For most people the holidays are synonymous with entertaining. Whether your gatherings are geared towards a small group of friends and family or you host an annual festive blow-out it’s never too early to start preparing.
Don’t break the bank - Have a few signature cocktails for groups. For a large crowd you may want to offer drinks or punches that can be made ahead and kept in pitchers, or even your slow cooker, rather than mixing one drink at a time which can take you away from your guests.
Know your audience – If you have a large number of beer drinkers don’t choose to serve champagne. Instead you could have small samplers from local craft beer companies and the same goes for ciders. However, if your guests are wine drinkers offer a white or red sangria with lots of fun fruits or a more seasonal flair with cranberries and oranges. For traditionalists there are certain obvious beverages associated with the holidays, so you may want to focus on those that contain eggnog, cranberry juice or buttered rum.
Impress your guests – If you’re comfortable behind the bar or have a friend that would love to step into that role for the evening as a mixologist be sure to have ingredients for regularly ordered drinks or offer guests the choice to sample some of your own creations (be sure to try these out before the big event).
Remember your guests that don’t drink – In addition to pop, juice or water why not try a festive non-alcoholic punch; or have lemon and lime wedges to go with soda and serve in fancy glasses so they can feel special as well.
Specialty Coffees – If you are planning a big sit-down dinner why not end the evening with a specialty coffee featuring your favourite liqueur and a decadent dessert. These can be just as elegant as cocktails and reflect a holiday mood.
Some things to remember besides the alcohol include: cute holiday napkins; a variety of nibbles; lots of ice; lemons, limes, cherries etc… for garnishing glasses or depending on your drink selections assorted spices and glass rimmers; be sure to clearly identify any non-alcoholic punches versus those with alcohol. Most of all don’t let guests drink and drive so that everyone can have a safe holiday season.
Simple Holiday Punch
1 (12 oz) frozen lemon or limeade concentrate
1 (12 oz) frozen orange juice concentrate
4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
12 oz vodka
1 (2 L) 7-Up or Ginger Ale
Add Ice, sliced oranges and cranberries to float on top.
This can also be served without the alcohol.
Cranberry Sangria
1 cup apple cubes (red/green or both)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup honey
3 cups apple cider
1 cup cranberry juice unsweetened
1 bottle sparkling water
1 750 ml bottle red wine
½ cup Triple sec or orange liqueur
Small cinnamon sticks for glasses as garnish
Eggnog Mudslides
1 part kahula
1 part vodka
2 parts eggnog
Whipped cream and ground nutmeg to top.
Cinnamon stick to garnish
Combine kahlua, vodka and eggnog in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glasses. Add whipped cream and nutmeg.
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