Christmas Cocktail Party Must-Haves: 5 Holiday Themed Drinks That Are Santa Approved!

The 2016 holiday season is here as many folks begin preparations for yet another busy time, various 'To Do' lists become vital to seasonal success. Putting up decorations, organizing cooking duties and preparing for family gatherings certainly take priority during this busy time and while it is extremely important to have a balanced menu for all to enjoy, the choosing of fun and tasty beverages is also another way to bring a heightened level of enjoyment to each get-together.

While many people enjoy eggnog throughout the wintry season, others prefer to have a variety of choices. Sure the basic red and white wines along with certain beers and mixed drinks serve as solid complimentary drinks for many food items but since the holiday season is about spending time with family and friends while taking part in multiple activities including cooking, baking and of course shopping, many people will be interested in creating their own fun beverages since they'll be able to work with those closest to them in order to bring festive cocktails to their loved ones. For those interested in mixing together some tasty holiday beverages, here's a look at the top 5 cocktails you'll surely enjoy during the festive season.

Cranberry and Mint Martini

Ingredients:

8 oz. Fresh Mint leaves

2 fl. oz. Ketel One Vodka

1 ½ fl. oz. Cranberry juice

Fresh cranberries

¼ fl. oz. Pomegranate (grenadine) syrup

Directions: Muddle mint in the base of your shaker and then add remaining ingredients. Shake with ice and then pour the beverage into the chilled glass of your choosing.

Grapefruit and Rosemary Christmas Cocktail

Ingredients:

¼ cup crushed ice

1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary

1 1/4-inch thick sliced grapefruit

1 ½ oz. Vodka (brand of choosing)

4 oz. Seltzer water

Garnish - grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs

Directions: Muddle together ice and rosemary in cocktail shaker then add grapefruit slice and muddle once more. Add vodka and seltzer once completed and strain into glass. Extra ice can be added to glass if needed.

Sparkling Holiday Mimosa

Ingredients:

1 ounce amaretto

¼ cup fresh orange juice, chilled

1 ½ oz. Vanilla vodka (brand of choosing)

Cranberry simple syrup (1 bag frozen cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water)

Ice

¼ cup frozen cranberries

¼ cup chilled sparkling wine

Orange zest twist

Directions: In cocktail shaker, add orange juice, amaretto and vodka. After stirring, pour 1 ½ tablespoons of cranberry syrup into chilled glass filled with ice. Add orange juice mix. Add cranberreis, and sparkling wine, garnish with orange twist and serve immediately.

Cherry Frost

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons black cherry liqueur

1 tablespoon of brandy

1 cup ice (crushed)

4 tablespoons sparkling white wine

Garnish - maraschino cherries (if desired)

Directions: Add black cherry liqueur, brandy and crushed ice into cocktail shaker. Cover with lid and shake until chilled. Strain into champagne glass and top with sparkling white wine. Add garnish if needed.

Jingle Juice

Ingredients:

5 cups orange juice

1 cup vodka

1/3 cup orange liqueur

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

½ cup maraschino cherry juice

Garnishes - Fruit-flavored candy cane, cherries w/ stems, orange and lemon slices

Directions: Stir orange juice and additional ingredients before serving over ice. Add garnishes based on desired flavor. Extra orange juice may be used in place of orange liqueur if needed.