7 Festive Drinks to Toast to the Holidays: From Cocktails to Craft Beers

Posted on November 22nd, 2023

The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and celebration. 

Whether you're hosting a festive gathering with friends and family or simply looking to unwind and savor the flavors of the season, one thing is for sure—festive drinks are an essential part of the holiday experience. 

From warming cocktails to craft beers that embody the spirit of the holidays, these beverages can elevate your celebrations and create lasting memories. 

In this article, we'll introduce you to seven festive drinks that are perfect for toasting to the holidays. Each drink is thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of the season and add a touch of magic to your festivities.

The Essencial Role of Festive Drinks

Before we dive into the delightful world of holiday beverages, let's take a moment to appreciate why festive drinks are so important for your parties and gatherings. Festive drinks serve as more than just refreshments; they are a symbol of togetherness and a catalyst for merriment. Here are a few reasons why festive drinks are essential:

Setting the Mood

Festive drinks set the tone for your holiday gathering. The aroma of spiced cider, the sparkle of champagne, or the comforting warmth of a mulled wine can instantly transport your guests to a holiday wonderland.

Fostering Connection

Sharing a drink with loved ones encourages conversation and bonding. It provides an opportunity for people to relax, unwind, and engage in meaningful interactions.

Adding a Touch of Tradition

Many holiday drinks have a rich history and tradition associated with them. Incorporating these beverages into your celebrations can connect you to the past and create a sense of continuity.

Enhancing the Culinary Experience

Festive drinks complement holiday meals perfectly. They can balance out the richness of holiday dishes and enhance the overall dining experience.

Creating Lasting Memories

The act of raising a glass, making a toast, and clinking glasses is a tradition that creates lasting memories. Festive drinks are an integral part of these memorable moments.

Now that we've explored the importance of festive drinks in adding a touch of magic to your holiday gatherings, it's time to dive into the heart of our holiday celebration – the drinks themselves. In the next section, we've curated a selection of 7 festive drinks that are perfect for toasting to the holidays.

7 Festive Drinks to Toast to the Holidays

Let's dive into our selection of seven festive drinks to make your holiday celebrations even more special. Each drink is a delightful concoction, designed to capture the essence of the season and elevate your festive moments. FLet's raise our glasses and explore these festive libations that embody the spirit of the holidays.

1. Spiced Cider Punch

Kick off your festive celebrations with our Spiced Cider Punch, a delightful cocktail that combines the warmth of hard cider with a medley of spices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of hard cider
• 1 cup of dark rum
• 1/2 cup of cinnamon schnapps
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Sliced apples and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine the hard cider, dark rum, cinnamon schnapps, honey, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to blend the flavors. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. When serving, garnish each glass with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick.

2. Beer and Bourbon Eggnog

Eggnog is a traditional holiday treat, but we're giving it a twist by incorporating our craft beer and a hint of bourbon. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of craft beer (choose your favorite variety)
• 1 cup of bourbon
• 4 cups of eggnog
• Ground nutmeg for garnish

Directions

In a pitcher, combine the craft beer, bourbon, and eggnog. Stir until well mixed. Chill in the refrigerator until cold. When serving, sprinkle each glass with a pinch of ground nutmeg.

3. Frozen Wine Spritzer

For those who prefer something on the lighter side, our Frozen Wine Spritzer is a delightful choice. It's a refreshing and visually appealing drink that combines frozen wine with sparkling water and fresh berries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of frozen wine (choose your preferred variety)
• 1/2 cup of sparkling water
• Fresh berries for garnish
• Mint leaves for garnish

Directions

In a wine glass, add the frozen wine. Top it up with sparkling water. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.

4. Yuletide Shandy

The Yuletide Shandy is a beer lover's dream come true. This beer cocktail combines the crispness of craft beer with the zesty flavors of citrus and spices, creating a refreshing and flavorful choice.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of craft beer (choose a light or citrusy variety)
• 1/2 cup of ginger beer
• Juice of half a lemon
• Orange slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions

In a glass, combine the craft beer, ginger beer, and lemon juice. Stir gently. Garnish with orange slices and a sprig of rosemary.

5. Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine is a timeless classic that infuses red wine with brandy, honey, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a warm and comforting drink that embodies the spirit of the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/4 cup of brandy
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• Orange zest for garnish

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, brandy, honey, sliced orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Heat over low heat (do not boil) for about 20 minutes to infuse the flavors. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with orange zest.

6. Cranberry Sparkler

The Cranberry Sparkler is a refreshing and festive drink that combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the effervescence of champagne or sparkling wine. It's perfect for celebrating in style.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cranberry juice
• 1 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions

In a champagne flute, pour cranberry juice. Top it off with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a small rosemary sprig.

7. Holiday Havoc Stout

No festive drinks list would be complete without featuring our very own Holiday Havoc Stout. This delightful pastry stout boasts a 5% ABV and is designed to capture the essence of the holiday season. With a pleasant aroma, a touch of sweetness, and just the right amount of gingerbread flavor that doesn't overpower, it's the perfect addition to your holiday festivities.

Related: Beer and Food Pairing: Unveiling the Perfect Combinations 

Conclusion

Festive drinks play a significant role in making your holiday celebrations memorable. Whether you opt for the warming embrace of a Spiced Cider Punch, the unique Beer and Bourbon Eggnog, the delightful Holiday Havoc Stout, or any of the other beverages we've shared, each drink has the power to enhance your holiday experience. So, raise your glass and toast to the holidays with these 7 festive drinks. May your celebrations be filled with warmth, joy, and the company of loved ones.

At Mojave Brewing Company, we take pride in crafting beverages that enhance your holiday experience. Our very own Holiday Havoc Stout is a testament to our commitment to quality and flavor. With its inviting aroma, subtle sweetness, and the perfect hint of gingerbread, it's a must-try for the season.

As you prepare to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, we invite you to explore our selection of craft beers, hard ciders, and frozen wines. Whether you're looking for the perfect drink to complement your holiday feast or a unique libation to share with loved ones, our offerings are designed to make your celebrations even more special.

If you have any questions, need recommendations, or would like to learn more about our products, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us at (702) 204-1387 or via email at [email protected]. We're here to help you create unforgettable holiday moments.

May your celebrations be filled with warmth, joy, and the company of loved ones. From all of us at Mojave Brewing Company, cheers to a joyful and flavorful holiday season!