At Rachelle Doreen Events and Exploration, one of our favorite things about the winter is sipping on our favorite cocktails- complete with a holiday makeover. While we celebrate responsibly at home this year, we hope you will join us in channeling our energy into a fabulous menu. Read below for some boozy ideas, and let’s get fancy.

Mulled Wine

Recipe courtesy of Well Plated

Whether your holidays are spent in a winter wonderland or a sunny beachside, this warm drink adds a festive touch to any gathering. Best of all, the preparation alone will leave your home smelling like a big holiday candle.

Instructions:

1. Add wine, cider, honey, orange zest, and orange juice to a 3-quart or larger slow cooker
2. Stir to combine
3. Add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise
4. Cook on low until warm, 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your slow cooker
5. Stir in the brandy

Spiced Egg Nog Float

Recipe courtesy of Aunt Jake’s

Or as we like to call it, ‘nostalgia in a glass’. Let this creamy cocktail take you back to simpler times- and don’t forget the shortbread cookies.

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients and shake vigorously with crushed ice
2. Pour into large wine glass
3. Drizzle with raspberry coulis or grenadine
4. Garnish:grated nutmeg and cinnamon

Hot Toddy

Recipe courtesy of Love & Lemons

While tea is often associated with a comfy night in, this fan favorite provides just the right kick to your cozy gathering.

Instructions:

1. Pour the tea, whisky, lemon juice, and maple syrup in to a liquid measuring glass
2. stir, and pour into glasses
3. Adjust sweetener to taste
4. Garnish: orange or apple slices, pomegranates, and fresh thyme

Cranberry Kir Royale

Recipe courtesy of Posh Little Designs

If you’re anything like us, you’ve never met a sparkling drink you didn’t like. This simple cocktail brings the class to any holiday party.

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 part creme de cassis and 1 part cranberry juice into champagne flutes
2. Fill the flutes with dry sparkling wine or champagne
3. Garnish with fresh cranberries
4. Serve immediately

Holiday Mule

Recipe courtesy of the Home Sweet Jones

Although we’ve seen this classic created many different ways, these festive ingredients make this popular drink burst with holiday flavor- not to mention the prettiest to look at.

Instructions:

1. Combine simple syrup, cranberry juice, and gin
2. Pour over ice and top with ginger beer
3. Serve garnished with rosemary, orange wedge and sugared cranberries

It’s amazing what you can do with a little holiday spirit, and a lot of garnish. Reach out now for more inspiration from our team, and let’s get shaking!