It's that perfect time of year for holiday get-togethers and office parties, and nothing makes these events more exciting than some festive cocktails to pair with all the yummy treats you decide to make. With so many delicious drink ingredients to choose from, there are so many drinks to make, and you can really get creative with the decoration.
Food Network chefs know how to make not only the best meals, but also the best drinks, and they've taken holiday classics like hot chocolate, eggnog and cider and spiced them up to make them the perfect cocktails to serve your guests or have out for your friends and family on Christmas Day. Some of network's chefs have even come up with their very own unique cocktail recipes using Christmas goodies like candy canes and gingerbread cookies. From hot buttered rum to mulled cider, and even a fun layered shot, here's what we think are the Food Network's 10 best holiday cocktail recipes...
1. Candy Cane Cocktail
With vanilla rum, white chocolate liqueur and peppermint schnapps, this sweet cocktail tastes exactly like a candy cane and is extremely easy to make. Chef Sandra Lee suggests garnishing it with a candy cane, which can be used as a stirrer and be eaten as a tasty treat. To make this more like a martini, use vanilla vodka instead of rum. Click here for recipe.
2. Hot Buttered Rum
The smell of this drink alone is perfect for the holiday season as the mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves give it that festive, spicy scent. This drink takes a little more effort to make as you need to mix together the brown sugar, spices, butter and honey before adding in the spiced rum, but it is oh so worth it in the end. Chef Rachael Ray suggests serving it warm by adding in boiling water and garnishing it with cinnamon sticks. Click here for recipe.
3. Pomegranate Sangria
Sangria is always fun to make because essentially, you can throw whatever fruit you like in it, but for this recipe, Bobby Flay suggests pomegranate juice, pomegranate seeds, oranges, apples and red grapes. Add in some fruity red wine, brandy and triple sec for the perfect cold-weather sangria. Make larger batches of this for parties because it's guaranteed to be a huge hit. Click here for recipe.
4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate is not only special because it has booze in it, but because it can be made in a slow cooker so you don't have to worry about it while you prepare the rest of your holiday feast. All you need is some evaporated milk, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps and dark chocolate chips, and you're got the perfect boozy hot chocolate. Top with some whipped cream and candy canes. Click here for recipe.
5. Christmas in a Glass
The name basically says it all, but this drink is as simple as it gets. Literally all you need is Prosecco, or any sparkling dry white wine, and gingerbread flavored syrup, and there you have it! Christmas in a glass. Chef Nigella Lawson also suggests substituting the gingerbread syrup for cranberry syrup if gingerbread isn't really your thing. Click here for recipe.
6. Layered Christmas Shooter
There's a trick to getting this to come out just right, but when you do, it's awesome. The layers of apple schnapps, grenadine and gold-flecked cinnamon schnapps create not only an amazing tasting shot, but the perfect red, green and gold festive look. All it takes it a little time and patience, and you'll have this layered look down in no time. Click here for recipe.
7. Adult Eggnog
Chef Alton Brown has created the perfect adult version of eggnog because it's spiked with eggnog and topped with freshly grated nutmeg. While you could always just buy eggnog from the store, Brown suggests making it from scratch with eggs, sugar, whole milk and heavy cream. Click here for recipe.
8. Mulled Cider
Apple cider is perfect during the fall, but Bobby Flay's mulled cider recipe makes it perfect for winter because he adds in warm winter spices like cinnamon and allspice as well as berries and oranges. He also suggests serving it hot by the fireside for the perfect, cozy winter night. Click here for recipe.
9. Gingerbread Martini
This cocktail tastes just like a dessert and is almost too pretty to eat. Chef Trisha Yearwood has created the perfect mix of Bailey's Irish cream, vodka, coffee liqueur, homemade Gingerbread syrup and vanilla ice-cream to taste just like your favorite Christmas cookie. The best part is, you get to top it with whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies. Click here for recipe.
10. Holiday Party Punch
This punch is perfect for large parties and a quick solution for a last minute crowd. This punch is made up of just sparkling cider, cranberry juice, ginger ale, lemon juice, oranges and vodka, so it can be made in less than five minutes and keep your guests happy all night long. Click here for recipe.
