Making Spirits Bright : Festive Drinks for Everyone!

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Holiday Cocktails | Coastal Bend Mom

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and family gatherings. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the last thing on everyone’s mind is what drinks to serve at their next get together. Here is my ‘go to’ list for quick & easy, seasonally festive drink recipes.

Kid (non-alcoholic) Drinks:
-Grinch Punch
-Rudolph Punch

Adult Drinks:
-Eggnog Mudslides
-Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria

Grinch Punch

Grinch Punch | Coastal Bend Moms

 Growing up, I remember this punch being all the rage at parties. Kid tested and parent approved! This recipe adds a desert element to a caffeine free party drink that will easily become a staple beverage at your holiday parties.

What you will need:

  • A large punch bowl
  • Punch glasses or party cups
  • 2 small plates
  •  1 small cup of water
  • 1 half gallon of Lime Sherbet
  •  1 2-liter of Sprite
  • 1 gallon of Green Hawaiian Fruit Punch
  • Red Sanding Sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  •  In a large punch bowl, spoon in Sherbet.
  • Pour in half of the Sprite and half of the Hawaiian Punch over the Sherbet.
  •  Stir ingredients together.
  •  Next, take a small plate and fill half way with water.
  •  With the second small plate, pour a thin layer of red sanding sugar.
  •  Take a glass and dip the rim in the plate of water. Then dip the rim in red sanding sugar for a tasty and festive garnishment!
  •  Lastly, spoon your Grinch Punch into garnished glass, serve and enjoy!

 

Rudolph Punch

Rudolph Punch | Coastal Bend Mom

Need a party drink that takes minimal effort but isn’t the same old same old drink? Here’s a drink that both the kids and adults will enjoy! This simple recipe is a quick and easy drink to add to your next holiday gathering and can be made as “fancy” as you’d like. Just throw in some frozen cranberries and a colorful, sugary rim to you glass for some added flare!

What you will need:

  • A large punch bowl
  • Punch glasses or party cups
  • 2 small plates
  • 1 small cup of water
  •  1 16-ounce bag of frozen Cranberries
  •  1  32-ounce bottle of Cranberry Juice
  •  1-liter bottle of Ginger Ale
  •  Green Sanding Sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  • In a large punch bowl, pour in 32-ounce bottle of cranberry juice. Then slowly add 1-liter bottle of Ginger Ale.
  •  Stir and add in desired amount of frozen cranberries.
  • Next, take a small plate and fill it half way with water.
  • With the second small plate, sprinkle a thin layer of green sanding sugar.
  • Take a glass and dip the rim in the plate of water. Then dip the rim in green sanding sugar for a sweet holiday garnishment!
  • Lastly, spoon your  punch and frozen cranberries into freshly garnished glass, serve and enjoy!

 

Eggnog Mudslides

 | Coastal Bend Mom

Here is a fun twist to a timeless seasonal drink! This recipe combines two classic drinks into one, that is sure to hit all the holiday feels. So if you’re an Eggnog or Mudslide fan, this drink is for you!

What you will need:

  • 4 parts Eggnog
  •  1 part Kahlua
  •  1 part Vodka
  •  Nutmeg
  •  Whipped cream
  •  Cocktail shaker 
  •  Ice for shaker
  •  Serving glass
  •  Cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions:

  • Mix Kahlua, vodka and eggnog in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  •  Shake well, then strain contents into a serving glass.
  •  Top with whipped cream and sprinkle nutmeg.
  •  Ganish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

 

Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria

Whoever came up with the idea that sangria was strictly a summer refreshment clearly never had Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria! This drink brings the flavors of fall/winter to a traditional wine based sangria that is sure to have your guests swooning over it. It’s the perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, New Years or any fall/wintery gathering.

What you will need:

  • 1 bottle of Red Wine
  •  3 cups soft Apple Cider (non-alcoholic)
  •  1 cup Cranberry Juice
  •  1/2 cup Triple Sec or other orange liqueur 
  •  1/4 cup Honey or Simple Syrup
  •  1 cup fresh or frozen Cranberries
  •  1 cup freshly diced red and green apple cubes (unpeeled)
  •  Sparkling Water 
  •  Large Pitcher
  •  Serving Glasses
  •  Ice
  •  Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Instructions:

  • Combine red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, Triple Sec/orange liqueur and honey (or simple syrup) in a large pitcher. 
  •  Add cranberries and diced unpeeled apple cubes.
  •  Serve over ice, filling glasses 3/4 full with sangria and topping off with some sparkling water.
  •  Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Whatever drink you choose – please drink responsibly!

Let us know which recipe is your favorite!

Happy Holidays, friends!