Holiday Cheer Cocktail

The Holiday Cheer cocktail is a delicious combination of classic holiday flavors with one unexpected ingredient that really makes it different. Its festive look and tasty blend of sweet, tart, and herbal notes make it something special.

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The recipe calls for peppermint vodka (or our Candy Cane vodka), white crème de cacao, cranberry juice, and a homemade rosemary simple syrup. The result is a festive, flavor-packed cocktail that’s equal parts sweet, tart, and herbaceous.

What’s Rosemary Simple Syrup and Why Use It?

Rosemary simple syrup may sound like an unusual ingredient for cocktails, but it introduces a fragrant herbal element that complements both sweet and savory notes in your drink. Specifically, it adds earthy, pine-like notes.

In the case of the Holiday Cheer cocktail, the rosemary syrup plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the white crème de cacao and the tartness of cranberry juice.

The syrup is versatile and can be used not just in cocktails but also drizzled over desserts, marinades, or even as a sweetener for teas.

Tasting Profile

On the nose, the peppermint-infused vodka creates a refreshing sweet mint aroma. The first sip reveals the rich, creamy notes of the white crème de cacao.

Next, the tart and tangy cranberry juice emerges, offering a vibrant counterpoint to the sweetness. The rosemary simple syrup lends a subtle, earthy undertone that ties all the flavors together, while the fresh lime juice adds a bright, citrusy zing.

Key Ingredients: What Makes It Special?

Peppermint Vodka

The base of the cocktail, peppermint vodka provides a clean, minty flavor. You can use our Candy Cane vodka, which is easy to make in just a few hours.

White Crème de Cacao

This creamy liqueur adds a subtle chocolate sweetness that complements the tart cranberry and herbal rosemary.

Cranberry Juice

Not only does cranberry juice bring the perfect pop of color, but its tartness balances the sweetness of the drink.

Rosemary Simple Syrup

Infused rosemary syrup is the star ingredient, giving the cocktail a sophisticated, aromatic touch that sets it apart from typical holiday drinks.

Lime

The little bit of fresh lime juice cuts the sweetness, and brightens the whole drink without adding significant citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it in a rocks glass with ice, as pictured here. The flavors are strong enough to compete with the ice.

Garnish it with cranberries threaded onto a cocktail pick with a rosemary sprig. If you find that hard to do, just make a spear of cranberries and add the rosemary sprig separately.

Food Pairings

This cocktail pairs well with rich, indulgent foods, as well as lighter, more refreshing fare. For a cozy, comforting pairing, try serving it alongside roasted turkey with all the trimmings, baked ham with a sweet glaze, or a festive roast beef tenderloin.

If you’re looking for a more dessert-focused pairing, try classic holiday sweets like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or a decadent yule log cake. And for a lighter option, consider serving it with  baked brie with cranberry compote, mini quiches, or stuffed mushrooms.