Champagne Mistletoe

Welcome back my friends and followers, today I bring you a “spiced up” (see what I did there) version of some of my favorite festive holiday cocktails. These beverages instantly put me in the holiday spirit. The best part of these is that you don’t have to be perfect, they are made exactly how you like them. Added bonus – there are items in each of these recipes that would make for a perfect gift for any fellow cocktail lover. Keep scrolling to see how to make these festive holiday cocktails.

I pop the bubbly all year long so it was only natural to make this with a holiday twist. There are tons of versions of the “Mistletoe Cocktail” so feel free to make it yours. Here is how I did mine:

• Rimmed the glass with a thick grain sugar (I used baking Truvia and it was perfect).
• Add champagne to 1″ below the top of the glass.
• Carefully pour in cranberry juice until you reach the color you like.
• Garnish with whole fresh cranberries, you can even stick some pine needles or rosemary in the cranberry for an extra festive twist!
• Bonus: add a small squeeze of lime juice for a nod to the classic Cosmopolitan.

Spiced Hot Toddy

Hot Toddies have quickly become one of my favorite fall/winter cocktails. These are one of those drinks that can vary depending on your taste preferences. Here is how I make mine:

• Begin by boiling water ( I use this electric kettle and I love it)
• Juice one half to full lemon depending on your taste into coffee mug or cup of your choice
• Add 1/2 – 1 tablespoon of honey (again depends on your preference)
• Add 1-2 shots of Bourbon (my favorite is Bulleit)
• Pour 6-10oz of the hot water and stir to combine
• BONUS: add cinnamon stick for a bit of a festive flare.

Hot Mulled Wine

This is an ULTIMATE festive holiday cocktail, it tastes like Christmas in a cup. All the spices and the wine are hearty and warm the soul instantly. Same goes with this libation, adjust to your liking. Here’s what you need to make it:

• A large bottle of CHEAP dry red wine (I like the Kirkland brand Cabernet)
• Star Anise (3-6 whole stars)
• Cloves (1/2 – 1 tablespoon whole cloves)
• Cinnamon Sticks (4-6 small, 2-3 big whole sticks)
• Brown Sugar (1/4 cup should be plenty)
• Oranges (quartered)
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup orange juice or apple cider (I only had OJ but it would be fantastic with apple cider)
• BONUS: Brandy or Spiced Rum to top it off

In large sauce pot, like a dutch oven, mix the wine, spices, half the sugar, half the juice and juice the oranges and dump the juice and the oranges into the pot. Bring to a simmer and taste. You will know if you want it sweeter or not, adjust accordingly.

Serve in a coffee cup with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice, I top mine off with a shot of Captain Morgan to give it a ‘lil kick.

I hope that that this episode of “Libations with Lauren” has brought you some holiday inspiration. Even though I wish I was sharing these with friends and family, knowing that I can share it with you all is just as good. If you aren’t following me on Instagram and LIKEtoKNOW.it, you better get on that! Lots of exclusive content there.

Cheers!

-Lauren