The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive drink in hand? As a bartender, I've had the pleasure of creating and tasting some of the best Christmas cocktails out there.
But let's be honest, there's something special about a classic rye whiskey cocktail during the holidays. The rich and warming flavors of rye, combined with the seasonal spices and aromatics, make for a perfect sipper on a chilly winter night.
Rye whiskey has a long history in America, dating back to the 18th century. It's a bold and spicy spirit, made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain, and aged in charred oak barrels.
Rye whiskey was once the most popular whiskey in the US, until Prohibition brought about its decline. But in recent years, rye has made a comeback in the cocktail world, and rightfully so.
When it comes to Christmas rye cocktails, there are endless possibilities. From classic drinks like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned, to more creative concoctions that incorporate seasonal ingredients like cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, a Christmas rye cocktail is sure to add a festive touch to your evening. So, let's raise a glass to the best Christmas rye cocktail recipes out there, and get ready to sip in style this holiday season.
1. Holiday Whiskey Fizz
The Holiday Whiskey Fizz is a bubbly and festive cocktail that is perfect for any Christmas party. Made with Sagamore Spirits rye whiskey, club soda, cranberry syrup, and lime juice, this cocktail is a balanced and refreshing option for those who enjoy whiskey-based drinks.
The fragrant rosemary and fresh cranberries garnish add a touch of holiday flair to the cocktail, making it a visually appealing choice as well. Sagamore Spirit's rye whiskey is locally sourced and made with pure spring water, which adds to the quality of the cocktail. Overall, the Holiday Whiskey Fizz is a great option for those who want to enjoy a flavorful and festive drink during the holiday season.
2. Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail
The Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and flavorful drink this holiday season. Made with rye whiskey, cranberry juice, lemon, and maple syrup, this cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick to the drink, making it a great option for those who prefer a stronger cocktail.
The beautiful red color of the drink, thanks to the cranberry juice, makes it a great addition to any holiday party or gathering. This cocktail is easy to sip and perfect for any season or celebration. If you're looking to try something new this holiday season, the Cranberry Rye Holiday Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. Ruby Red Jubilee Cocktail
The Ruby Red Jubilee Cocktail is a perfect addition to any holiday party. Made with Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey, grapefruit and lime juice, and cinnamon syrup, this cocktail has a sharp citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the brown spirit.
The use of fresh juice adds vitamins C and A, and antioxidants to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a festive drink with a twist. So, if you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious cocktail, the Ruby Red Jubilee Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
4. Sparkling Honey Rye Whiskey Cocktail
The Sparkling Honey Rye Whiskey Cocktail is a perfect addition to any Christmas party or gathering. This cocktail is a unique combination of rye whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. The spiciness of the rye whiskey is balanced out by the sweetness of the honey, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness to the drink.
The addition of sparkling wine gives it a festive touch and makes it perfect for a holiday celebration. The cocktail can be garnished with a lemon wedge, which not only adds to the presentation but also helps to balance out the sweetness of the drink. This cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile.
5. Cold Toddy
Looking for a cozy, spiced cocktail to enjoy during the winter season? Look no further than the Cold Toddy! This rye-based cocktail is infused with a seasonal mix of warm spices, including ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and is served over ice for a refreshing twist on the classic hot toddy.
With a bright, spiced flavor profile, this batch cocktail is perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or enjoying on a cozy night in. So why not mix up a pitcher of Cold Toddy and let your guests serve themselves? It's the ultimate winter drink that's sure to warm you up from the inside out.
6. Spiced Whiskey Cider
Spiced Whiskey Cider is the perfect cocktail to warm you up during the holiday season. Made with Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey, apple cider, lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is the ultimate fall drink. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick to the sweet apple cider, making it a balanced and flavorful cocktail.
It's perfect for sipping while relaxing after work, or for serving at a holiday party. Sagamore Spirit's locally made rye whiskey is what sets this cocktail apart from the rest. It's not too sweet and not too strong, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. If you're looking for a festive cocktail to impress your guests, Spiced Whiskey Cider is the way to go.
7. Smoked Saskatoon Rye Whisky Flip Cocktail
The Smoked Saskatoon Rye Whisky Flip Cocktail is a perfect addition to any holiday party. This cocktail is a smoky and complex spin on the classic Whisky Flip Cocktail, with a delicious tart flavor that will leave you wanting more. The creamy texture, similar to an egg nog, is achieved through a dry and wet shake process, making it a luxurious drink to enjoy.
The cocktail is smoked using a smoking gun, which adds an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious mix of smoky berry flavors and a hint of cinnamon. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a unique and sophisticated drink that is sure to impress.
8. Cranberry Manhattan
If you're looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve at your Christmas party, the Cranberry Manhattan is a must-try. This seasonal take on the classic Manhattan recipe combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cranberry sauce for a deliciously complex flavor profile.
The addition of cranberry juice and orange bitters adds a touch of brightness and depth to the drink, making it perfect for sipping while curled up by the fire or mingling with friends and family. Garnished with fresh cranberries and an orange peel, this cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust us, your guests will be asking for the recipe all night long.
9. Pomegranate Manhattan
Looking for a festive and mellow cocktail to serve at your Christmas party? Look no further than the Pomegranate Manhattan. This twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail adds a festive touch with the addition of pomegranate juice, while still maintaining the strong and bold flavors of the original. The recipe calls for bourbon, but rye or whiskey can also be used.
The addition of sweet vermouth and bitters add depth to the flavor profile. For those who prefer a less boozy cocktail, simply add more pomegranate juice. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to switch up their usual vodka drink for the holiday season. Pair it with some mini brie bites with cranberry orange relish for a perfect holiday party combination.
10. Winter Old Fashioned
The Winter Old Fashioned is a perfect holiday cocktail that will keep you warm and cozy all winter long. This cocktail is made with whiskey, port, and allspice dram, which gives it a unique and festive flavor. A few dashes of orange bitters and an orange twist garnish make this drink a seasonal delight.
Allspice dram is a liqueur that originated in Jamaica and adds a warm spice flavor to the cocktail. The Winter Old Fashioned is a perfect drink to enjoy by the fireside or at a holiday party. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Christmas Rye Cocktail, the Winter Old Fashioned is definitely worth trying.
11. Winter Rye Sour Cocktail
The Winter Rye Sour Cocktail is a perfect drink for the holiday season. This rye-based cocktail is full of flavors that embody the cozy feeling of hygge. The addition of buttered brown sugar syrup, cynar, and allspice dram gives it a warm and complex taste. The egg white adds a nice, foamy texture to the drink.
The spiciness of the rye whiskey goes really well with the other flavors, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. If you're looking for a fun and easy-to-make cocktail that's complex in flavors, then the Winter Rye Sour Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
12. The Black Manhattan Cocktail
If you're looking for a sophisticated and complex cocktail to serve this Christmas, look no further than the Black Manhattan. This variation on the traditional Manhattan cocktail features rye whiskey and bittersweet Averna amaro, which replaces the sweet vermouth.
Created by Todd Smith, a bartender at the famed Bourbon & Branch bar in San Francisco, the Black Manhattan is a perfect balance of spicy and bitter flavors that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're a fan of bourbon or rye, this cocktail is a great way to switch things up and try something new. So, if you're looking for a grown-up cocktail that's easy to make but still packs a punch, the Black Manhattan is definitely worth a try.
13. Classic Manhattan
The Classic Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. This cocktail is a perfect blend of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, with a secret ingredient that adds a little twist to the original recipe. The addition of cherry juice adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the drink, making it a perfect choice for the holiday season.
The Manhattan is an acquired taste for some, but when made with high-quality ingredients, it is a drink that is sure to impress. If you are looking for a classic cocktail to serve at your holiday party, the Classic Manhattan is a great choice.
14. Ward 8 Cocktail
If you're looking for a unique and intriguing rye whiskey cocktail to serve this Christmas, the Ward 8 is a must-try. This classic cocktail, invented in Boston in 1898, is a spin on the whiskey sour, but with a perfectly balanced and tart flavor.
The rye whiskey adds just a hint of spice to the mix, while the sweet orange juice and bright red grenadine bring a pop of color and sweetness. The Ward 8 is a great option for those who want to try something new and exciting this holiday season. Don't miss out on this undiscovered whiskey drink!
15. Pomegranate Old Fashioned
The Pomegranate Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season. This seasonal drink is easy to make and has a tart, refreshing taste that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter evening. The addition of pomegranate juice to the traditional recipe adds a unique flavor that's both sweet and tangy.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want to try something new this Christmas, while still enjoying the classic taste of an Old Fashioned. So, if you're looking for a festive drink that's sure to impress your guests, give the Pomegranate Old Fashioned a try!
16. Port Manhattan
The Port Manhattan is a fresh take on the classic Rye Manhattan cocktail. It's a combination of rye whiskey and port, creating a rich and complex flavor that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
The name "Portmanteau" comes from the fact that it's a port and rye combination, much like how the word "brunch" is a combination of breakfast and lunch. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful Christmas Rye Cocktail, the Port Manhattan is definitely worth trying.
17. Old Pal Cocktail
The Old Pal Cocktail is a classic whiskey cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth, this cocktail is easy to make and even easier to sip. It has a spicy kick from the rye whiskey, a bitter note from the Campari, and a bright finish from the dry vermouth.
The orange twist garnish adds a nice touch of citrus to balance out the flavors. This cocktail is a great choice for those who want to try something new but still want to stick to a classic recipe. It's a must-try for any whiskey lover looking for a festive drink this holiday season.
18. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic and timeless drink that has been enjoyed for over a century. Made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this cocktail is a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
The vermouth adds a touch of sweetness to the whiskey, while the bitters add a layer of complexity to the drink. It is a perfect cocktail for the holiday season, as it is warming and comforting. The Manhattan Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a classic cocktail with a twist.
19. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a citrus peel. It's a timeless drink that has been around since the late 1800s.
For a festive twist, try the Christmas Rye Cocktail, which uses rye whiskey and adds in holiday flavors like cinnamon and cranberry. It's a delicious and warming drink perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
20. Rye & Rosemary Mirth
If you're looking for a Christmas cocktail that's easy to drink and has great holiday flavors, then Rye & Rosemary Mirth is a must-try. This cocktail includes rye, muddled rosemary, ginger syrup, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and cardamom bitters, creating a perfect blend of sweet and spicy notes that will leave you wanting more.
The rosemary adds a unique twist to the classic rye cocktail, making it perfect for the holiday season. So, if you're looking for a festive drink to impress your guests or to enjoy on a cozy night in, Rye & Rosemary Mirth is definitely worth a try.
