Libations: 9 Easy & Elegant Holiday Cocktails

Vivian Vassos | December 23rd, 2021

The Holiday Cheers cocktail, courtesy, Library Bar, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto

We tapped expert mixologists for their seasonal favourites, from a new twist on classic eggnog to a super-charged martini to a festive take on the margarita. Happy holidays!

1. The Holiday Cheers Cocktail

Above, from the Library Bar, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto

.5 oz raspberry purée

.5 oz Remy Martin cognac

Veuve Clicquot champagne

Sugar-crusted rosemary spring garnish

Build in a glass in order of ingredients listed—stir together raspberry purée and cognac before adding champagne.

2. Grey Goose Holiday Apple Cider

From Canadian Grey Goose Ambassador Stephanie Lamb: The perfect cold weather sip for any occasion

1 Part Grey Goose Vodka

3 parts Apple Cider

1/8 part Canadian Maple Syrup

1-2 Cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

6 whole allspice

Peel of 1 orange cut into strips (no white pith)

Peel of 1 lemon cut into strips (no white pith)

2 cloves, cinnamon stick, 2 orange peel slices for garnish

Heat up and let everything infuse for 10-15 minutes. For a cold beverage, let cool and then serve over ice, preferably in a glass mug. Garnish with cloves, cinnamon stick and orange peel slices.

3. Salted Caramel White Russian

From the mixologists at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto

3/4 oz. Kahu̒la Coffee Liqueur

3/4 oz. Bailey’s Salted Caramel

0.5 oz. Polar Ice Vodka Served on ice, topped with fresh milk and caramel drizzle

4. Smirnoff Moscow Mule

From Simon Hooper, Diageo Canada’s Reserve Brand Ambassador

1.5 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

3 oz Ginger Beer

1 tsp Sugar Syrup

.25 oz Lime Juice

Sprig of mint for garnish

Slices of lime for garnish

In a glass with ice, add vodka, sugar syrup and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and lime juice.

Or, try Simon’s festive take on the classic mule:

5. Captain Morgan Cranberry Mule

1.5 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

.5 oz fresh lime juice

2 oz cranberry juice

4 oz ginger ale

rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries for garnish

In a tankard glass filled with ice, combine spiced rum, lime juice and cranberry juice. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries.

Courtesy, Grey Goose

6. Grey Goose Winter Espresso Martini

From Canadian Grey Goose Ambassador Stephanie Lamb: A dark twist to one of the simplest holiday traditions.

1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka

½ oz Coffee Liqueur

1.5 oz Espresso

½ oz Condensed Milk

3 coffee beans for garnish

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain into martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.

7. Baileys Eggnog

From Simon Hooper, Diageo Canada’s Reserve Brand Ambassador

5 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream

4 eggs, beaten

4 tbsp. castor sugar

1 Vanilla pod, split

Beat eggs and castor sugar together. Add Baileys Original Irish Cream, milk and the vanilla pod. Whisk vigorously. Strain out vanilla pod. Pour in to four short, glass tumblers. Finish with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.