Whether people need to entertain guests at a holiday party or take the edge off a day of Christmas shopping, these vodka-based holiday cocktails will do the trick.
“Vodka is extremely versatile,” says Tina Karras, founder and owner of Tina’s Vodka. “It pairs well with peppermint, cranberry, ginger, cinnamon, and all season’s best flavors. It’s no wonder so many classic holiday drinks feature vodka!”
This holiday season, Karras has offered seven of her favorite vodka-based holiday recipes:
1. Peppermint Martini
Sitting by a fire and sipping this mix of peppermint schnapps and chocolate liqueur evokes cozy memories of hot chocolate and candy canes. For a festive touch, rim the glass in crushed peppermint candies.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. peppermint schnapps
- 1/2 oz. Tina’s vodka
- 1 1/2 oz.s crème de cacao
- 1 1/2 oz.s heavy cream
- Peppermint candies
Instructions:
To prepare the rim, crush peppermint candies and place on a plate. Wet the rim of a martini glass with water, then roll the rim of the glass in crushed candies until it is evenly coated.
Shake peppermint schnapps, vodka, Creme de Cacao, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Finally, strain the mixture into the martini glass.
2. The Christmas Martini
This brilliant red martini delivers festive color and taste. Its garnish of crimson cranberries and green rosemary will brighten any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Tina’s vodka
- 1 oz. Unsweetened cranberry juice
- ½ oz. Cointreau
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. maple syrup
- Cranberries and a sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
Shake vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a cocktail or martini glass. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary.
3. Gingerbread Martini
While the kids decorate gingerbread houses, adults can sip this creamy cocktail. The flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger combine to taste just like your favorite holiday cookie.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. gingerbread syrup
- 1½ oz. Tina’s vodka
- 1 oz. Half-and-half or heavy cream
- Sprinkles and brown sugar (optional)**
Instructions:
To prepare the rim, place sprinkles or brown sugar on a plate. Wet the rim of the glass with water and roll it in the sprinkles or brown sugar.
Shake gingerbread syrup, vodka, and half-and-half in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into the martini glass.
4. Peppermint White Russian
Peppermint is such a perfect flavor for the season. This minty cocktail is guaranteed to become an instant holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz. peppermint schnapps
- 1½ oz. Tina’s vodka
- 1 oz. Kahlua
- 1 oz. Half-and-half or heavy cream
Instructions:
Add peppermint schnapps, vodka Kahlua, and ice to a low-ball glass, top with cream, and swirl.
5. Cranberry Moscow Mule
No collection of vodka-based beverages is complete without a mule. Cranberries and ginger combine in this drink to create the ideal cold winter night cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Tina’s vodka
- 2 oz. unsweetened cranberry juice
- ½ oz. lime juice
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- Lime wedge and cranberries
Instructions:
Pour vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice into a copper mug. Add ginger beer and ice, then garnish with a lime wedge and cranberries, if desired. Serve immediately.
6. Vodka eggnog cocktail
Eggnog isn’t everyone’s favorite, but it’s nevertheless a holiday classic and deserves a spot on any list of Christmas-inspired cocktails. It’s only available for a few weeks of the year, so there’s no better time for people to try this creamy Christmas cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. Tina’s vodka
- 3 oz. eggnog
- 1 oz. amaretto
- ¼ c. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions:
Mix the sugar and cinnamon and pour onto a plate. Wet the rim of the glass with water and roll in the mixture. Shake vodka, eggnog, amaretto, and ice in a cocktail shaker, and strain into the prepared cocktail glass.
7. Vodka Wassail Punch
Any roundup of vodka-based holiday favorites should include a warm, spiced punch. This recipe makes enough to share at the season’s next gathering.
Wassail, or hot mulled cider, is a traditional drink that will make anyone say, “Let it snow!”
Ingredients:
- whole cloves
- 3 medium oranges
- 10 cinnamon sticks
- 1 gal. apple cider
- 1½ c. orange juice
- 1 c. fresh lemon juice
- 2 c. Tina’s vodka
- ¼ c. brandy
Instructions:
Insert cloves into two of the oranges about a half-inch apart. Slice the remaining orange. Warm cider, oranges, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, orange juice, and lemon juice in a stock pot to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to serve, pour vodka and brandy into a heat-proof punch bowl.
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If you are mixing a mule or mulled cider, Tina’s vodka, sourced from organic and non-GMO corn, is guaranteed to be the perfect compliment.
Learn how Tina’s vodka is sustainably produced and treat yourself to the taste of all-natural vodka this season by visiting https://www.tinasvodka.com/.