Step-by-Step Instructions
- For the Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch:
- 1. In a large punch bowl, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Cointreau. Stir well.
- 2. Just before serving, add the chilled sparkling water or club soda.
- 3. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices. Serve over ice.
- For the Creamy Spiked Eggnog:
- 1. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- 2. In a saucepan, gently heat milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon over medium heat until simmering, but not boiling. Slowly whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the eggs, then gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- 3. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely, then stir in the bourbon or rum.
- 4. In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- 5. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the cooled eggnog. Chill thoroughly for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with extra ground nutmeg.
- For the Peppermint Bark Martini (Christmas Shot):
- 1. Rim a martini glass or shot glass with crushed candy canes: Drizzle chocolate syrup onto a small plate, dip the rim of the glass into the chocolate, then dip into a second plate of crushed candy canes.
- 2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream.
- 3. Shake well until thoroughly chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
- 4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Serve immediately.
Full Ingredients
- Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch:
- 1 (750ml) bottle vodka
- 6 cups cranberry juice, chilled
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup Cointreau or triple sec
- Fresh cranberries and lime slices, for garnish
- Creamy Spiked Eggnog:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup bourbon or rum (or a mix)
- Peppermint Bark Martini (Christmas Shot):
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz white creme de cacao
- 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- Crushed candy canes, for rimming
- Chocolate syrup, for garnish
Shopping List
Produce
- Fresh cranberries
- Limes
Dairy & Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
Pantry
- Granulated sugar
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon
- Crushed candy canes
- Chocolate syrup
Beverages
- Vodka (750ml bottle)
- Cranberry juice
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Cointreau or triple sec
- Bourbon or rum
- White creme de cacao
- Peppermint schnapps
Equipment Needed
- Large punch bowl
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Serving glasses (champagne flutes, martini glasses, rocks glasses)
- Ice bucket and tongs
- Citrus juicer
- Whisk
Variations & Serving Ideas
These festive concoctions are designed to be the star of any holiday gathering, from an intimate family dinner to a lively Christmas party. Present the Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch in a grand punch bowl, perhaps with a decorative ice ring, alongside a stack of elegant glasses for guests to help themselves. The Creamy Spiked Eggnog is best served in stemmed glasses or mugs, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg or a cinnamon stick, offering a cozy and comforting sip. For the show-stopping Peppermint Bark Martini, serve immediately in a chilled, candy cane-rimmed martini or shot glass for a truly celebratory flair. Any leftover eggnog, if stored in an airtight container, will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though its creamy texture is best fresh. The punch base can also be refrigerated for a day or two, just add the sparkling water before serving again. Martinis are definitely best made and enjoyed on the spot!
We hope these holiday sips inspire joy and warmth in your kitchen this season! Crafting these festive drinks is a wonderful way to celebrate, and we’re eager to hear about your favorites. Which of these delightful recipes will be making an appearance at your holiday table first? Share your experiences and creations in the comments below – we love hearing from our community! Happy mixing and happy holidays! #ChristmasShot #HolidayCocktailRecipes #FunChristmasDrinks #ChristmasThemedDrinks #BestChristmasCocktails #ChristmasCocktail #VodkaPunch #AdultBeveragesRecipes #CreamyEggnog