Impress the In-Laws by Pairing These Alcoholic Drinks With Your Holiday Feasts

The holidays are a time of year when we all get away with a little extra indulgence, and cocktails with your holiday meal are no exception. If you’re looking to spice up your traditional dinner offering with the in-laws, here are some ideas for alcoholic drinks that will ensure all of your guests have a happy holiday.
Elevated Eggnog
Nothing really speaks to the holidays more than eggnog. While the classic version is always a hit, eggnog is quite versatile and easily elevated. Serving a rum or brandy eggnog with a dusting of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for garnish can totally transform the flavor. Be sure to have a discussion with your local liquor store expert to determine which brandy or rum would be best to serve in your eggnog recipe.
Gingerbread eggnog is also another great idea for the holidays. Add a half of a teaspoon of ginger to your traditional eggnog recipe, and you will have an amazing drink that can be served before dinner or with dessert. Garnish with whipped cream and a small candy cane.
Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Fizz
If you’re looking for a new drink to add to your yearly holiday tradition, consider a grapefruit cardamom gin fizz. This pink drink is beautiful dressed with a slice of candied ginger and a sprig of rosemary, and it is so easy to make.
Mix good gin with cardamom pods and let soak overnight. Then make a simple syrup of equal parts water and sugar. Add a sprig of rosemary to the simple syrup mixture and heat until all sugar is dissolved. Remove the rosemary from the simple syrup.
Mix 3 ounces of the cardamom infused gin, 2 ounces rosemary simple syrup and a half-cup of pink grapefruit juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain and pour over a glass of fresh ice. Add a bit of prosecco and you are all set.
Winter Sangria
This is one of the most delicious and beautiful drinks to pair with your holiday meal. Ingredients:
- One can of lemon-lime soda
- Bottle of white wine
- Cubed green apples, fresh raspberries and cranberries
- Rosemary sprigs
- Simple syrup to taste
Combine all ingredients with the exception of the soda and the rosemary in a pitcher. Add the soda and rosemary right before serving.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate hits the spot on a cold, holiday night. A spiked hot chocolate makes the evening even more festive. Mix a cup of hot chocolate with one-half ounce of peppermint schnapps and one-half ounce of chocolate liqueur. Garnish with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa, crushed peppermint candy and a small candy cane.
Adding any of these festive cocktails will help you and your guests enjoy one another and add a special touch to your gathering. You can even keep these drinks in mind all season long to make your holiday activities more fun.