Expert Holiday Bartending Services in Maryland

Chesapeake Bartenders and Events brings professional mixology expertise to your holiday celebrations. With years of experience serving the DMV region, our certified bartenders specialize in creating memorable beverage experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Each recipe in this collection has been carefully crafted and tested by our professional team to ensure exceptional taste and presentation. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these signature cocktails and mocktails will impress your guests and elevate your event. Prefer to enjoy your party and let us do the bartending? Check out our holiday bar and bartending packages.


🍷 Winter Sangrias

Our signature sangrias combine seasonal fruits, aromatic spices, and premium wines to create festive beverages perfect for holiday gatherings. Each sangria can be prepared in large batches, making them ideal for entertaining.

Winter Solstice Sangria

A warming blend of white wine and brandy with festive spices

Ingredients:

  • White wine (1 bottle, 750ml)
  • Cinnamon simple syrup (2 oz)
  • Orange liqueur (2 oz)
  • Brandy (2 oz)
  • Ginger beer (1 cup)
  • Club soda (1 cup)
  • Fresh orange slices
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparation:

  • Combine white wine, cinnamon simple syrup, orange liqueur, and brandy in a large pitcher
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld
  • Just before serving, add ginger beer and club soda
  • Garnish with orange slices, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs
  • Serve over ice in wine glasses

Mocktail Version Solstice Spritz

Combine club soda, cinnamon syrup, and ginger beer with the same festive garnish for a non-alcoholic alternative that delivers full holiday flavor.

White Winter Orchard Sangria

Elegant and refreshing with pear and elderflower notes

Ingredients:

  • Pinot Grigio (1 bottle, 750ml)
  • Pear nectar (1 cup)
  • Elderflower liqueur (2 oz)
  • Ginger syrup (1 oz)
  • Fresh pear slices
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparation:

  • Mix Pinot Grigio, pear nectar, elderflower liqueur, and ginger syrup in a large pitcher
  • Add sliced pears and refrigerate for 2-4 hours
  • Serve over ice with a fresh rosemary sprig garnish
  • The longer it sits, the more pronounced the pear flavor becomes

Mocktail Version Winter Orchard Fizz

Club soda mixed with pear nectar and ginger syrup, garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic alcohol-free option.

Santa-Gria

A festive red sangria loaded with seasonal fruits

Ingredients:

  • Red wine (1 bottle, 750ml – recommend Spanish red or Merlot)
  • Pomegranate simple syrup (2 oz)
  • Brandy (3 oz)
  • Orange liqueur (2 oz)
  • Sparkling water (1 cup)
  • Fresh orange slices
  • Fresh pear slices
  • Fresh apple slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Snow sugar for rim
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparation:

  • Combine red wine, pomegranate simple syrup, brandy, and orange liqueur in a large pitcher
  • Add all sliced fruits and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best)
  • Rim glasses with snow sugar (white sparkling sugar)
  • Add sparkling water just before serving
  • Serve over ice with fruit pieces in each glass
  • Garnish with a snow sugar-dusted rosemary sprig


🥂 Prosecco & Bubbly-Based Creations

Light, effervescent, and festive cocktails perfect for toasting special moments. These elegant drinks bring sparkle to any celebration.

Merry & Bright Spritz

A sophisticated bubbly cocktail with pomegranate and citrus

Ingredients:

  • Prosecco (4 oz)
  • Pomegranate simple syrup (1 oz)
  • Orange liqueur (0.5 oz)
  • Fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • Orange twist

Preparation:

  • Add pomegranate simple syrup and orange liqueur to a champagne flute
  • Top with chilled Prosecco
  • Gently stir once
  • Garnish with pomegranate seeds and an orange twist

Mocktail Version Bright Berry Bubbler

Cranberry juice combined with rosemary syrup and club soda creates a festive alcohol-free sparkler.

Snowfall Bellini

A winter twist on the classic Italian cocktail

Ingredients:

  • Prosecco (4 oz)
  • Vanilla simple syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Pear juice (2 oz)
  • Snow sugar for rim
  • Fresh pear slice for garnish

Preparation:

  • Rim a champagne flute with snow sugar
  • Pour vanilla simple syrup and pear juice into the flute
  • Top with chilled Prosecco
  • Stir gently to combine
  • Garnish with a thin pear slice on the rim

Mocktail Version Pear Snowfall

Sparkling water, vanilla simple syrup, and pear juice with the same elegant snow sugar rim.



🍐 Pear, Ginger & Spiced Elixirs

These sophisticated cocktails feature the warm, aromatic flavors of ginger and pear, creating complex and memorable drinks that embody the essence of winter.

Gilded Ginger Pear Martini

A luxurious martini with fresh ginger and honey sweetness

Ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz)
  • Pear simple syrup (1 oz)
  • Fresh ginger (muddled, thumb-sized piece)
  • Fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz)
  • Honey syrup (0.25 oz)
  • Candied ginger for garnish

Preparation:

  • Muddle fresh ginger in a cocktail shaker
  • Add vodka, pear simple syrup, lemon juice, and honey syrup
  • Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds
  • Double strain into a chilled martini glass
  • Garnish with candied ginger on a cocktail pick

Mocktail Version Golden Glow Spritz

Pear simple syrup, ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water served over ice.

Gingerbread Mule

A festive twist on the Moscow Mule with holiday spice

Ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz)
  • Gingerbread simple syrup (0.75 oz)
  • Ginger beer (4 oz)
  • Club soda (splash)
  • Fresh lime juice (0.5 oz)
  • Star anise for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick (optional)

Preparation:

  • Fill a copper mug or rocks glass with ice
  • Add vodka, gingerbread simple syrup, and lime juice
  • Top with ginger beer and a splash of club soda
  • Stir gently
  • Garnish with star anise and cinnamon stick

Mocktail Version Orchard Mule Zero

Gingerbread syrup, ginger beer, lime juice, and club soda with the same aromatic garnish.

Winter Sour

A sophisticated bourbon cocktail with honey foam

Ingredients:

  • Bourbon (2 oz)
  • Ginger liqueur (0.75 oz)
  • Fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz)
  • Honey syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Egg white (1)
  • Angostura bitters for garnish

Preparation:

  • Dry shake (without ice) all ingredients for 15 seconds to create foam
  • Add ice and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds
  • Double strain into a coupe glass
  • Let foam settle and add 3 drops of Angostura bitters on top
  • Use a cocktail pick to create a decorative pattern in the foam

Mocktail Version Spiced Winter Fizz

Spiced ginger-honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, club soda, and aquafaba foam (chickpea liquid as egg white substitute).


🥃 Holiday Old Fashioneds

Classic cocktails reimagined with seasonal flavors. These spirit-forward drinks showcase premium whiskeys enhanced with holiday ingredients.

Maple Walnut Old Fashioned

Rich bourbon with maple sweetness and walnut complexity

Ingredients:

  • Bourbon (2 oz – recommend high-rye bourbon)
  • Maple syrup (0.25 oz – pure grade A)
  • Black walnut bitters (3 dashes)
  • Smoked cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Orange peel

Preparation:

  • Add maple syrup and black walnut bitters to a rocks glass
  • Add a large ice cube
  • Pour bourbon over ice and stir for 30 seconds
  • Express orange peel oils over the drink and drop into glass
  • Garnish with a smoked cinnamon stick
  • Pro tip: To smoke the cinnamon stick, carefully toast it with a kitchen torch

Spiced Fig Old Fashioned

Rye whiskey elevated with fig and aromatic herbs

Ingredients:

  • Rye whiskey (2 oz)
  • Fig simple syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Orange bitters (2 dashes)
  • Orange peel
  • Fresh fig slice
  • Fresh thyme sprig

Preparation:

  • Combine rye whiskey, fig simple syrup, and orange bitters in a mixing glass
  • Add ice and stir for 30-40 seconds
  • Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube
  • Express orange peel over the drink
  • Garnish with fresh fig slice and thyme sprig

Hot Chocolate Old Fashioned

A dessert-inspired take on the classic cocktail

Ingredients:

  • Chocolate whiskey (2 oz)
  • Smoked simple syrup (0.25 oz)
  • Aztec chocolate bitters (2 dashes)
  • Toasted marshmallow for garnish
  • Chocolate shavings

Preparation:

  • Add smoked simple syrup and Aztec chocolate bitters to a rocks glass
  • Add a large ice cube
  • Pour chocolate whiskey and stir for 20 seconds
  • Toast a marshmallow with a kitchen torch until golden
  • Place toasted marshmallow on a cocktail pick and rest across the glass
  • Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top


🍫 Warm Holiday Sippers

Cozy, comforting beverages perfect for cold winter nights. These hot cocktails bring warmth and festive cheer to any gathering.

Fireside Bourbon Cocoa

Luxurious hot chocolate spiked with bourbon

Ingredients:

  • Dark chocolate (2 oz – 70% cacao, finely chopped)
  • Heavy cream (1 oz)
  • Whole milk (6 oz, heated)
  • Bourbon (1.5 oz)
  • Brown sugar (1 tsp)
  • Chocolate bitters (2 dashes)
  • Toasted marshmallow for garnish
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation:

  • Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (do not boil)
  • Add chopped dark chocolate and brown sugar, whisking until melted
  • Stir in heavy cream and bourbon
  • Add chocolate bitters
  • Pour into a heat-safe mug
  • Top with toasted marshmallow and optional whipped cream

Mocktail Version Fireside Classic

Dark cocoa, brown sugar, vanilla extract, milk and cream topped with whipped cream for a decadent non-alcoholic treat.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Classic holiday flavors in a warming beverage

Ingredients:

  • Hot chocolate (8 oz – premium blend)
  • Peppermint schnapps (1.5 oz)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Candy cane for garnish
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy cane for rim

Preparation:

  • Prepare rich hot chocolate according to package or recipe
  • Rim mug with chocolate syrup and crushed candy cane
  • Pour hot chocolate into mug
  • Stir in peppermint schnapps
  • Top with whipped cream and mini marshmallows
  • Garnish with a whole candy cane

 

Cookies & Cream Coffee

Decadent coffee cocktail with dessert flavors

Ingredients:

  • Hot brewed coffee (6 oz – strong roast)
  • Irish cream liqueur (1 oz)
  • Frangelico (0.75 oz)
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate drizzle
  • Crushed Oreo cookie (optional)

Preparation:

  • Brew strong, hot coffee
  • Pour into an Irish coffee glass
  • Add Irish cream and Frangelico, stirring to combine
  • Top with generous dollop of whipped cream
  • Drizzle chocolate syrup over the whipped cream
  • Optional: sprinkle crushed Oreo on top



🍸 Dessert & Celebration Martinis

Elegant after-dinner cocktails that double as dessert. These luxurious martinis are perfect for special celebrations and making lasting impressions.

White Christmas Martini

Creamy, indulgent white chocolate cocktail

Ingredients:

  • Vanilla vodka (2 oz)
  • White chocolate liqueur (1 oz)
  • Clear crème de cacao (0.5 oz)
  • Heavy cream (1 oz)
  • Snow sugar for rim
  • White chocolate shavings for garnish

Preparation:

  • Rim a chilled martini glass with snow sugar
  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
  • Shake vigorously for 20 seconds until well-chilled
  • Strain into the prepared martini glass
  • Garnish with white chocolate shavings

Gingerbread Espresso Martini

A holiday twist on the beloved espresso martini

Ingredients:

  • Fresh brewed espresso (1 oz, cooled)
  • Vodka (1.5 oz)
  • Kahlúa (0.75 oz)
  • Gingerbread simple syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Cold foam (optional)
  • Cinnamon powder for garnish

Preparation:

  • Brew fresh espresso and let cool slightly
  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
  • Shake hard for 20 seconds to create foam
  • Strain into a chilled martini glass
  • Optional: top with sweet cold foam
  • Dust with cinnamon powder
  • Garnish with three espresso beans

Mocktail Version Midnight Cinnamon

Espresso, gingerbread syrup, and cold foam create a sophisticated coffee drink without alcohol.

Peppermint Bark Martini

Like the candy in cocktail form

Ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz)
  • Peppermint schnapps (1 oz)
  • Crème de cacao (0.75 oz)
  • Heavy cream (0.5 oz)
  • Crushed candy cane for rim
  • Mini candy cane for garnish

Preparation:

  • Rim martini glass with chocolate syrup and crushed candy cane
  • Add all ingredients to shaker with ice
  • Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
  • Strain into prepared glass
  • Hang mini candy cane on rim

Sugar Plum Martini

An elegant, botanical cocktail with floral notes

Ingredients:

  • Gin (2 oz – floral gin recommended)
  • Plum purée (1 oz)
  • Fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz)
  • Violet syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Edible flowers or sugared plum for garnish

Preparation:

  • Add gin, plum purée, lemon juice, and violet syrup to shaker
  • Fill with ice and shake for 15 seconds
  • Double strain into a chilled coupe glass
  • Garnish with edible flowers or a sugared plum slice

Mocktail Version Sugar Plum Sparkle

Plum nectar, violet syrup, lemon juice, and tonic water for a floral, alcohol-free sipper.

Hazelnut Truffle Martini

Rich and nutty like a liquid truffle

Ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz)
  • Frangelico (1 oz)
  • Cocoa syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Heavy cream (1 oz)
  • Chocolate curl for garnish
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Preparation:

  • Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
  • Shake well for 20 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled martini glass
  • Top with a chocolate curl
  • Dust rim with cocoa powder


🌲 Winter Forest & Herbal

Fresh, botanical cocktails featuring herbs and evergreen flavors. These drinks capture the essence of a winter forest with aromatic herbs and fresh citrus.

Evergreen Spritz

Refreshing gin cocktail with rosemary and grapefruit

Ingredients:

  • Gin (2 oz – botanical gin preferred)
  • Rosemary simple syrup (0.75 oz)
  • Fresh grapefruit juice (1 oz)
  • Tonic water (2 oz)
  • Fresh rosemary sprig
  • Grapefruit wheel

Preparation:

  • Fill a wine glass with ice
  • Add gin, rosemary syrup, and grapefruit juice
  • Stir gently
  • Top with tonic water
  • Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig and grapefruit wheel
  • Gently slap the rosemary sprig before garnishing to release oils

Mocktail Version Evergreen Tonic

Grapefruit juice, rosemary syrup, and tonic water with fresh herb garnish.

Winter Thyme Gimlet

A sophisticated herbal take on the classic gimlet

Ingredients:

  • Gin (2 oz)
  • Thyme-honey syrup (0.75 oz)
  • Fresh lime juice (0.75 oz)
  • Club soda (splash)
  • Fresh thyme sprig
  • Lime wheel

Preparation:

  • Add gin, thyme-honey syrup, and lime juice to shaker with ice
  • Shake for 15 seconds
  • Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
  • Top with a splash of club soda
  • Garnish with fresh thyme sprig and lime wheel

Mocktail Version Thyme to Shine

Lime juice, honey-thyme syrup, and soda water for a refreshing herbal mocktail.

Cranberry Sage Smash

Festive flavors with muddled herbs

Ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz)
  • Fresh cranberry juice (2 oz)
  • Sage simple syrup (0.75 oz)
  • Fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz)
  • Fresh sage leaves (2-3)
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish
  • Sugared lemon wheel

Preparation:

  • Muddle fresh sage leaves in a shaker
  • Add vodka, cranberry juice, sage syrup, and lemon juice
  • Add ice and shake vigorously
  • Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
  • Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sugared lemon wheel

Mocktail Version Sageberry Smash

Cranberry juice, sage syrup, and lemon juice with the same beautiful garnish.

Feliz Navidad

A Mexican-inspired holiday cocktail with chocolate and citrus

Ingredients:

  • Tequila or Mezcal (2 oz)
  • Fresh orange juice (2 oz)
  • Orange liqueur (0.5 oz)
  • Chocolate bitters (2 dashes)
  • Cinnamon simple syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Salt for rim
  • Orange slice
  • Cinnamon stick

Preparation:

  • Rim rocks glass with salt
  • Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
  • Shake well for 15 seconds
  • Strain over fresh ice in prepared glass
  • Garnish with orange slice and cinnamon stick

December Dusk

A color-changing botanical cocktail with floral notes

Ingredients:

  • Empress Gin (2 oz – color-changing gin)
  • Crème de Violet (0.5 oz)
  • Simple syrup (0.5 oz)
  • Fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz)
  • Egg white (1) (or aqua faba for a vegan alternative)
  • Edible flowers for garnish

Preparation:

  • Dry shake all ingredients without ice for 10 seconds
  • Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds
  • Double strain into a chilled coupe glass
  • Watch the cocktail change color as lemon interacts with the gin
  • Garnish with edible flowers on the foam


🎅 Classic Holiday Cocktails

Timeless favorites with festive twists. These beloved cocktails bring nostalgic holiday cheer to any celebration.

Jolly Old Saint Sip

A festive vodka cocktail with cranberry and pomegranate

Ingredients:

  • Citrus vodka (2 oz)
  • Pomegranate simple syrup (0.75 oz)
  • Ginger ale (2 oz)
  • Cranberry juice (1 oz)
  • Fresh cranberry garland spear
  • Lime wedge

Preparation:

  • Fill a highball glass with ice
  • Add citrus vodka, pomegranate syrup, and cranberry juice
  • Top with ginger ale
  • Stir gently
  • Thread fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick to create a garland
  • Garnish with cranberry garland and lime wedge

Winter Wonderland

Crisp and clean vodka martini with cranberry

Ingredients:

  • Vodka (2 oz)
  • White cranberry juice (1 oz)
  • Orange liqueur (0.5 oz)
  • Cranberry bitters (2 dashes)
  • Sugared cranberries for garnish
  • Orange twist

Preparation:

  • Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
  • Stir for 30 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled martini glass
  • Garnish with sugared cranberries on a pick and an orange twist

Pom-Ginger Rita

A festive margarita with pomegranate and ginger kick

Ingredients:

  • Tequila (2 oz – reposado recommended)
  • Pomegranate simple syrup (1 oz)
  • Fresh ginger (muddled, small piece)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 oz)
  • Salt for rim (optional)
  • Candied ginger for garnish
  • Pomegranate seeds

Preparation:

  • Muddle fresh ginger in a shaker
  • Add tequila, pomegranate syrup, and lemon juice
  • Shake with ice for 15 seconds
  • Strain into a rocks glass (salted rim optional)
  • Garnish with candied ginger and pomegranate seeds

Eggnog Tini

A martini twist on the classic holiday beverage

Ingredients:

  • Premium eggnog (3 oz)
  • Brandy or bourbon (2 oz)
  • Vanilla extract (dash)
  • Fresh nutmeg for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick

Preparation:

  • Add eggnog, brandy, and vanilla to a shaker with ice
  • Shake vigorously for 20 seconds
  • Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass
  • Grate fresh nutmeg over the top
  • Garnish with a cinnamon stick

Which recipe is your favorite?

Bring Professional Bartending to Your Holiday Event

Let Chesapeake Bartenders and Events craft these signature cocktails for your next celebration.

Serving Maryland with expert bartending services, custom cocktail menus, and unforgettable experiences.

🎄 Chesapeake Bartenders and Events | Professional Bartending Services | Maryland, Delaware, DC, Virginia

Please enjoy responsibly. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.

It’s beginning to look a lot like…THE HOLIDAYS! Now I don’t know about you, but this time of year is one of my favorites. From Christmas parties to family gatherings, the more holiday cheer, the better. Each year, the Chesapeake Bartenders team curates a list of customized, festive cocktails and mocktails that we serve during corporate holiday parties, Christmas parties and various events. Below you will find a list of fun, crafty and unique cocktail ideas that check all the “holiday cheer” boxes. I hope you enjoy these recipes, please let me know if you make them in the comments below. Also, we have included some links to Amazon products we use regularly in our bartending services and at home when making up signature drink menus – we earn a very small commission if you purchase items based on the included links (which really help support our business).

Cheers!

Courtney


Smoked Cinnamon Old Fashioned

A sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned with a smoky cinnamon flair.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (made by simmering cinnamon sticks with sugar and water or you can buy Monin cinnamon syrup)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Cinnamon stick (for smoking) – you can light this with a lighter and then blow out the flame, or use a cocktail smoker and dome
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, cinnamon syrup, and bitters with ice.
  2. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  3. To create smoke, light the cinnamon stick with a torch until it starts to smolder. Place it under a glass dome or cover it with a rocks glass to trap the smoke.
  4. Once the glass has filled with smoke, lift the dome or glass and garnish with the smoked cinnamon stick and orange peel.

Tip: The cinnamon syrup can be made in advance by simmering cinnamon sticks with equal parts water and sugar until the syrup is infused with the spice.

*You can also do it the easy/fast way and buy Monin Syrup from Amazon which is what I do!

 


2. Fig & Sage Sour

A unique, herbaceous, and fruity twist on a classic whiskey sour, featuring fig and fresh sage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz fig syrup (made by simmering dried figs with water and sugar or purchase an already made fig syrup like the one I use here)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, fig syrup, simple syrup, and egg white.
  2. Dry shake (shake without ice) to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
  3. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a fresh sage leaf.

Tip: If you want a more pronounced sage flavor, you can lightly muddle the sage leaves in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.


3. Maple-Pecan Butter Sour

A rich and decadent cocktail combining the flavors of maple syrup, pecans, and bourbon, with a buttery mouthfeel.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3/4 oz maple syrup
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz pecan butter (blend toasted pecans with a bit of oil to make a smooth paste)
  • 1 egg white
  • Toasted pecans for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, pecan butter, and egg white.
  2. Dry shake first to emulsify the egg white and pecan butter.
  3. Add ice and shake vigorously to chill.
  4. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with toasted pecans on top or around the rim.

Tip: You can create your own pecan butter by blending toasted pecans with a small amount of vegetable oil or neutral oil until smooth and creamy.

Easy/Fast Tip: Use this pre-made pecan syrup in lieu of the homemade version


4. Mulled Wine Negroni

A holiday twist on the classic Negroni, incorporating mulled wine flavors for a spiced and aromatic cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 oz mulled wine (warm red wine simmered with cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel)
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and mulled wine.
  2. Add ice and stir gently to combine.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Tip: To make mulled wine, simmer red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, along with orange slices and a bit of sugar. Strain before using it in cocktails.


5. Winter Spice Highball

An elevated highball cocktail that combines the spiciness of rye whiskey with the bright flavors of ginger beer and citrus.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz ginger syrup (make a spiced ginger syrup with ginger root, sugar, and water)
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Club soda
  • Fresh thyme and crystallized ginger for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.
  2. Add ice and stir to chill.
  3. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and top with club soda.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a piece of crystallized ginger.

Tip: For a stronger ginger flavor, you can muddle fresh ginger in the shaker before adding the liquids.

Easy/Fast Tip: Use this Monin ginger syrup instead of the DIY version. Trust me, it works really well!


6. Cranberry Sage Julep

A holiday twist on the traditional Mint Julep, featuring tart cranberry and aromatic sage.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/4 oz cranberry syrup (made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and water)
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup
  • 4-5 fresh sage leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Fresh cranberries and sage sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a julep cup or glass, muddle the sage leaves with cranberry syrup and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the cup with crushed ice, then pour in the bourbon.
  3. Stir well to chill and combine.
  4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of sage.

Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, lightly torch the sage leaves before garnishing to release the oils and add a smoky aroma.


These crafted cocktails are perfect for elevating your holiday menu with complexity and creativity. They incorporate techniques such as smoking, shaking, and muddling, along with seasonal ingredients that will surely impress guests at your events. Don’t feel like making these drinks, and prefer our team of certified bartenders does it for you?

* some products contain affiliate links and we earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

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As the days grow shorter and Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to shake up your cocktail game with drinks that embody the dark and mysterious vibes of fall. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering with friends, a Halloween-themed corporate event, or just enjoying a cozy night in, these Halloween and fall-inspired cocktails will cast a delicious spell on your taste buds. From the eerie allure of blackberry liqueur and smokey mezcal to the warm embrace of tequila and bourbon, these drinks will have you sipping your way into the spirit of the season. The best part? You don’t have to be a mixologist or experienced bartender to build these drinks. Just follow the recipes below and leave a comment letting us know how they turned out!

Perhaps our most favorite part of being event bartenders for hire in the greater DC area, is the opportunity to create custom cocktails and curate beverage menus for themed corporate events, weddings and of course fall/Halloween parties. We love getting creative and coming up with Halloween and fall-inspired cocktails based on our decades of experience in hospitality, restaurants and hotels. We had so much fun creating this year’s Halloween-themed cocktail recipe list and hope you and your guests enjoy them too.

Here are six unique cocktail recipes that blend rich flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a hint of mystery to make your fall festivities truly magical.


1. Sanderson Sisters’ Sangria

Channel the enchanting magic of the Sanderson sisters with this rich and flavorful sangria. Dark red wine combined with the sweetness of blackcurrant liqueur, the tartness of pomegranate juice, and the burst of blackberries creates a mystical potion fit for a spellbinding soirée.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle (750ml) dark red wine (Malbec, Shiraz, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/4 cup Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
  • 1/4 cup Brandy
  • 1/4 cup Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup Pomegranate juice
  • 1/4 cup Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 Orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 Lime, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Blackberries
  • 1/2 cup Pomegranate arils
  • 1-2 cups Club soda (optional, for a little fizz)
  • Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
  • Black sugar (for rimming glasses, optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the dark red wine, Crème de Cassis, brandy, orange juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the orange slices, lime slices, blackberries, and pomegranate arils. Let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
  3. Before serving, stir in club soda for a little fizz (optional).
  4. Rim glasses with black sugar if desired, and serve over ice with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

2. Nevermore Nightcap

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious works, this rich, espresso-infused cocktail will be your perfect nightcap. The bitter complexity of Averna Amaro, the smooth sweetness of Kahlua, and the frothy egg white make for a bold yet balanced drink that pairs well with dark literature. So grab your favorite Poe literary work, shake up your Nevermore Nightcap and enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Averna Amaro
  • 1 oz Fresh espresso (cooled)
  • 3/4 oz Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters
  • 1 dash Chocolate bitters
  • 1 Egg white (optional, for froth)
  • Coffee beans or chocolate shaving for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker, combine the Averna, espresso, Kahlua, simple syrup, and both bitters.
  2. If you are using egg white, Dry shake (without ice) the egg white for 10-15 seconds (this is what builds froth), then add ice and shake again until chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans or a chocolate shaving.

Tip: If you are not keen on adding egg whites to this cocktail, the recipe stands on its own without them. However, egg whites add a wonderful velvety consistency that really brings the cocktail together and offers a beautiful presentation as well. Dry shaking simply refers to shaking the egg whites in a martini shaker without ice or any other ingredients. Once you have done that, you can add ice and the rest of the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain the ingredients into a martini or coup glass. The egg whites will be the last ingredients out of the shaker, making the perfect top layer of the cocktail. For a vegan option, you can try aquafaba.


3. Bellatrix’s Blood Orange Bliss

This cocktail inspired by Bellatrix Lestrange has a wickedly beautiful color and a delicious mix of bitter, sweet, and sparkling elements. With Aperol, blood orange syrup, and Prosecco, this is the perfect drink to toast to the darker side of Halloween.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz Blood orange simple syrup (see below to make it yourself or substitute Monin Blood Orange syrup)
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters
  • Black sugar rim or blackberries for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine Aperol, blood orange simple syrup, and orange bitters. Shake well.
  2. Strain into a chilled flute or coupe glass.
  3. Top with Prosecco and garnish with blackberries or a black sugar rim for an extra spooky touch.

4. Hocus Pocus Potion

With the magic of autumn in every sip, this cocktail blends crisp apple schnapps, bourbon, and ginger to create a drink that’s perfect for fall. Whether you choose sparkling water for a light touch or ginger beer for extra warmth, this potion will leave your guests spellbound.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Apple Schnapps
  • 1 oz Bourbon
  • 1/2 oz Ginger liqueur (or Monin ginger simple syrup)
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 oz Sparkling water (or ginger beer for extra spice)
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)
  • Apple slices or candied ginger for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine apple schnapps, bourbon, ginger liqueur, and lemon juice. Shake well.
  2. Strain into a glass filled with ice, then top with sparkling water or ginger beer.
  3. Garnish with apple slices or candied ginger.

5. The Raven’s Revenge

Dark, mysterious, and beautiful, this gin-based martini draws inspiration from “The Raven.” The use of Empress Gin brings a purple hue that, when combined with blackberry puree and Crème de Cassis, creates a deep, dramatic cocktail perfect for Halloween.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Empress Gin (purple gin)
  • 3/4 oz Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
  • 1 oz Blackberry puree (or muddled blackberries)
  • 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Simple syrup
  • 1 drop all-natural black food coloring (optional)
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine Empress Gin, Crème de Cassis, blackberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and black food coloring.
  2. Shake until well-chilled and strain into a martini glass.
  3. Garnish with a skewer of blackberries.

6. Hexed Cocktail

Looking for a tequila cocktail with a fall twist? The Hexed Cocktail combines the smoky warmth of Reposado tequila with the tart freshness of grapefruit and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced, this craft cocktail is neither too sweet nor too boozy, making it a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Reposado Tequila
  • 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice (preferably ruby red)
  • 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz Cinnamon simple syrup
  • 1/4 oz Honey syrup or Monin Honey Syrup (optional)
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters
  • Cinnamon stick and grapefruit twist for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine reposado tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, cinnamon simple syrup, honey syrup, and orange bitters.
  2. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a grapefruit twist.

This Halloween, impress your guests with these hauntingly delicious cocktails. From the dramatic Raven’s Revenge to the sweet and spiced Hexed Cocktail, these drinks are sure to leave a lasting impression. Perfect for cozy fall evenings or a spooky celebration, each recipe has its own bewitching charm. Cheers to a hauntingly good season!

Edible flowers have been used as garnishes for centuries to add color and flavor to dishes. With their wide range of colors, shapes, and flavors, they provide a beautiful finishing touch to any dish, and many can be used to add unique flavors and garnishes to cocktails. The best part? Many of these edible flowers can easily be grown in your backyard. Here, we will explore some of the best edible flowers to use as a garnish, along with a cocktail recommendation for each flower. Level up your drink game with these gorgeous, flavorful additions to your favorite cocktails. Whether you grow them in your own backyard, or purchase them from a florist, you will enjoy Insta-worthy drinks and mocktails when you add these edible flowers to your garnish game.

Our Favorites: Edible Flowers For Cocktails

 

Pansies and Johnny Jump Ups

Pansies and Johnny jump-ups are two additional edible flowers that are both beautiful and delicious. These flowers have a wintergreen flavor and are often used as a garnish for desserts such as cakes and ice cream. They are one of the most popular cocktail garnishes for floral cocktails and can transform any classic cocktail into a thing of beauty.

To use pansies and Johnny jump-ups as a cocktail garnish, simply glaze them with warmed jelly for a jeweled look. These flowers are also a great addition to cocktails, particularly those that feature floral and fruity flavors.

A cocktail that pairs well with pansies and Johnny jump-ups is the Lavender Martini.

This refreshing cocktail features a delicate floral flavor that is enhanced by the addition of pansies and Johnny jump-ups. Simply add a few flowers to the top of the drink for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.

pan


Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a popular edible flower with a peppery flavor like watercress. They come in a range of colors and varieties and can be used in salads or as garnishes. They are also a popular ingredient in cocktails, particularly in gin-based drinks.

A great cocktail to try with nasturtiums is the classic Gin and Tonic.

Simply garnish the drink with a few nasturtium flowers to add a touch of color and a subtle peppery flavor.


Marigolds

Marigolds are another popular edible flower with a citrus taste. The tiny flowers of signet marigolds, such as Lemon Gem and Tangerine Gem, are particularly good for garnishing dishes. They can be used in salads, soups, and stews, and also make a great addition to cocktails.

For a refreshing cocktail that pairs well with marigolds, try a Citrus Margarita.

Add a few marigold flowers to the rim of the glass for a beautiful and tasty garnish.


Borage

Borage is a herb with sky-blue flowers and a light cucumber taste. It’s a popular ingredient in fruit and green salads and can also be frozen in ice cubes for cold drinks.

One cocktail that pairs particularly well with borage is the Cucumber Martini.

Simply muddle a few borage flowers in the bottom of the glass before adding the gin, cucumber, and other ingredients for a refreshing and tasty cocktail.


Bee Balm

Bee balm is a member of the mint family with minty-tasting flowers. It comes in a range of colors, including bright red, purple, and pink.

Bee balm is a great garnish for cocktails that feature mint, such as the classic Mojito.

Add a few bee balm flowers to the top of the drink for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.

 


Squash Blossoms

Squash blossoms are a popular edible flower that can be used in many dishes. They have a mild flavor and can be used in salads, soups, and stews. They are also a popular ingredient in cocktails, particularly in tequila-based drinks.

For a tasty and refreshing cocktail that pairs well with squash blossoms, try a Spicy Margarita.

Add a few squash blossoms to the rim of the glass for a beautiful and tasty garnish.

 


In conclusion, edible flowers are a wonderful addition to any dish, providing color, flavor, and beauty. The above flowers are just a few of the many edible flowers available, but they are some of the most popular and versatile. Whether you are using them in salads, soups, or cocktails, these flowers are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your dishes. Feeling fancy? Create edible flower ice cubes and add to water, cocktails, drinks, mocktails and lemonade!

If it’s winter or you cannot grow these edible flowers in your garden, many can be dried and preserved or even ordered online via Amazon.