Spice It Up! The Best Spiced Christmas Cocktails To Try This Year

Best Spiced Christmas Cocktails to Warm Your Holidays 18+

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Ah, Christmas! The season of twinkling lights, joyful carols, cozy sweaters, and—most importantly—the tantalizing aroma of spices that transform your home into a holiday haven. But here’s a little secret: those same spices that make your gingerbread cookies sing can also elevate your Christmas cocktail game. That’s right, folks. We’re diving headfirst into the world of spiced Christmas cocktails, where cinnamon sticks become stirrers, nutmeg gets sprinkled like fairy dust, and every sip tastes like holiday magic. Ready? Let’s go!

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The Magic of Christmas Spices

Before we shake, stir, or muddle a single cocktail, let’s talk about the stars of the show: the spices. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and star anise are the unsung heroes of Christmas. They don’t just taste divine; they carry the warm, cozy vibes that make this season so special. These spices work like little flavor bombs, turning any drink into a festive delight.

But here’s the thing: the magic lies in how you use them. You can’t just toss a cinnamon stick into your drink and hope for the best. Infusion is key.

The Spice of Christmas: Essential Spices for Festive Baking and Sipping

When the holiday season rolls around, certain spices have an undeniable charm. Their warm and comforting aromas evoke images of cozy evenings by the fireplace and festive gatherings with loved ones. Let’s delve into the world of these classic Christmas spices:

1. Cinnamon:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, sweet, and slightly spicy.
• Common Uses: Cinnamon is a versatile spice, perfect for sweet and savory dishes. It’s a key ingredient in cookies, cakes, pies, and mulled wine.

2. Nutmeg:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, slightly sweet, and nutty.
• Common Uses: Nutmeg is often paired with cinnamon to add depth and warmth to baked goods, puddings, and hot beverages.

3. Cloves:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, spicy, and slightly bitter.
• Common Uses: Cloves are a classic Christmas spice, commonly used in mulled wine, gingerbread, and other festive treats.

4. Allspice:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, spicy, and slightly sweet, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Common Uses: Allspice is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a popular ingredient in pumpkin pie spice blends and is often used to flavor meats and vegetables.

5. Ginger:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, spicy, and slightly sweet.
• Common Uses: Ginger is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a key ingredient in gingerbread cookies, gingerbread houses, and mulled wine.

6. Cardamom:

• Flavor Profile: Warm, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy, with a floral and citrusy note.
• Common Uses: Cardamom is a popular spice in Scandinavian cuisine, often used in breads, pastries, and cakes. It can also be used to flavor coffee, tea, and other beverages.

Creating Your Own Christmas Spice Blend:

You can easily create your own custom blend of Christmas spices to use in your baking, cooking, and beverage-making. A classic combination includes:

• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground allspice
• Ground ginger

Experiment with different ratios of spices to create your own unique blend. You can also add other spices, such as cardamom, star anise, or coriander, to create more complex flavors.

Using Christmas Spices in Your Holiday Baking and Drinks:

• Baking: Add to cookies, cakes, breads, and pies.
• Drinks: Use in mulled wine, hot chocolate, and other warm beverages.
• Cooking: Flavor roasted meats, vegetables, and stews.

With these classic Christmas spices, you can create delicious and festive treats that will warm your heart and soul.

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Infusing Spirits and Mixers with Spices

Infusion is like a Christmas miracle in a bottle. Imagine sipping on a cocktail made with ginger-infused vodka or rum that’s been steeped with cinnamon and cloves. Heavenly, right?

Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick your base: Spirits like vodka, rum, bourbon, or even tequila work beautifully. You can also infuse mixers like simple syrups or even fruit juices.
2. Choose your spices: A cinnamon stick, a few cloves, a slice of fresh ginger, or even some star anise are great options.
3. Infuse it right: Add your spices to the liquid and let them sit for a few hours (or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous). Be sure to taste-test every so often—you want your infusion to be flavorful, not overpowering.
4. Strain and store: Once the flavors are just right, strain out the spices and store your creation in a sealed container.

Congratulations! You’ve just made the secret ingredient for your holiday cocktails.

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Festive Cocktails You Need to Try

Now that your spice game is strong, let’s talk recipes. From modern twists on classics to completely new creations, here are the cocktails you have to try this year.

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1. Mulled Wine with a Twist 

You can’t have Christmas without mulled wine—it’s a rule. But this year, let’s jazz it up.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 bottle of red wine (a fruity one like Merlot works best)
• 2 oranges (one for juice, one for garnish)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• A splash of cranberry juice

How to Make It:

1. In a saucepan, combine the wine, orange juice, cranberry juice, and spices.
2. Gently heat on low (don’t boil!) for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Add honey or sugar to taste, and garnish with orange slices and a star anise.

This version has a hint of tartness from the cranberry juice, making it a fresh take on a holiday classic.

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2. Cinnamon-Bourbon Hot Toddy

Bourbon + cinnamon = a match made in Christmas heaven. This hot toddy will warm you from the inside out.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ cup hot water

How to Make It:

1. In a mug, combine bourbon, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Pour in hot water and stir with a cinnamon stick.
3. Let the cinnamon infuse as you sip—it’s like a hug in a mug.

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3. Star Anise Negroni

Take the sophistication of a classic Negroni and give it a festive twist.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 star anise

How to Make It:

1. In a mixing glass, combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Stir with ice, then strain into a glass.
3. Garnish with a star anise for a spicy kick and stunning presentation.

Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try infusing your gin with a touch of star anise beforehand.

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4. Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

For the non-drinkers (or kiddos) in your life, this mocktail is just as festive as its boozy counterparts.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• A splash of ginger beer
• A lemon wedge

How to Make It:

1. Heat the apple cider with the cinnamon stick and cloves in a saucepan.
2. Strain into a mug, then top with a splash of ginger beer.
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve warm.

Even without alcohol, this drink is bursting with Christmas cheer.

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5. Nutmeg-Eggnog Martini

Eggnog gets a grown-up makeover with this creamy, dreamy martini.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 oz eggnog
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz amaretto
• Freshly grated nutmeg

How to Make It:

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine eggnog, vodka, and amaretto.
2. Shake well and strain into a martini glass.
3. Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg for a fragrant finish.

This is dessert in a glass. Need we say more?

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Tips for Perfectly Balanced Flavors

Spices are bold, and it’s easy to let them overpower your drink. The key is balance.

1. Add some acid: Citrus juices like lemon, lime, or orange can brighten up a spiced cocktail.
2. Sweeten the deal: A touch of honey, agave, or a flavored syrup can mellow out strong spices.
3. Dilution is your friend: Don’t shy away from adding a splash of soda water or ice to keep things from getting too intense.

It’s all about finding that sweet spot where every flavor shines.

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Presentation: Because We Drink with Our Eyes First

Want to take your cocktails to the next level? Focus on presentation. Here’s how:

• Garnishes: Use cinnamon sticks, star anise, or citrus peels as garnishes. They’re simple but stunning.
• Rimmed Glasses: Dip the rim of your glass in honey, then coat with a mix of sugar and cinnamon for a festive touch.
• Glassware: Serve your drinks in mugs, coupes, or highballs to match their vibe.

These little touches will make your drinks feel as special as they taste.

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Serving Tips for Holiday Gatherings

Whether it’s an intimate family dinner or a full-blown Christmas party, your cocktails should be the star of the show. Here’s how to make them shine:

1. Serve fresh: Spiced drinks are best when their aromas are fresh and inviting. Don’t let them sit too long before serving.
2. Offer options: Not everyone drinks alcohol, and that’s okay! Have mocktails like the spiced apple cider ready to go.
3. Batch it up: For big gatherings, make large batches of your cocktails in advance. It saves time and keeps the party flowing.

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Raise Your Glass to a Merry Christmas

There you have it, folks—a lineup of spiced Christmas cocktails that are as festive as they are delicious. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or looking to try something new, these recipes are guaranteed to bring some holiday cheer to your glass.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar! Whether you’re crafting for yourself or shaking things up for friends, remember: it’s not just about the drink, but the memories we make while we sip. Keep experimenting, keep pouring with love, and don’t forget to check back at Shake, Sip, Serve for more inspiration. Cheers to the next round!
Your Favourite Bartender KAD xo

Read More:
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Sipping Through The Season: Top 5 Easy To Make Christmas Cocktails
From Eggnog To Mulled Wine: Traditional Holiday Drinks You’ve Got To Try
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