Behind the Bar: Your Holiday Drink Guide

This month, we will take a different approach to our behind the bar segment and talk about a few cocktails and mocktails that you should try out this holiday season. Whether you’re hosting or attending, these simple recipes feel like the best parts of all the holidays in a cup. Setting up your drink station can be as fun as designing the perfect dinner table-scape. So, have fun with it! If you’ve been wanting to try out making candied rosemary sprigs or a festive-infused alcohol, now is a perfect time. Here are a few of my favorite options.

Chai Tini– a fun twist on the classic fan favorite espresso martini.

            With just four simple ingredients, this Chai Tini recipe is by far the easiest to make. Just start by pouring any Chai Latte mix, my personal favorite is from the brand Tazo, over ice. Next add in your choice of milk, whether its 2%, almond, or oat, it doesn’t matter. Add in your favorite vodka and shake well. My favorite part is garnishing each drink with a little sprinkle of cinnamon. Maybe you take it an extra step and add a cinnamon and sugar rim or heat it up for a cozy night cap. The following recipe yields one drink.

2 ounces of Tazo Chai Latte mix

1 ounce of your milk of choice

1.5 ounces of your vodka of choice

(optional)

A dash of cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Fizz– need to bring a little sunshine on a cold winter day? This one is for you.

            For a dairy-free and gluten-free option, this tart and fizzy drink has always been top on my list and a fan favorite for the gin lovers in my life. Start the night before by infusing your favorite gin with cardamom pods for 24 hours. The next day, pour some rosemary syrup, gin, and grapefruit juice over ice and shake to mix. After pouring it into your desired cups, you’ll add a splash of prosecco and a rosemary sprig for looks. The following yields two drinks.

2 ounces of rosemary syrup

3 ounces of cardamom gin

½ cup of grapefruit juice

A splash of chilled prosecco

(optional)

A few rosemary sprigs for garnish

Cran-Pom Bellini Mocktail– a tasty thirst quencher that everyone can enjoy.

For this simple recipe, you’ll just mix pomegranate juice, cranberry juice and seltzer. Adding a squeeze of lime juice brings all the flavors together. Care for a little bit of sweetness? Don’t hesitate to add some simple syrup to this one. The following yields on drink.

½ ounce of cranberry juice

½ ounce of pomegranate juice

3 ounces of seltzer

(optional)

A few whole cranberries for garnish

1 lime sliced and squeezed