valley & co. entertaining :: 3 festive holiday drink recipes

‘Tis the seasons for merriment! We love a good drink – whether it’s a cocktail or mocktail – and ones that are garnished beautifully and layered in flavor.

Here are a few of our favorite festive (and easy) cocktails and mocktails perfect for your next gathering! To make a non-alcoholic version of many cocktails, you can substitute the alcohol with a cider, ginger ale, or splash of a flavorful shrub (except for the egg nog – just omit liquor).

Spiked Egg Nog {via Bon Apetit}

INGREDIENTS

6 large eggs*, separated
1 cup sugar
A pinch of kosher salt
3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups dark rum
Whole nutmeg and cinnamon stick (for serving)

RECIPE PREPARATION

  • Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a large punch bowl just until sugar is dissolved, then whisk in milk, cream, and rum. Cover and chill egg nog base at least 2 hours.

  • Just before serving, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into egg nog base. Finely grate nutmeg and cinnamon over as desired.

  • DO AHEAD: Egg nog base can be made 6 hours ahead. Keep chilled.

Perfect Pour Cocktail Co.’s Mai Tai as seen in Storied Weddings  Photo by O’Malley Photographers

Mai Tai

INGREDIENTS

.50 oz Macadamia Nut Orgeat

.25 oz Falernum
1.0 oz Lime
.50 oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
1.50oz Appleton Estates 12yr. Jamaican Rum
.50 oz. Byrrh Quinquina Wine
Smith & Cross Overproof Jamaican Rum
Shake all ingredients instead of the Quinine Wine and Smith & Cross. Strain over crushed  ice and top with the Byrrh. Mist some Smith & Cross over top of the cocktail. Garnish with an Amarena Cherry and a Mint Sprig.

Valley & Co.’s Merry Punch – Photo by Kerry Jeanne Photography

INGREDIENTS

1 liter of ginger ale
2 bottles of good champagne *or use a cider
1/3 cup of mint leaves (barely muddled)
1/3 cup of frozen sugared cranberries
Squeeze of lemon juice – 1-2 tablespoons to taste

Barely muddle mint leaves and place into a punch bowl with the frozen cranberries. Add ginger ale and top with chilled champagne. *We don’t recommend adding ice to this punch as it can dilute the bubbly. Serve immediately

What is your go-to holiday recipe to share?

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