The best whiskey cocktails for the holidays

This year everyone wants to treat themselves – here are some fun cocktails to make the season bright and cheerful

Whiskey is the most popular liquor in most US states and sales increased 9.4% in 2022 compared to 2020. Monks helped introduce the world to whiskey over 1,000 years ago. Why not mix this liquor into the best whiskey cocktails for the holidays? It's a crowd pleaser.

Whiskey is a general name for a distilled, barrel-aged spirit made from fermented grains, while bourbon is a type of whiskey that meets specific requirements. It is made from a mashbill that is at least 51% corn, while whiskey can be made from a mixture of grains such as corn, rye, barley or wheat. The corn in bourbon gives it a distinctive sweet flavor. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, while other whiskeys may be aged in different barrels, including those previously used for other spirits. It must not contain any additives or colorings. Bourbon is primarily made in Kentucky, but can be made anywhere in the world. To be called “straight bourbon whiskey,” bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years.

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A slushy bourbon milk punch

It's a holiday favorite and is similar to a rich, flavorful, creamy milkshake with a twist.

Ingredients

• 3 parts whole milk
• 2 parts half and half
• 1.5 parts bourbon
• 1 part sifted sugar, ground
• vanilla extract
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Cinnamon stick

Create

In a pitcher, stir together milk, half and half, bourbon, sugar and vanilla

Freeze until mushy and ready to serve

Stir in a chilled glass before serving

Finally add a few grated fresh nutmeg

Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Muddy bourbon punch

Maple Bourbon Coffee

As seen in the movie “Elf,” this morning is perfect for entertaining holiday guests, preparing for tailgating, or after a morning of shopping.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of coffee, strongly brewed
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 9 ounces maple bourbon
• whipped cream
• Grated cinnamon

Create

1. Place coffee, milk, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon in a slow cooker
2. Heat on low for 1 ½ hours
3. Add bourbon
4. Serve in heatproof glasses and top with whipped cream and cinnamon

Christmas Old Fashioned Cocktail

Do you have a few friends over and want to impress them? How about a pitcher of this festive elixir? It will bring some holiday cheer to even the meanest Scrooge.

Ingredients

• 3 cranberries
• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz Ginger syrup
• 2 Strokes Angostura bitters
• 1 Orange slice
• 1 Rosemary sprig

Create

1. Crush cranberries in a rocks cocktail glass
2. Add whiskey, ginger syrup and bitters
3. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with an orange slice and rosemary sprig

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Cranberry Bourbon Kiss

This is a mix of the rich taste of bourbon, the fresh feel of citrus and a touch of holiday cheer. Enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups bourbon
• 1 cup sweet vermouth
• 2 cups of orange juice
• 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
• ½ cup simple syrup

Create

1. Add cranberry, orange juice, bourbon, vermouth and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker
2. Add 1 handful of ice and shake until cold
3. Pour into a lowball glass over ice or serve in a martini glass
4. Garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries.

I hope you enjoy the best whiskey cocktails for the holidays