With the holiday season upon us and that distinct chill in the air, there is no doubt about it – winter has arrived. As we trade in the rich, bright hues of fall for the festive colors of the winter, we welcome in delicious new twists on cocktails that are sure to take tables by storm. That’s right, our resident Party Rental Ltd. specialists have stepped behind the bar again to whip up some delicious new concoctions. Think it’s not possible to top the tasty treats that they served up for the Top 5 Fall Cocktails? Take a look at the mouth-watering beverages that made the list of the Top 5 Winter Cocktails and just try to resist serving these at your next event.
Chocolate Mint Martini (Serves 1)
Smooth, minty and with the perfect hint of chocolate, this Chocolate Mint Martini is an exquisite drink for the winter.
(Pictured: Flared Red Wine/Water Glass 7.25 oz.)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounces white crème de cocoa
- 1/2 ounces green crème de menthe
- 1 ounces half-and-half
- Ice
- Granulated sugar (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rim martini glass with granulated sugar and set aside.
- Pour white crème de cocoa, crème de menthe, half-and-half and vodka into a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into martini glass.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and mint leaves and serve.
Kahlua Mini Hot Chocolate (Serves 5)
A grown-up take on a popular childhood favorite!
(Pictured: Glass Rim Demi Cup and Ceramic Rectangular Tray 16″ x 4.75″)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
- Mini marshmallows, for serving
- Salted caramel, for serving
- Chocolate syrup, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in Kahlúa.
- Serve immediately, garnished with mini marshmallows, salted caramel and chocolate syrup, if desired.
Blackberry Ombre Sparkler (Serves 4)
This bubbly, fruity drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
(Pictured: Dyana Flute Glass 5 oz.)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 bottle champagne
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil on high heat, and then reduce to a simmer and let cook for approximately 12-15 minutes. The blackberries will become soft and bright in color and a pinkish purple syrup will form. Take off of the heat and drain the blackberries, keeping the syrup in a separate bowl. Set both aside and allow to cool.
- Once blackberries and simple syrup are cooled, spoon about 4 tablespoons of syrup into the bottom of each champagne flute
- Top with champagne.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries or the cooked blackberries, and a sprig of rosemary.
Winter Sea Breeze (Serves 1)
A seasonal twist on an old favorite.
(Pictured: Madison Double Rocks 13 oz.)
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka (1/8 cup)
- 1 oz grapefruit juice (1/8 cup)
- 1/2 oz tonic syrup (2 tablespoons)
- 2 oz soda water (1/4 cup)
- 12 pomegranate seeds
- 3 mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill your glass about 3/4 full with ice.
- Â Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, tonic syrup and stir.
- Pour in the soda water and garnish with the pomegranate seeds and mint leaves.
Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy (Serves 4)
Spicy, sweet, warm perfection in a glass.
(Pictured: Mug Glass Irish Coffee V Shaped)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (or thereabouts) dark rum (bourbon or cognac may be substituted)
- optional: 2 whole star anise
- 1 1-inch piece ginger peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 32 ounces pure cranberry juice
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, allspice and ginger to a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cover and simmer on low for about 10 minutes. Reduce heat and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Divide into individual mugs, stir in desired amount of rum, enjoy warm.
We have to admit, this list has us desiring to try each and every single drink on it this winter! We can easily envision guests enjoying these at their next holiday event. So, keep warm this winter with these delicious cocktails and let us know, which one would you love to serve at your next event? Post your answer in the comments below. And if you’re planning on trying these recipes out, be sure to show us the finished product! Tag @partyrentalltd on Instagram when you show off these creations!