Bourbon Women love to celebrate with classic cocktails in hand and the holidays are no exception. What better way to set the festive tone than with a selection of classic bourbon cocktails? Whether hosting a cozy gathering or a lively holiday soirée, these cocktails blend tradition, warmth, and a touch of sophistication that’ll keep everyone in high spirits (get it? spirits?). Let’s dive into these festive essentials, perfect for making your holiday table (or bar cart!) a true centerpiece.
1. Winter-Spiced Bourbon Punch
Take your punch game to the next level with a hint of pomegranate, citrus and the sparkle of prosecco, transforming it into a true holiday centerpiece.
- 1/2 bottle of bourbon (750ml)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup blood orange juice
- ½ cup spiced simple syrup (cinnamon, star anise, cloves)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 bottle of prosecco
- Fresh rosemary, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds for garnish
In a large punch bowl, combine bourbon, juices, and spiced syrup. Add ice, stir, and just before serving, top with prosecco. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds for a festive look that tastes as beautiful as it looks!
Bonus tip: Take a large bundt pan and fill with a mixture of pomegranate juice, blood orange juice and water. Add citrus slices and cranberries. Freeze until solid and use as an ice ring in the punch bowl.
2. Cinnamon-Clove Old Fashioned
Give the classic Old Fashioned a bold winter spin with cinnamon-clove syrup and smoked orange peel. This rich, aromatic twist is perfect for chilly nights.
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz cinnamon-clove simple syrup (combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar, 3 cracked cinnamon sticks and 5 cloves and simmer for 15 minutes)
- 2 dashes black walnut bitters
- Flamed orange peel for garnish
Stir bourbon, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass over ice, then strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Lightly torch the outside surface of the orange peel, then express the oils over the drink and add as a garnish.
Bonus tip: This one comes alive if you have a cocktail smoker. Adding just a hit of smoke adds earthiness that ties in deliciously with the baking spices. If you don’t have a cocktail smoker, set a cinnamon stick alight and place your rocks glass over it to smoke the inside of the glass while you make the cocktail.
3. Hot Buttered Bourbon with Brown Sugar Vanilla
Warm, indulgent, and unforgettable, this twist on hot buttered rum incorporates a dollop of vanilla-spiked butter and a dash of brown sugar for a cozy holiday experience.
- 1.5 oz bourbon
- 1-2 tbsp vanilla-brown sugar butter batter (blend softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon)
- Hot tea or hot cider (preferred!) to top
Add bourbon and batter to a pre-heated mug (it’s critical to heat the mug beforehand), then pour hot tea or cider over it and stir until the butter melts, creating a rich, creamy texture. This drink is perfect for fireside gatherings and keeping you warm while the winter wind whirls outside.
Bonus tip: Adding additional flavor elements to the brown sugar, like nutmeg, ground cardamom, or more unusual baking spices will transform this hot buttered bourbon into an exotic and irresistible serve.
4. Rosemary Manhattan
Perfect for savory and spicy ryes, this seasonal take on a Manhattan doesn’t lean towards baking spice – but towards savory and herbal notes made stronger through infusions!
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- ¼ oz white balsamic (orange or peach preferred)
- ¾ oz dry vermouth infused with rosemary (infuse 8 oz dry vermouth with 2 rosemary sprigs for 1-2 days or until highly fragrant)
- 2 dashes lemon or orange bitters
- Fresh rosemary sprig and pretty cranberries on a skewer for garnish
Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a skewer of cranberries. The aromatic rosemary and tart pomegranate make this cocktail a holiday crowd-pleaser.
Bonus Tip: This cocktail is more suited toward the crowd that loves savory sips, not sweet ones. You must use a white balsamic for this cocktail. A traditional balsamic will be far too sweet. Play with the ratios here to get to a good balance. Because of how different balsamic can be, you might have to adjust the other elements. Be sure to taste test before you pour into your chilled coupe glass.
5. Maple Ginger Whiskey Sour
Add ginger’s festive warmth to this whiskey sour, pairing it with the depth of maple syrup to create a spicy, refreshing cocktail perfect for lively holiday gatherings.
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz maple-ginger syrup (maple syrup infused with fresh ginger for 2 to 5 days)
- Cinnamon stick or a ginger slice for garnish
Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and maple-ginger syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice, then strain into a glass over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish. This cocktail has just the right balance of sweet and spicy for the holiday season.
Bonus tip: Adding in a touch of cinnamon to the fusion, or just a tiny touch of molasses can transform this with more apparent cinnamon and gingerbread flavors.
6. Gingerbread Bourbon Hot Chocolate
Set up a hot chocolate bar, but with a twist—add gingerbread syrup and bourbon! Perfect for cozy nights with friends, let guests personalize their mugs with whipped cream, candy canes, or even a dusting of cinnamon.
- 1 oz bourbon per mug of hot chocolate
- ½ oz gingerbread syrup (molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
- Assorted toppings: whipped cream, candy canes, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Stir the gingerbread syrup and bourbon into each hot chocolate, then let guests top it to their liking.
Bonus tip: Around the holidays, Trader Joe’s has super cute bug toppers in the shape of gingerbread cookies. They are adorable as a garnish for this drink.
7. Winter-Spiced Brandy Milk Punch
This New Orleans classic gets a holiday upgrade with bourbon, nutmeg, and a bit of ginger. Think of it as a spiced, creamy concoction that’s perfect for sipping as you kick back and enjoy the holiday glow.
- 1 ½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz brandy
- ½ oz ginger syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 to 6 oz half-and-half
- Nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, then strain into a rocks glass with ice. Strain into a rocks glass and top with a dusting of nutmeg and cinnamon. This creamy, spiced cocktail brings all the comfort of the season in one irresistible sip.
Bonus tip: If you don’t have any half and half, and excellent substitution is to use melted vanilla ice cream instead of the dairy listed above. This makes it decadent and very close to a traditional eggnog flavor.
From the lively punch bowl to the cozy warmth of Hot Buttered Bourbon, these unique spins on holiday classics will add flair and flavor to any festive gathering. So pour, sip, and toast to a season full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable cocktails!