Your guide to creating a perfect holiday cocktail menu at home
Food18.12.2024
The holiday season is the perfect excuse to break out your barware and let your inner mixologist shine. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with friends and family or planning an extravagant soirée, a well-curated cocktail menu can be the star of the evening.
From classic crowd-pleasers with a seasonal twist to creative concoctions that sparkle, crafting the perfect lineup of drinks doesn’t have to be daunting. To help us navigate the world of spirits, mixers and garnishes, we chatted with Camille Hopper-Naud, founder of Coupe & Mixer, a custom cocktail workshop service that brings the party to you.
For over 10 years, Hopper-Naud has worked as a bartender and mixologist at several top establishments, developing menus and designing unique cocktails. She gave us the scoop – or the stir – on what we all need to know to make our holiday get-togethers successful.
Start with balance: A little something for everyone
The first rule of a great cocktail menu is balance. Imagine yourself in a cozy bar with a menu offering various flavours and styles. That same principle can be applied at home. Think of some classic drink categories to get you started: a boozy, spirit-forward drink, a refreshing sour, a fruity or “soft” option, and something sparkling or bubbly to keep things light.
“It’s all about making sure there’s something for everyone,” says Hopper-Naud. “Not everyone has the same palate, so it’s nice to be able to create a few different options.”
Stocking your home bar: Essentials and enhancements
So, what are the staples you should have on hand? A versatile home bar starts with a handful of core spirits. Gin, tequila, bourbon or rye, vodka, and white rum are your foundational players, said Hopper-Naud. From there, a few modifiers like vermouth (dry and sweet), Campari, and a good orange liqueur ensure you can create many classic cocktails.
And don’t worry too much about the garnish – just use what makes sense if you have it! Fresh citrus, rosemary sprigs, or candied citrus wheels can enhance flavour and add visual appeal.
“The garnish should always tie back to the drink,” she added. “If there’s cranberry juice in the cocktail, garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.”
Creativity meets practicality: Building your menu
Cocktail-making can seem daunting, especially when recipes call for exotic syrups or infusions. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Hopper-Naud recommends starting with what’s already in your pantry or fridge. Seasonal fruits like pomegranate, mandarin, or pear can be stars of the show. For example, a simple cranberry juice can double as a sour base, cutting down on the need for fresh lemons or limes.
“Pure cranberry juice is tart enough to replace citrus in a pinch,” she said. “And it’s such a festive colour, perfect for holiday cocktails.”
Holiday desserts can also be a fantastic starting point if you’re looking for drink inspo. Ingredients like almond extract, nutmeg, or sage can bring festive warmth to your cocktails and are an easy way to transform a simple classic cocktail into something exciting.
Another key strategy? Batch cocktails or punches. Punch bowls are not only a pretty touch to your table but also save you from having to mix individual drinks.
You can prepare the base — a mix of spirits, juices, and syrups — in advance, leaving the sparkling topper and ice for the last minute. Want to get really fancy? Try freezing cranberries and rosemary into a large ice ring for a decorative touch.
“It looks like a Christmas wreath,” said Hopper-Naud. “It’s functional and beautiful.”
Mocktails that shine
For non-drinkers or guests taking a break from alcohol, mocktails deserve as much thought as their spirited counterparts. Instead of just juice or soda, consider replacing the alcohol with tea to create complex flavours.
“A smoky black tea can mimic the depth of a spirit like mezcal,” said Hopper-Naud. “Chai, with its warm spices, is another excellent choice for creating a festive, non-alcoholic drink.”
For a ready-made option, explore the growing market of non-alcoholic spirits. Specialty shops now offer a variety of zero-proof gins, rums, and bitters, allowing you to craft sophisticated mocktails that don’t compromise on flavour or presentation.
By planning ahead, leaning into the season, and embracing creativity, you can create an at-home cocktail experience that will leave your guests buzzing — with or without the alcohol.
