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Grandma will likely scoff at sipping a cocktail instead of wine with your holiday ham—but what’s Christmas without some family drama? We all love holiday traditions, but unbeknownst to most, cocktails can actually complement your favorite dishes. Hard alcohols highlight essential flavors while undoubtedly brightening spirits.
So why not (quite literally) mix it up this season, and impress the folks with these perfect holiday pairings? Grandma will be ordering another toddy before you know it, trust me.
Tequila Repossession With Suckling Pig
We all know tequila is the soul mate to spicy tacos and guac—but ham? This one caught us by surprise, too. As it turns out, the high acidity of this cocktail helps cut the richness of pork, one of the more a fatty, and traditional, Christmas meats. Created by Leo Robitschek of the James Beard award-winning NYC restaurant Eleven Madison Park, this tequila drink also features lemon and elderflower, making it a delightful citrusy counterpart to ham.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 ounces Tequila
1/3 ounce Elderflower Liqueur
2/3 ounce fresh pineapple juice
1/3 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/4 ounce cane syrup
Recipe:
Combine Tequila, Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lemon Juice and Cane Syrup into a cocktail shaker. Shake well.
Strain contents into a cocktail glass.
The South Side Fizz & Holiday Ham
As mentioned, holiday ham is a pretty big deal—so for the pork eaters not ready to try the tequila, we’ve got another fantastic option: The South Side Fizz. You may have noticed that ham is often accompanied by pineapple, as citrus cuts and enhances the fatty flavor of pork. But did you know cocktail specialists also recommend pairing mint with ham? Tangy, citrusy, and full of fresh mint, this easy to make cocktail is sure to be a holiday hit. We suggest using Tanqueray, our favorite gin.
Ingredients:
1 slice of orange, about 1/2 inch thick
1 slice of lemon, about 1 inch thick
12 mint leaves
1/4 ounce Tanqueray gin
1/4 ounce Cointreau
Chilled sparkling wine
Recipe:
In a shaker, muddle citrus slices, mint, gin, and Cointreau. Shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a 6-ounce cocktail glass or Champagne flute.
Top up with chilled bubbly. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Pommeau and Stormy with Butternut Squash and Apple Soup or Cheese and Crackers
Whether your first course is savory cheese or a holiday soup like puréed apple butternut squash, this light and highly drinkable cocktail proves the perfect aperitif. Cinnamon flavors compliment apple undertones, while bringing a classic Christmas scent. Ginger beer brings spice without overwhelming the palate.
Recipe:
Combine equal parts (we suggest 3 oz.) of Pommeau de Normandie and ginger beer in highball glass. Serve on the rocks with cinnamon stick garnish.
Cranberry Whiskey Hot Toddy With London Broil
For those who pass on pig, london broil and sirloin are also holiday staples. This pairing is so delicious one California restaurant, aptly named Steak and Whiskey, devoted their whole menu to countless combos. Scotch Whiskey’s potent, complex caramelized compounds easily handle robust, beefy flavors, and cranberry brings a seasonal flare. Plus, this warm toddy will keep you cozy and help digestion! We suggest using J&B Urban Honey, a tasty honey-infused scotch.
Ingredients:
4 oz cranberry juice
2 oz Whiskey
1/2 TBSP honey
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1 lemon slice (optional)
Preparation:
Combine all the ingredients, except the cinnamon stick and lemon slice, in a microwave safe mug. Microwave in one-minute intervals until thoroughly warm, but before it boils.
Add the lemon slice and stir in the cinnamon stick.
Peppermint White Chocolate Russian
When it comes to Christmas dessert, do you really want anything other than chocolate, peppermint, and, um, more chocolate? If you’re on our level, this peppermint white chocolate Russian is your new addiction. While homemade simple syrup demands a bit more skill, this dessert cocktail is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for added cheer.
Ingredients:
White Russian:
2oz Vodka
1oz homemade Peppermint White Chocolate simple syrup (preparation below)
4oz Whole Milk
Peppermint White Chocolate simple syrup:
4-6 oz Teavana White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos tea (or other white chocolate peppermint tea of choice)
8-12 oz White sugar
Simple Syrup Preparation:
Steep Teavana White Chocolate Peppermint Rooibos tea in hot water until desired richness. Strain tea into pot and add sugar. Use a 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to tea to make a rich syrup. Stir tea and sugar on medium heat until incorporated, then you’ve got your homemade simple syrup!
Cocktail Preparation:
Stir 2oz vodka with 1 oz peppermint white chocolate simple syrup over ice. Strain into 4oz of milk on the rocks. stir once again and top with milk froth and crushed candy cane.
For those less adventurous souls not keen on making their own simple syrup, here’s a tasty, yet simpler peppermint White Russian recipe.
All recipes make one cocktail
