Discover more recipes, menus & inspiration in the Merry Maker Holiday Guide!
The holiday season is all about celebration and nothing quite sets the mood like a festive beverage in hand. From cozy warmers to sparkling sips, you can help take any gathering to the next level with the right drinks– even if you’re no expert behind the bar.
With just a few essential ingredients and these handy tips, you’ll be mixing up crowd-pleasers in no time! Whether you’re hosting a lively party or a quiet night with friends and family, these drinks are sure to stir up some fun.
Cocktails
Festive Mimosa
Raise your glass and celebrate the holiday season with this sparkling drink. Bright, refreshing and so easy to drink, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Frosty’s Margarita
Add a touch of summer to your holiday season with this refreshing twist on a classic margarita. Featuring creamy coconut milk and zesty lime, it’s a sunny escape in every sip.!
Peppermint Patty Espresso Martini
Help take a classic espresso martini to the next level with this peppermint rendition. Made with only five ingredients, this delicious drink comes together in just a few minutes!
Rudolph Punch
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive cocktail. Packed with all the delightful flavours of the season, it’s a drink you’ll want to serve over and over again!
Pom Pomtini
This festive take on a classic 90s appletini is easy to make and even easier to drink! Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ½ oz vodka, 2 oz pomegranate juice, ½ oz lime juice and ½ oz simple syrup. To zero-proof it, swap vodka with 2 ½ oz pomegranate juice and 2 oz clementine soda. Shake well for 30 sec and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top the glass with Panache Clementine Italian Soda and garnish with a chunk of pomegranate and a clementine twist. Finally, add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on the fruit for an extra taste of the holidays!
Mistletoe Float
What happens when you mix the creaminess of a white Russian and the fizz of a cola float? You get a drink that tastes like the holidays in every frosty sip! To start, make 1 oz espresso and stir in 1 tbsp granulated sugar until dissolved. Put it in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 min. When you’re ready, pour 1 ½ oz amber rum, the chilled coffee and 3 oz of cola into an ice cream sundae glass. Alternatively, you can omit the rum and add an extra 1 ½ oz of unsweetened coffee. Finish off with a scoop of Panache Mistletoe Wish Ice Cream and pour in 1 oz 1% milk. Want to take it to the next level? Garnish with wafer rolls and sprinkle some cocoa powder on top for a picture-perfect finish.
Cranberry Paloma
Cranberries are a quintessential flavour of the holidays, so why not infuse it into a classic cocktail? Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and combine 1 oz tequila, 1 oz Compliments Organic Cranberry Juice from Concentrate, ½ oz lime juice and ½ oz agave syrup. Shake well for about 30 seconds, then strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top the drink with 4 oz Panache Pink Grapefruit Italian Soda and stir well. For garnish, add a couple of cranberries on a cocktail pick and a sprig of rosemary! If you’d like to make this drink non-alcoholic, replace the tequila with 2 oz cranberry cocktail.
Dirty Caesar
This delicious, savoury twist on a Canadian classic is made for those who love their Caesar with a little extra kick! Begin by rimming the edge of a large tulip glass with Compliments Cajun Seasoning– an essential step for the perfect Caesar. Fill the glass with ice then pour 1 ½ oz gin, 4 oz Compliments Tomato Clam Cocktail, 1 oz brine from a jar of Compliments Whole Olives and ½ oz lime juice. Season with Tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce and stir. Finally, what’s a Caesar without a fun garnish? We’ve topped ours with a snow crab claw clamping an olive. To make it non-alcoholic, hold the gin and use an extra ½ oz lime juice and 1 oz tomato-clam cocktail.
Cookies and Milk
Inspired by Santa’s favourite snack, this drink is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. To make, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ½ oz bourbon (or iced tea for zero-proof), 1 ½ oz 2% milk or whipping cream, ½ oz Compliments Organic Dark Maple Syrup and ⅛ tsp Compliments Pure Vanilla Extract and shake well. Strain into a brandy snifter, garnish with a Compliments Maple Crème Cookie and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Canadian Tuxedo
This drink may be called the Canadian Tuxedo, but don’t worry– denim is optional! A bold mix of rye and ginger, it is perfect for warming up cold winter nights. To make, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add 1 ½ oz rye whisky, ¾ oz lemon juice and ¼ oz Compliments Organic Very Dark Maple Syrup. Shake well for about 30 sec and strain into a chilled glass. Add in 5 oz Panache Ginger Beer Soda and garnish with a cocktail cherry and a sprig of fresh mint. To zero-proof this drink, add an ¼ oz lemon juice and 1 oz of ginger beer instead of whisky.
Mistletoe Martini
If you’re a fan of minty flavours, then you’ve got to try this elevated grasshopper-inspired cocktail. Using just three ingredients, this dessert-in-a-drink is a delicious way to top off a festive evening! Start by blending together ¼ cup Panache Mistletoe Wish Ice Cream, 1 ½ oz vodka, 1 oz 2% milk and a handful of ice cubes on high speed until smooth. Then, pour into a chilled martini glass and finish off with some chocolate shavings and a sprig of fresh mint. If mocktails are more your style, swap out the vodka for chilled mint tea instead.
French 57
Skip the bubbly but not the celebratory spirit! This rendition of the cocktail classic swaps sparkling wine for fizzy Italian-style soda, but it’s just as flavourful as the original. Start by chilling your champagne flutes and ingredients in the fridge for several hours. When it’s time for cocktails, pour 1 ½ oz gin and ¾ oz lime juice into a champagne flute, then add 4 oz Panache Sicilian Lemonade and 1 oz Panache Ginger Beer. Top with a dark cherry in the flute and a sprig of rosemary for garnish, and enjoy! To make it a zero-proof drink, hold the gin and use 2 ½ oz ginger beer instead.
The Ro-cocoa
The holidays are the perfect time to cozy up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate, so why not make it a spiked one? Start with making 5 oz Compliments Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate according to package instructions in your favourite mug, then stir in 1 ½ oz dark rum. Want to make it extra decadent? Whisk together 4 oz whipping cream, 1 tsp granulated sugar and ¼ tsp vanilla until it’s thick and frothy, and top the hot chocolate with some freshly whipped cream. For an alcohol-free alternative, replace dark rum with chai tea and enjoy!
Whiskey Snowball
Shake up your holiday drinks with this fun twist on a traditional nog. Creamy, smooth and oh-so-delicious, it’s a great way to surprise your guests with something a little different. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, keep it in the fridge and forget about it until your party kicks off!
Start with a blender on high speed and blend 3 oz bourbon whiskey, 3 oz condensed milk, 3 oz coconut milk and 2 oz whipping cream. Add ¼ tsp vanilla and blend until everything is well combined. Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour and when you’re ready, pour into your choice of cocktail glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks or candy canes. This recipe makes 2 drinks. To zero-proof it, use chilled ginger tea instead of bourbon.
Cranberry Ginger Yule Mule
Toast to the season with this fun rendition of a classic mule! Combining cranberries and spiced rum, this drink is bright, refreshing and full of holiday spirit.
To make, muddle together 2 oz spiced rum, ¾ oz fresh lime juice and some mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. For zero-proof, swap spiced rum for ginger beer and add ½ tsp baking spice. Strain into an ice-filled mule mug and top off with 5 oz cranberry-flavoured ginger ale. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a candied ginger and you’re good to go!
Rye Affogato
Help take your dessert to the next level with a rye affogato! Whether enjoyed as an after-dinner treat or a holiday dessert with a kick, this rye-infused affogato is sure to impress.
Start by mixing together 3 oz brewed Compliments Winter Blend Coffee and 1 ½ oz rye whisky. Pour this mixture over a scoop of Panache French Vanilla Ice Cream. Sprinkle small pieces of Panache Swiss Milk Chocolate and crushed pecans on top. To make this drink alcohol-free, add 1 tbsp caramel or butterscotch syrup in place of rye.
Mocktails
Mean Green Mocktail
Bring a little mischief to the holidays with this zero-proof drink. Whether you’re feeling a bit “green” or ready to get into the holiday spirit, this refreshing drink is going to keep your heart growing three sizes with every sip!
New Fashioned
Experience a zero-proof take on the classic old fashioned. This alcohol-free cocktail swaps out the whiskey for warm, spiced chai, perfect for those who want a sophisticated, spirit-free option without sacrificing taste.
Café Alexander
A true dessert in a glass, this drink is a decadent way to wind down the day. Rich coffee blended with caramel and topped with velvety whipped cream, it’s the ultimate treat for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Pineapple Panache
Brighten up your winter nights with this zero-proof delight! This drink brings together the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a subtle, warming spice to warm you from the inside out.
Blood Orange Spritz
Unwind after a long day or kick off your dinner with this refreshing drink. Ideal for pairing with appetizers and light starters, this zero-proof drink gives the delicious balance of tangy and spicy notes.
Coffee Flip
Combine the comforting flavours of eggnog, coffee and vanilla for a delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you prefer a kick of caffeine or a decaf, this drink is ideal for cozy evenings or festive gatherings this holiday season
Warm Drinks
Classic Cocoa
Enjoy the holiday season with the timeless comfort of hot cocoa. Whether you’re sipping by the fire or enjoying it with family and friends, this indulgent treat brings a sweet and cozy touch to any holiday moment.
Maple Caramel Cider Toddy
Curl up by the fire and warm up on a cold winter night with this delightful blend of apple cider, bourbon and rich maple syrup. It’s sure to make any festive evening feel special!
Hot Buttered Cider
There’s nothing like a rich and decadent drink to warm up those cold winter nights. Featuring hot apple cider combined with a spoonful of butter batter, this is a velvety sweet treat made for chilly days. Plus, you can prepare the butter batter ahead of time and keep it in the freezer for an easy pick-me-up whenever you need a cozy boost.
