What are some whiskey cocktails to try for your Christmas party?
- Gingerbread fizz
- Ginger hot toddy
- Apple cinnamon spritz
- Cranberry bourbon
- Candy cane julep
Overview
- Celebrate Filipino Christmas parties with versatile whiskey cocktails like Gingerbread Fizz and Candy Cane Julep.
- Explore premium selections at Ralph’s Wines & Spirits for the perfect holiday drink.
Whiskey and Filipino Christmas parties go hand in hand, making it a festive favorite for the season. Our love for socializing over drinks during celebrations makes whiskey the perfect addition to holiday gatherings. While traditional options like rum and beer remain staples, whiskey has become a versatile standout—whether enjoyed neat or mixed into creative cocktails.
This trend truly comes to life during Christmas, as families and friends gather to celebrate with delicious food and drinks. To help you take your holiday rinks to the next level, here are some must-try whiskey cocktail recipes for your Christmas party.
Gingerbread Fizz
This cocktail blends the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the richness of whiskey, making it a perfect festive treat. Not only does it look inviting, but it also captures the essence of Christmas in every sip. Here’s how to prepare this delicious whiskey cocktail for your Christmas party:
Ingredients
- Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey - we recommend Jameson Irish Whiskey for a smooth and approachable flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup
- 150 ml ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons red wine such as a Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a Shiraz (optional, for garnish)
- 1 gingerbread cookie (for garnish)
- ¼ lemon (for garnish)
Steps
- Prepare the glass by crumbling a gingerbread cookie onto a plate. Rub the quarter lemon around the rim of your serving glass and dip it into the cookie crumbs to coat the edge.
- Next, in a cocktail shaker, combine ice, Irish whiskey, lemon juice, and gingerbread syrup. Shake well until the mixture is chilled and blended.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger ale for a fizzy finish.
- For an added touch, gently float red wine on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Finish with a gingerbread cookie and a lemon wedge as garnishes.
Ginger Hot Toddy
This drink is a warming cocktail that combines whiskey with ginger and honey, making it perfect for the Philippine’s chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½–2 oz whiskey (Irish whiskey, such as Teeling Single Malt, or Maker's Mark Bourbon, works well)
- 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 slice fresh ginger (add more if you like a stronger kick)
- 1 slice lemon (for garnish)
- Optional: whole spices like cinnamon or cloves
Steps:
- Place a slice of fresh ginger in a mug. For a stronger flavor, lightly muddle the ginger to release its natural oils.
- Pour hot water into the mug over the ginger. Stir in the honey until it’s fully dissolved.
- Add your preferred whiskey and stir to combine.
- Top with a slice of lemon for a hint of citrus. For extra warmth, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves as garnish.
- Sip and enjoy your hot toddy while it’s warm!
- Fun fact: This cocktail isn’t just cozy; its soothing ingredients, like ginger and honey, are also known for helping relieve cold symptoms, making it a go-to drink for cool December evenings.
Apple Cinnamon Spritz
If you are looking for an autumn-inspired cocktail that combines the crispness of apple with the warm spice of cinnamon, this whiskey cocktail may just be for you.
Ingredients
- A bourbon such as John Lee Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky or a scotch such as the classic Johnnie Walker
- 50 ml Apple Cider
- 25 ml Simple Syrup
- 1 large pinch Ground Cinnamon
- 75 ml Sparkling Wine or Champagne
- Ice Cubes
- Garnish: Apple slices, lemon rounds, and a cinnamon stick
Steps:
- In a wine glass, combine the apple cider, whiskey, and simple syrup.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon into the mixture.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Top off the drink with sparkling wine or champagne.
- Garnish with apple slices, a lemon round, and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Cranberry Bourbon
This cocktail combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries with the rich warmth of bourbon, making it a crowd-pleaser for Christmas parties. Plus, the cranberry's holiday association adds to the festive vibe, while the vibrant red hue brings a cheerful touch to your celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon (such as a Jim Beam White)
- 2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1/2 ounce rosemary sage simple syrup
- Splash of fresh lemon juice
Steps:
- In a glass filled with ice, combine bourbon, cranberry juice, rosemary sage simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Stir to mix and enjoy! Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
Candy Cane Julep
The Candy Cane Julep is a festive twist on the classic mint julep, making it a perfect drink for the holiday season. Combining the refreshing taste of mint with the sweet flavor of peppermint, this cocktail is sure to be a hit at Christmas parties.
Ingredients:
- 0.5 to 1 oz peppermint syrup
- 2 oz bourbon (such as a Kavalan Bourbon Oak Single Malt)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Optional: Candy cane for garnish
Steps:
- In a julep cup or glass, muddle 3-5 fresh mint leaves with the peppermint syrup to release the mint oils.
- Pour in the bourbon and stir gently to combine.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice, packing it down slightly.
- Top with a sprig of fresh mint, and if desired, stir with a candy cane for extra sweetness and a festive touch.
- Serve and enjoy!
Key Takeaway
With these whiskey cocktails, you can be sure your Christmas party—whether intimate or large—will be a guaranteed hit!
Take a look at Ralph’s Wine & Spirits' full collection of whiskey in the Philippines here. Explore a curated selection that showcases the best bottles distilleries have to offer, from smooth single malts to robust bourbons. Browse our online shop and discover your next favorite whiskey today!
