“My favorite holiday cocktails are festive, easy to make, and delicious,” says Tina Karras, founder and owner of Tina’s Vodka. “Vodka is the perfect base for these classic cocktails. Its versatility pairs well with peppermint, ginger, cranberry, and all our other favorite holiday flavors.”
Get in the “spirit” by mixing up one (or all) of these seasonal vodka cocktails!
Peppermint martini
This classic cocktail is easy to make at home, and there’s nothing better to sip while sitting by the fire and watching a marathon of your favorite Christmas movies. If holiday entertainers need a drink that is simple and sweet, this is one that’s sure to turn heads!
To make an extra special Peppermint martini, rim the martini glass with flakes of peppermint candies by crushing peppermints or candy canes, and then pouring the flakes onto a plate. Dip the rim of a martini glass in water, then roll in the candy flakes until evenly coated.
When the martini glass is ready, pour 1 oz peppermint schnapps, ½ oz Tina’s Vodka, 1½ oz crème de cacao, and 1½ oz heavy cream into a shaker filled with ice, and shake well. Then, simply strain the mixture into the glass and serve.
The Christmas martini
Though a Christmas martini can be made with any juice, cranberry tends to add the most festive color. This brilliant red martini is the picture of a holiday cocktail classic.
To mix a Christmas martini, add 1 oz Tina’s vodka, 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice, ½ oz Cointreau, ½ oz lemon juice, and 2 tsp maple syrup into a shaker full of ice cubes. Shake until chilled, then strain the mixture into a martini glass before garnishing the cocktail with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Gingerbread martini
The Gingerbread martini is a great cocktail for holiday parties. It has all the flavors of a gingerbread cookie without the excess carbs or sugar.
To make a Gingerbread martini, start by rimming a martini glass with brown sugar and colorful sprinkles. Dip the glass’s rim in water, then roll across a plate lined with brown sugar and sprinkles until the rim is thoroughly coated.
Next, add 1 oz gingerbread syrup, 1½ oz Tina’s Vodka, and 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream into a shaker with ice cubes, and shake the mixture until it is cold. Finally, strain the cocktail into the martini glass rimmed with brown sugar and sprinkles and serve.
Peppermint White Russian
The Peppermint White Russian is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time and a staple at holiday parties and winter get-togethers. The original recipe calls for vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, but this one also adds a dash of peppermint schnapps for extra holiday flavor.
To make this cocktail, simply combine ½ oz peppermint schnapps, 1½ oz Tina’s Vodka, and 1 oz Kahlua in a low-ball glass filled with ice. Top with 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream and swirl.
Cranberry Moscow Mule
A Moscow Mule is a cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It’s typically served in a copper mug rather than glassware.
To make a festive Cranberry Moscow Mule, add 2 oz Tina’s vodka, 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice, ½ oz lime juice, and 3 oz ginger beer into a shaker filled with ice. Then shake until the mixture is cold and well blended, and strain the mixture into a copper mug or tumbler filled with ice. Garnish the mule with a lime wedge and cranberries.
Vodka Eggnog cocktail
Eggnog may not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s a quintessential holiday cocktail. This version is served cold, allowing people to enjoy Christmas in June, July, or even August.
To make an Eggnog cocktail, rim a martini glass with cinnamon and sugar. Mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon and pour onto a plate, then roll the wet rim in the mixture until evenly coated.
After preparing the glass, combine 1 oz Tina’s Vodka, 3 oz eggnog, and 1 oz amaretto in a shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake until the mixture is thoroughly chilled, and strain it into the rimmed martini glass filled with fresh ice. Top the cocktail with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, and it’s ready to serve!
Vodka wassail punch
Friends and family can sip this spiced punch while waiting for Christmas Eve dinner. It’s warm and not too heavy, so everyone will still have room for the main meal.
To make a vodka wassail punch, pour 1 gallon of apple cider, 1½ cups of orange juice, and 1 cup of fresh lemon juice into a stock pot to simmer. Next, push whole cloves into two oranges approximately an inch apart, then slice a third orange. Place all of these — along with 10 cinnamon sticks — into the pot, then reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for at least half an hour.
Before serving, add 2 cups of Tina’s Vodka and ¼ cup of brandy. Make sure to pour the punch into a heat-proof punch bowl.
The holidays are a time for celebrating. Try any of these vodka-based cocktails and make a splash at this year’s holiday parties!
