When I think about the holidays, memories of good times with family and friends come to mind. I’ve pretty much gotten past the age of caring about presents – don’t get me wrong, a thoughtful gift always steals my heart. My appreciation for quality time spent with loved ones sharing food and tasty booze has grown in recent years. My friend Emilee and I have started a bit of a tradition of getting together for the holidays and shaking up some delicious cocktails. When we get together, the creative juices flow and the giggles don’t stop. Behold these unique holiday cocktail recipes.
I’m beyond excited to be partnering with Belle Meade Bourbon for this post. I met Charlie Nelson of Green Brier Distillery on a media trip and event on Amelia Island in Florida. I remember being a huge fan of everything I tasted at the bar opening I was attending. It was a no-brainer when Emilee asked if I had a favorite booze company I wanted to craft cocktails with – this is where Belle Meade came in!
Unique Holiday Cocktail recipes
The cocktail lineup was developed by Emilee, of Tasteful Tatters. Not only is she a ridiculously talented wedding planner, but she’s also an expert cocktail crafter. I helped her tweak the cocktails a bit, while taste-testing *obviously*.
Bad Santa
- 1.5 oz cherry brandy
- 1.5 oz gin
- 3 oz sparkling wine
- 3/4 oz sherry bourbon, we used Belle Meade
- sprig of rosemary twisted and dropped in glass for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a glass and stir. Garnish with rosemary.
Jingle Juice – Holiday Sangria
- 3 chopped apples
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 cup bourbon, we used Belle Meade
- 1 bottle sparkling wine
Put apples, seeds, cider, and whiskey in a large pitcher – cover and let sit overnight. Add bottle of sparkling wine to pitcher and serve over ice.
Sleigh Ride
- 3/4 oz triple sec
- 1.5 oz gin
- 3/4 oz creme de violette
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- sparkling wine
- orange peel
Combine triple sec, gin, creme de violette and lemon juice in shaker with ice, then pour into coupe. Top off with sparkling wine. Twist the orange peel over drink to express oil and save for garnish on rim.
Santa’s Little Helper
- 1.5 oz sherry bourbon, we used Belle Meade
- 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 oz rosemary simple syrup
- sparkling apple soda
- bitters
Combine bourbon, lemon, and syrup in a glass and stir. Add ice. Top off with sparkling apple soda and a dash of bitters.
Whether you’re having a Friendsgiving with your closest friends, a holiday party with your crazy family, or a date night in with your partner – there is a cocktail *or two* for you in this bunch.
Looking for more holiday cocktail inspiration?
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Happy Holidays,
Corey
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