch
Invite your guests to serve themselves with a mulled wine station. Pro tip: the longer this punch stands, the spicier the mixture will be.
Get the recipe here for the Mulled Wine Punch.
House & Home
Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail
Cap off your holiday season with this sparkling and floral cocktail that includes cava, sherry and absinthe.
Get the recipe for the Sparkling Elderflower cocktail here.
House & Home
The Double Double
Swap out your espresso martini with this new cocktail recipe that goes great with dessert.
Get the recipe for The Double Double.
Courtesy of A Field Guide to Canadian Cocktails by Scott McCallum and Victoria Walsh
Hot Buttered Rum
This riff on the classic Hot Buttered Rum is brightened by the use of a compound butter that blends salted butter and Bakeapple. It’s equally spiked and spiced, making it the perfect drink to warm up with this season.
Get the recipe for Hot Buttered Rum.
Courtesy of A Field Guide to Canadian Cocktails by Scott McCallum and Victoria Walsh
Spiced Rum & Chocolate Caramel Eggnog
This festive, sweet and creamy cocktail recipe from Chef Lynn Crawford is a spicy spin on a classic holiday drink.
Get the recipe for Spiced Rum & Chocolate Caramel Eggnog.
Lynn Crawford
French 227
This champagne cocktail is named for 227 Ossington Ave. — the address of La Banane. Make a batch before counting down to midnight by multiplying the ingredients by eight, then combining the gin, liqueur and lemon juice in a container.
Get the recipe for French 227.
Brandon Olsen, House & Home
The Christmas Sweater
Maple, peppermint and cranberry come to life in this rum-based festive favorite.
Get the recipe for The Christmas Sweater.
Cory Vitiello, House & Home December 2016
Nutella Melt
Inspired by your favorite cocoa-hazelnut treat, this comforting drink is the ideal companion for gatherings around the fireplace or television.
Get the recipe for Nutella Melt.
María del Mar Sacasa
Mulled Wine Sangria
Frozen cranberries and cognac take this chilled mulled wine recipe to the next level. Batch-mix this signature cocktail ahead of time for easy pouring, and be sure to make extra for second and third helpings.
Get the recipe for Catriona Smart’s Mulled Wine Sangria.
Catriona Smart, House & Home