Photo: The Good Brigade (Getty Images)
Maybe you didn’t notice the seemingly countless Hallmark-style holiday rom-coms dominating every streaming service, the Christmas music blaring from your car radio, or the twinkling lights adorning homes from Bangor to Bakersfield, but the holidays are here in full force.
This means that holidays parties from Christmas, New Year’s, and everything in between is upon us. And, while we’ll let someone else worry about the food, we can handle the drinks.
That’s why we decided to make a simple guide for mixing this holiday season. We created a little run-down explaining the various mixed drinks, cocktails, and punches you can whip up with your favorite spirits. Keep scrolling below to see them all.
2021 Boozy Holiday Guide
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Blended Scotch
Blended Scotch whisky might be the unsung hero of the holiday booze game. That’s because you can get a great bottle like The Famous Grouse or Monkey Shoulder for very little money. Drink it neat or on the rocks or as the base for a classic cocktail like a godfather (Scotch and amaretto).
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Bourbon
We drink bourbon all year long, but this sweet, rich, mellow, corn-based spirit is well-suited for slow sipping neat or on the rocks in front of a roaring fire or mixed into an old fashioned or whiskey sour while you enjoy the electric glow of your fake Christmas tree.
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Gin
Gin might seem like summery booze, but there’s definitely room for this juniper-based clear spirit during the winter months. While we can’t think of a wrong time for a gin & tonic, the holidays (and New Year’s Eve specifically) were made for the French 75 (made with gin, lemon, and Champagne).
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Rum
White rum is perfect for warm weather, tiki-style cocktails. Dark rum is perfect for the winter months. You can’t go wrong with a simple rum and cola (or a Cuba Libre), but rum really shines when used as the base for a warming, spiced, hot, buttered rum.
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Rye Whiskey
Like bourbon, rye whiskey is a cold-weather drinker’s dream. While bourbon relies more on its corn sweetness, rye is known for its spicier, peppery flavor. Also, great neat or on the rocks, mix it into a cocktail with some sweet vermouth and bitters and you’re all set with a classic, warming Manhattan.
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Single Malt Scotch
Single malt Scotch purists might not like us, but on top of being a perfect wintry sipper, this whisky (especially peat smoked whisky) is the perfect base for holiday cocktails. We love it as the base for a penicillin made with lemon juice, ginger, and honey.
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Tequila
Another spirit most enjoyed during the warmer months, tequila definitely has its place during the holidays. Use this vegetal, agave-based spirit to ramp up your seasonal punches or enjoy it in a refreshing tart paloma during a holiday brunch.
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Vodka
While often overlooked, vodka is extremely important during the holidays (and any time of year). The perfect base for a boozy punch (so as not to take away from the overall flavors), a classic martini, or as ingredients in a bloody Mary for holiday brunch (or even Christmas morning).
