As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to embrace the magic of festive gatherings. A curated menu of Christmas cocktails is a surefire way to create unforgettable moments. As a restaurant or bar owner, offering a special Christmas cocktail menu can attract customers and add a touch of holiday spirit to your establishment. Reliable refrigeration plays a vital role in keeping your ingredients fresh and your drinks at their best. Here are eight holiday favorites to inspire your menu this season.
1. Eggnog
This traditional Christmas drink combines creamy, spiced flavors that have delighted generations.
Ingredients:
· 4 cups whole milk
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 1 cup sugar
· 4 egg yolks
· 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
· 1 cup bourbon or rum (optional)
Directions:
1. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and sugar over medium heat until steaming.
2. Whisk egg yolks in a bowl. Slowly add warm milk mixture to the yolks, stirring constantly.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until it thickens slightly.
4. Stir in nutmeg and alcohol (if desired). Chill before serving.
Keep your eggnog chilled and ready to serve using a dependable reach-in refrigerator, like the ones from ORIKOOL, ideal for commercial spaces.
2. Mulled Wine
A warm, spiced wine perfect for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
· 1 bottle red wine
· 1/4 cup brandy
· 1/4 cup sugar
· 2 oranges, sliced
· 2 cinnamon sticks
· 4 cloves
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Heat over low heat until just below a simmer (do not boil).
3. Let the flavors infuse for 20-30 minutes.
4. Strain and serve warm in mugs.
Storing wine in a back bar cooler ensures it’s perfectly chilled before preparation, making ORIKOOL back bar coolers an excellent choice for any bar or restaurant.
3. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A festive twist on a favorite winter drink.
Ingredients:
· 2 cups milk
· 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
· 1 tablespoon peppermint syrup
· Whipped cream and crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming.
2. Stir in chocolate chips and peppermint syrup until melted.
3. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and candy cane crumbles.
4. Hot Buttered Rum
Rich and indulgent, this drink is perfect for relaxing by the fire.
Ingredients:
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 2 tablespoons brown sugar
· 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
· 2 ounces dark rum
· 1 cup boiling water
Directions:
1. In a mug, mix butter, sugar, and spices until smooth.
2. Add rum and boiling water. Stir until combined.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve warm.
5. Christmas Punch
A crowd-pleaser for holiday parties.
Ingredients:
· 2 cups cranberry juice
· 1 cup orange juice
· 1 bottle ginger ale
· 1/2 cup rum or champagne (optional)
· Fresh cranberries and orange slices (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Mix cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale in a large bowl.
2. Add rum or champagne if desired.
3. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices before serving.
Display punch ingredients beautifully in a merchandiser refrigerator from ORIKOOL, perfect for creating a festive self-service station at holiday events.
6. Irish Coffee
A warming blend of coffee and whiskey.
Ingredients:
· 1 cup hot brewed coffee
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 2 ounces Irish whiskey
· Whipped cream (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Stir sugar and whiskey into the hot coffee.
2. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
7. Spiked Cider
A cozy drink infused with fall spices.
Ingredients:
· 4 cups apple cider
· 2 cinnamon sticks
· 4 cloves
· 1/2 cup bourbon or rum
Directions:
1. Heat cider, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once warm, remove from heat and stir in bourbon or rum.
3. Strain and serve warm in mugs.
8. Champagne Cocktails
A sparkling choice for toasting the season.
Ingredients:
· 1/4 ounce Chambord or Grand Marnier
· Champagne
· Lemon twist (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Pour liqueur into a champagne flute.
2. Top with chilled champagne.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist.
ORIKOOL’s back bar coolers are excellent for keeping champagne perfectly chilled, ensuring every toast is a memorable one.
Celebrate in Style
From creamy eggnog to sparkling champagne cocktails, these festive drinks bring joy to holiday celebrations. Ensure your ingredients are always fresh and your drinks perfectly prepared with ORIKOOL’s commercial refrigerators and freezers. Visit orikool.com to explore our range of products and elevate your holiday service. Cheers to a season filled with warmth, happiness, and delicious drinks!