by Nicole Danielle

As two bookish biddies who love to imbibe, we do enjoy a winter beverage. So we’ve gathered up some fabulous holiday cocktails to keep you warm and merry as you celebrate the season with loved ones or enjoy quality alone time with your favorite holiday romance novel. As always, please drink responsibly.

Holiday Cocktails to Keep You Warm & Merry

1. Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail

If there’s one cocktail I love most in the world, it’s a paloma. So when I came across this recipe from Joy+ Oliver for a Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail, I was ecstatic. A holiday paloma? Yes, please! No need to twist my arm. Cranberry juice and spiced simple syrup give this classic cocktail the perfect holiday twist. Rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries are the perfect garnish that make this drink look festive and fun as well. The spice simple syrup takes a little prep work ahead of time but once it’s done you can easily whip up the cocktail.

2. Korbel Spiced Sugarplum Rose Spritz

I LOVE Korbel bubblies. Like, really, love them. They generally aren’t cloyingly sweet and they are made Methode Champinoise. What is that important? It means you’re less likely to get a hangover. The Spiced Sugarplum Rose Spritz is a delightful concoction of plum brandy, a splash of grenadine and bubbly Korbel Brut Rosé. Add a sugar rim and that’s all you need to cozy up to this delicious, warming and comforting cocktail. Korbel also makes positively delicious brandies.

And, fun fact, did you know Wisconsin is the number one state for Korbel Brandy sales? What can I say? We like our brandy here. Which brings us to our next drink …

3. Brandy Slush

A Wisconsin holiday classic, if you’ve never had Brandy Slush then it’s time to give it a try. Many a Wisconsin family have their own version of this bulk-made slushee but we like the recipe from the Midwest Nice blog. Brandy gets combined with a variety of juice concentrates in an ice cream bucket (a classic Wisconsin move when making Brandy Slush) and it makes for a great party drink for a large crowd.

4. Clarified Milk Punch

The first time I saw Alton Brown’s Good Eats Holiday Spirit(s) episode featuring low alcohol holiday cocktails, I was intrigued. I love having options that won’t smack me over the head with the booze level but still have plenty of flavor. Enter Mr. Brown’s Clarified Milk Punch. Packed with flavor and incredibly warming thanks to the bevy of spices used. This cocktail does involve some advance preparation steps but they are well worth it for the final result. His Cranberry Apple Shrub recipe is also delightful.

5. Christmas Champagne Cocktail

I can never resist a glass of bubbly and I love cocktails that incorporate champagne or sparkling wine. This fun Christmas Champagne Cocktail from Fresh Simple Home is incredibly easy to put together and would be lovely not only for Christmas but also at a New Year’s Eve party or New Year’s Day brunch. I love the pink hue created by the fruit juices and this beverage is fizzy and delicious.

6. Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate

I can never resist a warm, delicious cup of hot cocoa and Lisa’s Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe from her blog, Cooking With Curls, is an instant winner in my book. As someone who’s lactose intolerant, I love that her recipe lets you choose a non-dairy milk alternative that’s still creamy and delicious. A double hit of two kinds of alcohol — peppermint schnapps and vanilla vodka — creates a really tasty blend of flavors in this seriously delicious cup of cocoa.

Do you have a favorite cocktail you like to imbibe during the holiday season? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment! We’re always on the lookout for great cocktails to enjoy during the podcast.