Nothing sets the mood for holiday gatherings like a festive cocktail in hand. Whether you’re hosting a cozy night by the fire or a lively holiday party, these Christmas cocktail recipes deliver warmth, flavor, and a touch of magic. Using quality ingredients like Proof Syrup’s craft cocktail mixers makes whipping up these drinks quick and easy, even for beginners.

Classic Old Fashioned with a Holiday Twist

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that gets a seasonal upgrade with the right syrup. Proof Syrup’s Pumpkin Spice or Maple Bacon syrups add cozy fall and winter flavors without extra fuss. This classic drink, originally crafted in the early 19th century, has seen many variations over the years, but the addition of these unique syrups brings a contemporary twist that celebrates the essence of the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 0.5 oz Proof Syrup Pumpkin Spice or Maple Bacon
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice

How to Make It

Pour the whiskey and syrup into a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir gently until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in. The syrup blends sugar, bitters, and spices, so no need to add extra bitters or sugar. For an extra touch, consider adding a few dashes of aromatic bitters or a splash of club soda to enhance the drink's complexity, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while still keeping it simple.

Why It Works

Using a flavored syrup, Pumpkin Spice adds cinnamon and clove notes, perfect for holiday vibes. Maple Bacon brings a smoky-sweet depth that pairs beautifully with whiskey. Both syrups keep the cocktail balanced and approachable. The interplay of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful experience that transports you to a cozy cabin in the woods, where the scent of pine and the warmth of a crackling fire envelop you. This drink not only satisfies the palate but also evokes the spirit of the season, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or quiet evenings by the fireplace.

The Old Fashioned's versatility allows for experimentation. If you're feeling adventurous, try infusing your whiskey with additional spices or even a hint of vanilla before mixing. This can elevate the drink further, creating a personalized touch that reflects your taste. Pair your cocktail with seasonal snacks like spiced nuts or dark chocolate to enhance the experience, turning each sip into a celebration of the season's flavors.

Bright and Festive Citrus Cocktails

Citrus flavors brighten winter drinks and pair well with gin, vodka, or tequila. Proof Syrup’s Orange and Citrus Sour syrups are great bases for these refreshing yet festive cocktails.

Holiday Citrus Spritz

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.75 oz Proof Syrup Orange
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
• Ice

Build the cocktail in a glass over ice. Add gin and syrup, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with rosemary for a piney aroma that complements the citrus.

Citrus Sour Holiday Punch

• 2 oz vodka or tequila
• 1 oz Proof Syrup Citrus Sour
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (optional for extra tartness)
• Ice
• Orange wheel or lemon twist for garnish

Shake vodka, syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish. The Citrus Sour syrup blends lemon and orange oils with just the right sweetness, making it a fast way to craft a balanced sour cocktail.

Warm and Cozy Holiday Cocktails

Cold weather calls for drinks that warm you from the inside out. Syrups Black Walnut and Pecan from Proof Syrup add nutty richness that feels like a hug in a glass.

Nutty Old Fashioned

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz Proof Syrup Pecan or Black Walnut
• Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish
• Ice

Stir bourbon and syrup with ice, then strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick for aroma and extra holiday flair. The nutty syrup adds depth and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the spirit.

Spiced Hot Toddy

• 1.5 oz whiskey
• 1 tbsp Traditional Proof Syrup or Pumpkin Spice
• Hot water
• Lemon slice and clove-studded orange slice for garnish

Pour whiskey and syrup into a heatproof glass. Fill with hot water and stir gently. Garnish with lemon and clove-studded orange for a festive aroma. This drink is perfect for chilly evenings and holiday relaxation.

Vegan and Allergy-Friendly Options

Many Proof Syrup flavors are vegan and nut-free, making them great choices for guests with dietary restrictions. Flavors like Traditional, Orange, Citrus Sour, and Mint are nut- and animal-product-free, though the facility processes tree nuts, so caution is advised for severe allergies.

Refreshing Mint Julep

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz Proof Syrup Mint
• Fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Muddle fresh mint leaves gently in a glass. Add bourbon and syrup, then fill with crushed ice. Stir until the glass is frosty. Garnish with a mint sprig. This cocktail is bright, cooling, and perfect for holiday gatherings that need a lighter touch.

Herbal Holiday Cooler

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz Proof Syrup Basil or Rosemary
• Club soda
• Lemon wheel for garnish
• Ice

Build the drink over ice with gin and syrup. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wheel. These herbal syrups add complexity and freshness without overpowering the spirit, making them ideal for guests who avoid nuts or animal products.

Tips for Using Proof Syrups in Holiday Cocktails

• Shake or Stir: Most cocktails benefit from shaking with ice to chill and dilute slightly, but Old Fashioneds are best stirred gently.
• Refrigerate After Opening: Keep opened bottles refrigerated and shake well before use to maintain flavor and freshness.
• Watch Shelf Life: Some syrups last up to 2 years unopened, but others, like Hibiscus or Pomegranate, expire in 3 months. Check the label for best-by dates.
• Experiment With Garnishes: Citrus peels, fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks, and cloves add aroma and visual appeal, enhancing the holiday experience.
• Use Quality Spirits: The syrup simplifies cocktail making, but good whiskey, gin, or tequila makes all the difference.

Bring Holiday Cheer to Your Home Bar

Crafting festive cocktails doesn’t have to be complicated. Proof Syrup’s thoughtfully crafted syrups combine bitters, spices, and natural flavors into one easy ingredient. This makes it simple to mix up classic drinks like Old Fashioneds or create new holiday favorites in minutes.

Whether you prefer warm, spiced drinks or bright, citrusy sips, these recipes bring the spirit of the season to your glass. Stock your bar with a few syrups, pick your favorite spirits, and enjoy the cheers that follow.

Ready to try these recipes? Explore Proof Syrup’s full lineup online and find your perfect holiday cocktail companion.

Make Your Holidays Extra Merry with Proof Syrup

Embrace the joy of the season and become the ultimate holiday host with Proof Syrup. Our all-natural syrups are designed for anyone to craft bar-quality cocktails that will impress and delight your guests. Just add your preferred liquor and ice to our Proof Syrup, and you're all set to serve up festive cheer in a glass. Ready to elevate your home bar with the simplest touch of elegance? Shop Now and discover the perfect blend for your holiday celebrations.