Cranberry Christmas Cocktails

Maybe it’s that newly-minted Midwest mentality — or the fact that I never mind an excuse to test-drive cocktail recipes — but I’ve shifted into more of an entertaining mindset this holiday season. And by that, I mean testing out cocktail recipes.

cranberry-lime-vodka-recipe


In a few days, I’m having my fellow SoulCycle Instructors over for a holiday party (and lots of required carb-loading). I’m excited, but I haven’t hosted a party or lots of people in a long time. My apartment was to teeny-tiny when I lived in New York!

Regardless, even the most rookie holiday hostess knows it’s important to have a delicious, easy-to-make drink recipe at-the-ready… And while entertaining may feel unfamiliar to me, cocktail creation certainly does not. Especially in the vodka realm.

… Ole!

cute-christmas-party-decoreasy-drink-recipe-for-a-holiday-partyfestive-cocktail-drink-recipe-for-a-holiday-party

Earlier this month, Absolut reached out and challenged me to utilize their limited edition Electrik bottles (in metallic silver and bright blue) as inspiration around holiday entertaining, so I knew a cool-looking cocktail would be the most fun and relevant way to do so.

The bottles have also become the centerpiece to my make-shift barcart — which I’ll show you in a post on Thursday.

cute-decor-for-a-christmas-party*Shop this “Thankful for” sign (under $10)

cranberry-cocktail-for-holiday-parties

I tried out a handful of recipes found on Pinterest (not all at once — lol), and finally settled on a perfect, ruby red-colored concoction for the party.

The “Cranberry Christmas Cocktail” — as I’ve been calling it — combines a handful of festive holiday flavors with a (generous) splash of Absolut Original Vodka. Yum!

cranberry-ginger-fizz-cocktail-recipe

All-in-all, it’s an easy-to-follow recipe that’s delightfully boozy and Absolut-ly delicious. (See what I did there? So bad. I know… I couldn’t’ help it.) This one’s sure to impress your guests, too.

Here’s how to make it:

christmas-cocktail-drink-recipe

 

Cranberry Christmas Cocktail

Makes: 4 servings (double the recipe if serving in a large pitcher)

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces Absolut Original Vodka
  • 16 ounces gingerale
  • 8 ounces cranberry juice
  • Fresh cranberries and lime to garnish

Directions:

  1. Mix vodka, gingerale and cranberry juice in a large pitcher.
  2. Slice the lime and juice half of it into the mixture.
  3. Add a generous amount of ice, stir and garnish with cranberries and any extra lime.
  4. Store in fridge until guests arrive.
  5. … Enjoy!
  6. (Repeat.)

best-christmas-cocktails

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Lastly, if you’re like me and you prefer to leave the event planning up to your girlfriends, worry not. Here’s a few personal tips for hosting a stress-free holiday soiree:

  • You can use frozen cranberries as make-shift ice cues (or any fruit, depending on what drink you’re serving).
  • Make sure you stock the pantry and prep your passed appetizers ahead-of-time. That way, you only have an hour or so of prep-work on the day of your par-tay.
  • Have a tray of drinks made and ready to go (in an easy-to-pour pitcher, ideally), so your guests can grab a glass and enjoy your company, not watch you tend to the bar (cart) all night.
  • If people offer to bring something, let them!

best-cocktail-to-serve-at-a-christmas-party

*In this post:

Decor

Cotton cashmere shirt: c/o Vineyard Vines (similar styles here)
Red candle: Archipelago (comes in more colors)
“Thankful for” sign: Nordstrom (under $10)
“Beginning to…” sign: Nordstrom (sold out, more here)

Kitchen/bar items

Absolut Original Vodka
Cocktail glasses: CB2
Stainless steel serving tray: CB2

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Iron & Honey Photography

Thanks to Absolut for partnering on this post. Enjoy responsibly!

8 comments

  1. Yum! Thank goodness for holiday cocktails… they’ve gotten me through some “challenging” holiday parties over the years! As a lady who likes to “imbibe” — and well, you know, things go downhill from there… I can’t recommend WHITE cranberry juice highly enough. It’s saved my clothes, my furniture and my rugs more times than I’d like to admit. #alwaysbeprepared! Have a happy holiday.
    XO, Stella
    http://www.theheartsdlite.com

  2. Pingback: How to Create a Bar Cart for a Small Space | Brilliant!

  3. This is exactly what I needed! I’ve been looking for a fun holiday-themed cocktail to serve. The gingerale addition sounds delicious! Thank you!

    ~Hillary
    http://www.styleinasmalltown.com

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