This December, while everyone else is entering upscale clubs in their fanciest clothes and sky-high heels, why not flip the script with some cheap yet festive cocktails to make at home? So grab your comfiest pajamas, a loose t-shirt, and a glittery crown (because why not?), and let’s whip up delightful drinks that won’t break the bank! It’s the ultimate cozy vibe. Let’s dive into the fabulous world of cheap cocktail crafting in your humble abode. Curious about the magic recipes? Keep reading!
Cheap Yet Festive Cocktails to Make at Home This December
- Black Russian
- Bee’s Knees
- Apple Brandy
- Lemon Drop
- Irish Coffee
- Cosmopolitan
Black Russian
In the year 1949, amidst the tensions of the Cold War, Perle Mesta, the American ambassador, strolled into Luxembourg. There, she encountered Gustave Tops, a bartender who presented her with a mysterious drink that resembled coffee from afar. The Black Russian’s deep, dark allure wasn’t just a cocktail; it was a story in a glass, capturing a moment in time when bold flavors and unforgettable tales intertwined.
Fast forward to 2024, and if you need a similar pick-me-up, Black Russian classic cocktail can bridge the gap between those two eras. As a contemporary version, it also brings an inviting energy boost with its simplicity—made from just vodka and coffee liqueur. Finally, the cocktail promises a story in every sip.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- ¾ oz Coffee Liqueur
How To Make Black Russian
- In an old-fashioned whiskey glass or any glass of your choice, pour in the vodka first, followed by the coffee liqueur.
- Give it a good stir to mix the ingredients.
- You can then finish the drink with some ice (the more, the better!), and voila! You have your Black Russian ready to enjoy.
- Additionally, you can top it off with some cherries, but that’s optional.
Also Read: Drinking Games That You Must Play At Your Festive Parties
Bee’s Knees
Bee’s Knees is a cocktail that emerged during the Prohibition era, providing a delightful alternative to the harsh flavors of bathtub gin. At a time when questionable mixtures were common, Bee’s Knees offered a refreshing and refined option, transforming the drinking experience for many.
Another legendary tale about this cocktail is from the Ritz hotel, where the dapper Frank Meier whipped up this drink. Inspired by the phrase “the bee’s knees,” which means the absolute best Frank decided to create a cocktail that could elevate even the most dubious gin to new heights! So next time you sip on a Bee’s Knees, just remember: you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re partaking in a fun, fizzy lesson of the past!
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 4-5 tsp lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
How To Make Bee’s Knees
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake it well.
- Next, take a gin glass and fill it with ice cubes.
- Pour the shaken mixture over the ice and enjoy your Bee’s Knees!
Apple Brandy
Eating an apple pie during the festive season? Sure, it sounds cozy, but let’s be real — it doesn’t exactly give you a buzz, it just adds more calories than a holiday buffet! So, if you want to spice things up (and maybe feel a little festive glow), we’ve got the ultimate alternative: Apple Brandy.
This magical potion is not only better for your holiday vibes but also easy on your wallet — because no one wants to shell out money for something that doesn’t even get them tipsy. Plus, you can whip it up with ingredients you probably have lying around your kitchen. Now, here’s the catch: start your Apple Brandy adventure a whole week before you plan to sip it! Slow and steady wins the race, especially when every sip is brimming with the rich flavors of cinnamon and apple.
Ingredients
- 1 Red Apple
- 2 cups sugar
- 16 oz brandy
- 2-3 small sticks of cinnamon (optional)
- 3-6 cloves (optional)
How To Make Apple Brandy
- Combine all the ingredients in a pot.
- Set the heat to low or medium, and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the stove and cover the pot tightly with a good lid.
- Allow the mixture to absorb the flavor for one week; you can taste it before that, but the flavors won’t be as delightful as they will be after a week.
- After a week, remove the apples and transfer the brandy into mason jars or bottles.
- Store these in the fridge and serve cold.
Lemon Drop
If you’re fed up with those dry martinis and can’t stand the sugary rush of cosmopolitans, then the Lemon Drop is the zesty hero you’ve been waiting for. It is a perfectly delightful balance of sweet and tangy that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Lemon Drop cocktail may have made its grand debut in the fabulous ’70s, but it burst back onto the scene during an Oprah episode, and suddenly everyone was shaken—not stirred—by its refreshing charm!
It’s a delightful cocktail that is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its sweet and tangy flavor, leaving you craving another sip. Often compared as a variant of the classic vodka martini and known to share a closer association with the White Lady cocktail, it remains distinct from both. With its playful twist on classic lemonade, the Lemon Drop is a quirky favorite that’s as fun to drink as it is to make.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 5-7 tsp of lemon juice
- ¾ oz sugar syrup
- Salt according to taste
How To Make Lemon Drop
- Grab your shaker, toss in the ingredients, and give it a good mix.
- Throw in some ice cubes.
- Next, grab a cocktail glass and dip the rim in lemon juice, then, roll it in a salt and lemon zest mix, so it’s savory.
- Finally, transfer the cocktail in the glass and you’ve got a drink that’s as cool as you are!
Also read: Umami Cocktails to Tickle Your Tastebuds
Irish Coffee
Once upon a time, a group of chilly American travelers found themselves stuck at Foynes Airport thanks to some seriously grumpy weather. Enter Joe Sheridan, the coffee magician of the hour! Seeing their frozen faces, he decided to take their regular Joe and give it a spicy twist by tossing in some Irish whiskey.
A warm, cozy cocktail was born. The passengers, feeling fancy, took a sip and were so enchanted they asked if it was Brazilian coffee. With a cheeky grin, Joe shot back, “Nah, my friends, this is a proper Irish coffee!” And just like that, the legend of li’l ol’ Irish Coffee was steeped in warmth and whimsy!
Ingredients
- 6 oz hot, freshly brewed coffee
- 1 oz granulated sugar
- 1 oz brown sugar
- 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
- Whipped cream (according to your taste)
How To Make Irish Coffee
- Grab your favorite festive cup or mug and fill it up with some freshly brewed coffee.
- Sweeten it up with a blend of sugar and brown sugar.
- If you’re feeling fancy, whip out a whisk and get frothy; the frothier the better, right?
- Now, here’s the fun part: pour in the Irish whiskey and finish it off with a glorious mound of whipped cream!
Cosmopolitan
If you’re itching to bring the star-studded, high-society vibe straight into your living room, look no further—let’s talk Cosmo! This chic cocktail is not just a red carpet fave, it’s also made with stuff you probably already have stashed in your fridge (yes, even that half-bottle of vodka you’ve been neglecting).
Cosmo is the perfect balance of berry goodness and zesty orange, like a stylish union where a fruit salad meets a sparkling party. You’ve got celebration in a glass, ready to accompany you on your quest for confidence. So, whether you’re toasting to friendships or embracing a moment of self-love, let the vibrant hue remind you that life is best lived colorfully.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 ½ oz of cranberry juice
- ½ oz of orange-flavored squash
- 1-3 tsp of lemon juice
- Lemon peel for garnishing (optional)
How To Make Cosmopolitan
- Toss in your liquids in a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake – until the orange and cranberry have completely blended with the vodka.
- Once your mix is ready, transfer it to a cocktail glass.
- Throw in some crushed ice and hola! your fabulous Cosmo is ready to be devoured!
Also Read: 7 Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipes to Try Right Now
Summing Up
Who would have thought that holiday vibe could get a glow-up from homemade cocktails? Next time you’re about to shell out cash for fancy drinks that are mostly ice with a whisper of flavor, hit pause! Instead, channel your inner mixologist and whip up something that’s not just delicious but also a real labor of love. The effort you pour into each sip will make it taste even better! So, whether it’s a zesty cosmo or a creamy delight, let’s get creative and turn your kitchen into the ultimate cocktail haven.
FAQs
What is the most popular festive drink?
Classic mulled wine is a popular festive beverage often enjoyed during the Christmas season.
Is it cheaper to make a cocktail at home or go out and have it?
If you know the art of mixing cocktails and pairing them with the right ingredients, then definitely it is suggested to make your cocktail.
What is the most basic ingredient needed for a cocktail?
Alcohol, whether it is in the form of vodka, rum, or tequila, you can play around with the spirit but the spirit is needed to make any cocktail.
What is the key to a good homemade cocktail?
Use fresh ingredients, measure accurately, and mix without overdoing it.
What is a cocktail everyone likes?
Margarita is a cocktail loved by a lot of people.
Which is the strongest cocktail?
Long Island Iced Tea is often considered a strong cocktail because it combines five different liquors, which gives it a distinct flavor.
What are festive cocktails?
Festive cocktails are cocktails enjoyed during December, especially celebrating Christmas.
