Holiday Cocktails on a Budget

With the holiday season beginning there will be many occasions to celebrate! Throwing a party of any kind can be costly, but Holiday parties in particular can rack up costs quickly with decorations, food, and gift exchanges. It’s always nice to have a festive drink this time of year, but with a large party all of those ingredients for a fancy drink can be expensive. So, I went on a search for the best party drinks and cocktails that will impress your guests while being easy on your time and your wallet.

Mulled Wine:

4 to 5 Servings (multiply recipe as needed)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Red wine (does not have to be expensive)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste
• Optional add-ins:
  • ¼ cup of brandy
  • 2 Star anise (for extra spice)
  • Additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks to garnish

*Ways to save* -If you do not want to buy the spices for this drink individually, many local grocery stores carry pre-made mulling packets around the holiday season. Be on the lookout!

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in large sauce pan and simmer over low heat for 10 min
2. Serve in mugs and add garnish

* For a party a slow cooker is a great resource to keep drink warm, and have guests use a ladle to serve themselves.*

Hot Toddy:

4 to 5 Servings (multiply recipe as needed)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brandy, whisky or rum
• 1/3 cup honey
• 5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 5 cups hot water
• 3-5 tea bags (taste preference)

Instructions:

1. Boil 5 cups of water
2. Take the water off heat and add your alcohol, honey and lemon
3. Steep tea bags for 3-4 minutes
4. Serve in mugs

*For a party a slow cooker is a great resource to keep drink warm, and have guests use a ladle to serve themselves.*

Holiday Mimosas:

6-8 Servings (multiply recipe as needed)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) champagne, prosecco, cava
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• Rosemary and cranberries to garnish

Or

• 1 cup white grape juice
• Cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and or apples

Instructions:

1. Chill ingredients ahead of time
2. Combine ingredients in pitcher
3. Serve

Holiday Punch (Non-Alcoholic):

Large Serving 15-20 (cut or multiply recipe as needed)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups ginger ale
• 1 can (12oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
• Your choice of fruit and garnish: apples, oranges, cranberries, and/or rosemary

*To make alcoholic just add vodka*

Instructions:

1. Chill ingredients ahead of time
2. Combine all ingredients in punch bowl
3. Serve

xo,