If you’re choosing to stay home this holiday season, you can still make it celebratory with these cozy and festive cocktails.
Cozy and creative
These 5 winter cocktail recipes from local bartenders include a Gingerbread White Russian, an OG Eggnog, Lucano Corretto (made with coffee), Sour de Santos (made with mole bitters), and a Cinnamon Paloma.
Easy peasy
One of the easiest recipes we’ve found is Tito’s Cranberry Sparkle.
For Champagne lovers
Here are 5 Champagne-infused cocktail recipes, provided by five Dallas bartenders, featuring flavors like blood orange, pear and cranberry, and elderflower.
Fresh and seasonal
These 5 holiday drink recipes (which includes 2 mocktails) feature bourbon, persimmon, hibiscus and seasonal ingredients.
Speaking of mocktails
Don’t forget your non-drinking friends. Here are 3 recipes you make all the way through Dry January.
Going trendy
An Aperol Spritz isn’t just for summer. Try this one with gin and maple.
For a crowd
Try this super easy Sparkling Christmas Cocktail.
From 2013, this Pear Brandy Cocktail from now-closed restaurant Driftwood is also a crowd-pleaser.
Driftwood’s Pear Brandy 75
For a single cocktail: Combine 1 1/2 ounces pear brandy (Driftwood used the Clear Creek Distillery brand), 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice and 1/2 ounce agave syrup (or simple syrup) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a tall champagne flute. Top with 3 ounces of sparkling wine. If desired, garnish with a lemon twist.
Make-ahead approach for 4 to 5 servings: Up to eight hours in advance, combine 6 ounces pear brandy, 2 ounces lemon juice and 2 ounces agave syrup in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add ice, stir for a few seconds and strain. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. At serving time, divide the mixture among 5 standard-size champagne flutes or 4 tall ones. Top off with sparkling wine.
SOURCE: Adapted from Driftwood restaurant, Michael Martensen
More of a wine person?
Here are 50+ budget-friendly wines recommended by our Dallas Morning News Wine Panel for all of your holiday gatherings.
What about beer?
These 5 gift-worthy seasonal brews from local breweries like Peticolas and more are perfect for parties or small dinners.
