It’s the holiday season! What better way to celebrate the holidays this year then with festive holiday drinks. The holidays are always filled with parties, gatherings and nights out on the town. This year, spice up your night out (or in) with some fun and festive beverages. If you’re a bourbon lover than this article is for you! Here we’ll take a look at several festive drinks that are bourbon based. We’ll go through different drinks for different events so that you can have the perfect drink for your special holiday gathering!
Home Holiday Gatherings
We’ll start with home holiday gatherings. If you’re having a gathering at your house, here are some great drinks that you can serve. Whether you’re having a large or small gathering, these cocktails are sure to be a big hit!
Traditional Homemade Eggnog
What’s a holiday season without eggnog? This homemade recipe is perfect for a large or small party.
Here’s the recipe:
9 large eggs, separated
2 ¼ cups sugar
1 ½ cup dark rum
1 ½ cup brandy
½ cup bourbon
10 cups heavy cream
1-2 tbsp nutmeg, to taste
½:
1. separate the eggs and set them aside
2. using a mixer or a whisk, mix the egg yolks and the sugar until very thick and creamy
3. add rum, brandy and bourbon – continue to mix
4. add heavy cream an nutmeg and continue to mix on a low speed
5. using another bowl, mix the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add into other mixture and mix well
6. cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best)
7. an hour before serving, add ice cream and blend well
8. pour into bowl and sprinkle extra nutmeg over the top
9. use within 3 days – serves 20-30
Now because this is such a large mixture of items, you don’t really have to go top shelf for this drink. Some Old Grand Dad will definitely do the trick for a great drink recipe on a budget!
Bourbon Punch
If you’re having a big gathering and are looking to go the punch route, then this recipe for bourbon punch may be just what you’re looking for.
Here’s the recipe:
70 oz bourbon
2/3 cup sugar syrup to taste
2 cups orange juice
2 750-ml. bottles club soda or champagne
12 maraschino cherries
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup peach brandy
Directions:
Chill all ingredients before assembling punch. Put all ingredients *except for club soda or champagne and cherries* into a chilled punch bowl. Mix well and check for sweetness. When it comes time to serve the punch, add club soda or champagne and stir gently. Garnish with cherries. It serves about 40.
This is also a large combination party drink so you definitely do not have to go top shelf for this punch. Old Grand Dad is the perfect choice for this delicious holiday drink!
Hot Buttered Bourbon
If you’re looking for a hot drink to warm you and your guests up on a cold winter’s night, then hot buttered bourbon is the perfect mix!
Here’s the recipe:
2 ½ oz bourbon
6 oz apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
1 part butter
Pinch nutmeg
Pinch ginger
Directions:
Heat bourbon and apple cider in a saucepan. Pour into warmed mug. Add cinnamon stick and butter and stir. Sprinkle nutmeg and ginger over the top.
This is a single serving drink but you can multiply the recipe if making for a large group of people. Because the bourbon is more prominent in this drink, I suggest going with a higher end bourbon such as Wild Turkey. Enjoy!
Bourbon Cobbler
Now just because snow may be falling outside, doesn’t mean that you have to keep all your festive drinks on the warm side. Bourbon Cobbler is a fantastic frozen drink recipe that will be a hit at any house party!
Here’s the recipe:
2 tsp lemon juice
1 ½ oz bourbon
1 tsp peach brandy
1 oz Southern Comfort
1 tsp sugar syrup
canned peach slice
club soda
Directions:
Mix all ingredients (except soda and peach slice) with a blender. Pour into a chilled glass and add ice cubes. Fill with soda, and garnish with peach slice.
For this drink I recommend using a bourbon like Crown or Makers Mark. It will add distinct flavor to this delicious cocktail.
Frozen Mint Julep
Another frozen treat for the holidays! This minty drink is sure to bring some fun and flare to any festive gathering!
Here’s the recipe:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
5 mint sprig
1 oz sugar syrup
Directions:
Mix all ingredients into a glass then pour into a blender. Add about 6 oz of crushed ice and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour mixture into a chilled glass.
This delicious holiday treat would be best served with a higher end bourbon such as Jim Beam or Makers Mark. This frozen minty drink will bring joy to any gathering!
Polyester Velvet Hammer
This interesting drink may remind you slightly of your great aunt Millie’s velvet holiday vest that she’s been wearing to parties for the last 30 years! This is another great chilled beverage that will be a rave at any holiday gathering.
Here’s the recipe:
1 oz vodka
1 oz bourbon
1 oz Chambord
4 oz ice cream
4 oz cream
Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a blender. Mix lightly. Serve in large chilled glass.
The bourbon matches the name on this one. I suggest using Black Velvet bourbon to make this drink an instant hit!
A Night In
There’s nothing better around the holidays than spending a relaxing evening at home, by the fire, with the ones that you love. Here are some low key bourbon based holiday drinks that can add festive to your quiet evening without a whole lot of fuss.
For tea lovers, hot toddies are a great way to spice up your soothing nighttime drink.
Here’s the recipe:
8 oz hot water
Squeeze of lemon juice
1 oz bourbon
Honey
Sugar
Directions:
Either use just hot water or mix in your tea as well. Add other ingredients and stir.
Hot toddies can be made with any type of bourbon. I suggest Wild Turkey because it will give your drink a little bite!
Candle in the Window
One of the most creative bourbon recipes I came across, this is a fantastic nighttime beverage that will give you a relaxing end to any hectic day!
Here’s the recipe:
2 oz light rum
2 tsp bourbon
1 tsp brown Crème de Cacao
1 tsp Cherry Brandy
4 oz black coffee
Cocoa powder
Directions:
Pour all ingredients, except the Crème into a coffee glass or cup. Stir well. Carefully float the Crème on top of the drink. Dust with Cocoa Powder.
Because it’s merely a teaspoon of bourbon, any brand will do. I suggest old grand dad or crown for this delicious treat!
Wild Coffee
Plain and simple! Add a little bourbon to your coffee and you instantly have a delicious after dinner drink!
Here’s the recipe:
1 pot coffee
Bourbon
Cream
Directions:
Add ½ oz of bourbon to each cup. Whip cream until stiff. Dollop on top of each cup.
For this beverage…you have to go with the name! I suggest using Wild Turkey in your wild coffee!
Bourbon a la Crème
Just because you’re hanging in on a cold winter’s night, doesn’t mean that you have to drink warm drinks! Enjoy this chilled beverage while staying warm and cozy by the fire this holiday season!
Here’s the recipe:
Several vanilla beans
1 ½ oz bourbon
1 oz dark Crème de Cacao
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a blender with ice and chill in the fridge for about an hour. When ready, blend well and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.
I would go top shelf for this drink! Try Evan Williams or Makers Mark in your creamy holiday treat!
Out for a Night on the Town
There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season then to go out for a night on the town with close friends and family! Here are some bourbon based cocktails and shooters that are simple yet delicious! Try ordering one of these at the bar! You may even teach your bartender a thing or two about bourbon! Happy holidays!
Old Fashioned Manhattan
One of the most popular bourbon based drinks; you definitely can’t go wrong with an old fashioned Manhattan this holiday season. This drink is great on any occasion!
Here’s the recipe:
½ oz sweet vermouth
1 ½ – 2 oz bourbon
Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
Maraschino cherry
Directions:
Pour bourbon, vermouth and bitters into shaker with ice and stir. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with cherry.
Top shelf all the way on Manhattans! Makers Mark is definitely my bourbon of choice for this classic cocktail.
Apple Jack
This tasty treat will add a little cinnamon spice to your festive night out! So tip one back and cheers to the holiday season!
Here’s the recipe:
½ oz Sour Apple Pucker
½ oz bourbon
Cinnamon
Directions:
Mix ingredients over ice and serve in a lowball glass.
The apple jack is versatile because it can be either a cocktail or a shooter! I recommend using either Crown or Jim Beam for this delicious treat!
Kings Ransom (shooter)
I chose this shooter in honor of the three kings (or wise men) this simple shooter adds some excitement to any night out on the town!
Here’s the recipe:
½ oz Goldschlager
½ oz Bourbon
Directions:
Can be served straight up or can be chilled first over ice and then served.
To stick with the theme here I choose Crown Royal as the bourbon of choice for this cinnamon-y treat!
Maple Leaf
This semi sweet, semi tart cocktail is perfect to warm yourself up on a cold night out!
Here’s the recipe:
3 parts bourbon
1 part maple syrup
1 part lemon juice
Directions:
Shake with ice then strain and serve on the rocks. Garnish with lemon twist.
This drink is great for a night on the town, but it could be difficult to find a bar with maple syrup. Ordering this at a restaurant/bar might be your best bet. I suggest going top shelf with this drink, Makers Mark or Evan Williams will do the trick!
Buffalo Sweat (shooter)
You got me! This shooter has nothing to do with the holiday season but I’m from Buffalo so I thought I’d throw it in here! This is not for the faint hearted so gather up some muscle before taking this shooter!
Here’s the recipe:
4/5 oz bourbon
1/5 oz hot sauce
Directions:
Stir in shot glass. DRINK QUICKLY!!
My number one choice to accompany this shot would have to be Crown Royal (only because it’s huge in Buffalo) but any top shelf bourbon will do!
Bottoms Up
If you’re looking for a simple frozen drink for your special night on the town, then the bottoms up is the perfect choice!
Here’s the recipe:
2 oz lemon lime soda
1 oz ice
1 oz bourbon
1 oz Peach Schnapps
Directions:
Put all ingredients into a blender and mix on a slow speed. Serve in chilled glass.
You can go any way with your bourbon choice for this drink. Personally I’d stick with a lower shelf liquor like Old Grand Dad but you can definitely splurge and go top shelf if you so choose!
Shut the Hell Up (Shooter)
Last but not least! I saved this shooter for the end because it’s something we’re all going to need at the end of this holiday season! We all love our friends and family…but sometimes enough is enough! You can answer the same questions over and over so many times before you want to scream and tell everyone to SHUT THE HELL UP!
Here’s the recipe:
½ part Bacardi 151
1 part Crown Royal Bourbon
1 part Jägermeister
½ part Everclear
2 splashes grenadine
Directions:
Pour Jager at the bottom of the glass. Mix Crown, Everclear and 151 to layer on top of the Jager. Splash the grenadine. Attempt to shoot by shutting the hell up!
As you can see in the recipe this shooter calls for Crown! Enjoy!
Well that’s about it! Hope you enjoyed reading about all the fantastic holiday beverages you can make with Bourbon. Hope these can add a little festiveness to your holiday season! Cheers!
