Made with rum, gin, vodka, or even no alcohol at all, cocktails are a great way to add some festive flavours to your holiday meals! Here are a few cocktail suggestions that are sure to impress!
PUNCH
Kick off your holiday festivities with a delicious glass of punch! The secret to a good punch is to strike the perfect balance between alcohol, ice, sparkling water, juice, and sugar. We suggest trying our tasty version that’s easy to make with whatever you have on hand. In a large punch bowl, combine half a cup of lemon juice, one cup of vodka, three cups of sparkling white wine, two cups of white cranberry juice, and ¼ cup of sugarcane syrup.
Mocktail version
If you’re in the mood for a mocktail punch, simply replace the alcohol in this recipe with sparkling water or clear soda (think 7up). Garnish with a few mint leaves and you’ve got yourself a refreshing drink that’s completely alcohol-free!
Refreshing tip
Instead of using ice cubes, fill each glass with a handful of frozen cranberries.
BLOODY CAESAR
One of Canada’s emblematic symbols, the Bloody Caesar has risen to fame over the past few decades. Inspired by the classic Bloody Mary, the Caesar is made with Clamato juice instead of tomato juice. It makes a great happy hour drink, especially when served with festive snacks. Here’s how to make a classic Bloody Caesar: rub a lime wedge along the rim of your glass, then dip your glass in celery salt. Next, combine three tablespoons of vodka, 2/4 cup Clamato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a few drops of red Tabasco sauce. If you want to try something a little different, swap the vodka with gin and add a few drops of liquid smoke seasoning—this will add a nice layer of complexity and flavour to your drink.
Mocktail version
Simply hold off on the vodka, and instead add a drizzle of lemon juice . . . it’s just as delicious!
Gourmet tip
Garnish your cocktail with mini pickles, celery sticks, or for a real gourmet treat, try a slice of bacon!
MARGARITA
Does the margarita make you think of warm tropical beaches? Well, it can also add an exotic touch to your holiday festivities! Originally from Mexico, this cocktail is loved by many for its robust flavours and tart lime aromas. Feel like treating yourself to a glass? All you need are a few ingredients! In a shaker filled with ice, add ¼ cup of tequila, the juice from one lime, and half a tablespoon of citrus liqueur. Shake vigorously, then strain into a salt-rimmed margarita glass.
Mocktail version
Enjoy your margarita alcohol-free by replacing the tequila with soda.
Festive tip
Want to impress your guests? Treat your loved ones to an iced version of this cocktail by blending all the ingredients with a handful of ice!
APEROL SPRITZ
The aperol spritz is a festive drink that’s perfect for the holidays. This Italian classic boasts a sparkling texture and an enjoyable bitter taste. You can make it in just a few minutes by filling a glass with ice, adding ¾ cup Aperol, ¾ cup Prosecco, and ¼ cup sparkling water. Garnish your glass with a slice of orange or sprig of rosemary.
Mocktail version
Make your spritz alcohol-free by adding a few drops of grenadine syrup to a sparkling beverage, and garnishing with orange or grapefruit zest. Enjoy without moderation!
Handy tip
Don’t have any Prosecco? Just use sparkling white wine instead.
