If there’s one thing I take delight in during the holidays, it’s a holiday themed cocktail! The combination of flavors that are reminiscent of the season always leave me wanting more. I like to dibble dabble in cocktail making (I’m no expert…yet), so I wanted to share 2 holiday cocktails for your next party that are sure to be a hit.

RED SANGRIA

One thing I love to make during the holidays is sangria. Something about it just makes me feel very cozy and warm. The key to this sangria is to let it marinate and sit for 2 hours (8-10 hours would be even more ideal) to really let the flavors mix together and soak in.

The star ingredient of this red sangria is a CINNAMON STICK. I added this on a whim just to get an idea of what the flavors would be like. I was so happy at how the cinnamon flavor infused perfectly with the rest of the drink and it gave the perfect hint of spice.

The best wine for sangria (in my opinion) is a red blend. It’s not too dry or too sweet and can easily mesh with other ingredients mixed in. Also, make this drink in a large pitcher or a mason jar and then distribute amongst each cup. The pitcher is a great way to add decor to a food spread at a holiday get together.

I remember a few years ago for a Friendsgiving, I made a batch of red sangria and it was a HIT! Since then, I’ve always loved to make this festive drink for family and friends, and this version may just be my best one yet!

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4 to 6

• 3 cups of Ménage à Trois Red Wine Blend
• 3 shots of Malibu Coconut Rum
• 2 shots of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple Whiskey
• 1 cup of fresh apple cider
• 1 cup of cranberry juice
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• Ice cubes (to chill)
• Garnish: apple slices
• Garnish: cinnamon sticks

STEPS

1. In large pitcher, add in apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
2. Pour in wine, apple cider and cranberry juice and stir to mix.
3. Add shots of rum and whiskey (be sure to taste after each shot to ensure the alcohol level is to your preference).
4. Once all mixed together, set in fridge for a 2 hours (or overnight, if possible).
5. Serve over ice or chilled and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks

SALTED CARAMEL APPLE

This cocktail is specifically for my caramel candy apple lovers! It’s one of my favorite sweet treats so it deserved it’s moment as a little drinky drink. Fair warning, this drink is more on the sweet side but that sweetness can be reduced with the amount of alcohol you choose to use.

What I love about this drink is that it is also very simple to make and really only requires three main ingredients. The key here is using fresh apple cider. The addition of the salt helps to cut the sweetness and your tastebuds are met with both flavors at the same time.

INGREDIENTS

Makes 4 Serving

• 6 shots of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple Whiskey
• 4.5 cups of fresh apple cider
• 2 tsp simple syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Sea Salt
• Ice cubes (to chill)

STEPS

1. Dip rim of glass into caramel sauce and then dip into sea salt
2. Pour ice cubes into cup
3. Drizzle caramel around glass
4. Add in shots of Apple Whiskey
5. Pour in fresh apple cider
6. Pour in simple syrup
7. Stir to combine and enjoy!

Thanks for reading through and if you make these cocktails, please let me know how you like it!

Until next time…