The Holiday Season is upon us, and that means everyone is SUPER busy running around like an elf in Santa’s workshop.
What better way to relax after a long day of decorating, shopping, baking, and gift wrapping than sipping on some sweet cocktails?
As Buddy says, Elves like to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy corn, candy canes, and syrup. To honor our favorite Christmas lover, ditch the holiday punch and the eggnog this December, and swap your drink for a holiday cocktail inspired by all things Elf.
1. Candy
Try this “strawbunkle soda” inspired by Dylan’s Candy Bar made with 1/2 a glass of chilled seltzer, 1 tbsp. of fresh strawberry puree, 1.5 oz. of vodka, and a splash of lime juice.
Their drink is topped with a chocolate covered strawberry, a strawberry-lemonade sour belt, and rock candy. Top yours with whatever other candy your sugar-loving heart desires
2. Candy Canes
There are tons of peppermint alcohols out there from peppermint schnapps, to Smirnoff Twisted Peppermint, and Pinnacle Peppermint Bark Vodka. Try something new this Christmas with a Champagne Candy Cane cocktail.
Fill a champagne flute 1/3 of the way with Creme de Cocoa, top off with chilled Champagne, and garnish with crushed candy canes.
Besides, Poppin’ a little bubbly is a great way to celebrate a long journey through the seven layers of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and through… the LINCOLN TUNNEL.
3. Candy Corn
So Halloween has come and gone, and it may be hard to get your hands on some actual candy corn but these candy corn-inspired margaritas will do just the trick. Mix a can of frozen limeade, 8 parts orange soda, 8 parts of your favorite light beer, 3 parts triple sec and 6 parts tequila for a refreshingly sweet drink. (Optional:Garnish with as much candy corn as you can find!
4. Syrup
During Buddy’s trip from The North Pole to the Big Apple, he learned a lot of cold hard facts about NYC: First off, “If you see gum on the street, leave it there. It isn’t free candy…And if you see a sign that says ‘Peep Show’, that doesn’t mean that they’re letting you look at presents before Christmas.”
Oh, and to watch out because the yellow ones don’t stop. To think sweeter thoughts about the beloved city, try this Maple Manhattan, incorporating one of Buddy’s favorites: Syrup. For this recipe combine 2 oz. rye, 1/2 oz. vermouth, 1 tbsp. maple syrup and 2 dashes of bitters into cocktail shaker.
So whatever your favorite of the four main food groups is, grab a glass and and make yourself a drink (or all of them) to sip on while watching this Christmas Classic. Spice up your cocktail party and share these with friends, and always remember: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”