19+ Christmas Bitters Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Apr 22, 2024
If you're looking to add a unique and festive touch to your holiday cocktails, why not try making your own Christmas bitters? These flavorful extracts can elevate any cocktail and add a special touch to your holiday celebrations. In this article, we'll share a delicious Christmas bitters recipe that you can easily make at home. Not only is it a fun and creative activity, but it also makes for a great homemade gift for your friends and family. Let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Orange Zest, Dr Pepper, Fernet Branca, Rum, Bitters
If you’re tired of the same old beer can chicken, why not switch things up and pair it with a unique and delicious cocktail? The “Dr. Scola” Dr. Pepper Cocktail is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. Made with whiskey, amaretto, and, of course, Dr. Pepper, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to try something new and impress your guests with this tasty beverage.
2of 20
The Billionaire Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Grenadine
Want to feel like a billionaire while enjoying your beer can chicken? Look no further than the Billionaire Cocktail. This luxurious and indulgent drink is made with bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and absinthe. Shaken, not stirred, this cocktail is sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
3of 20
Christmas Old Fashioned
Main Ingredients: Pure Maple Syrup, Cinnamon Stick, Cardamom Pods
The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy a classic cocktail with a festive twist. The Christmas Old Fashioned is a bold and flavorful drink that features bourbon, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and bitters. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and will add some extra holiday cheer to your meal.
4of 20
Bourbon Maple Eggnog
Main Ingredients: Maple Syrup, Bourbon, Eggnog, Bitters, Nutmeg
Eggnog and bourbon are a match made in heaven, and this recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of maple syrup. This Bourbon Maple Eggnog is rich and creamy, with the perfect amount of sweetness and a hint of smokiness from the bourbon. It’s the perfect drink to sip on while enjoying your beer can chicken on a chilly winter evening.
5of 20
Eggnog Martini
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Egg Nog, Bitters, Sprinkles, Honey
If you’re a fan of eggnog, you’ll love this Eggnog Martini. Made with vodka, eggnog, and a splash of coffee liqueur, this cocktail is a creamy and decadent twist on a classic martini. It’s the perfect way to indulge while enjoying your beer can chicken.
6of 20
Winter Warmth Syrup
Main Ingredients: Water, Turbinado Sugar, Apple, Pear, Walnut Halves
Looking for a non-alcoholic option to enjoy with your beer can chicken? This Winter Warmth Syrup is the perfect solution. Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, honey, and spices, this syrup is perfect for mixing with hot water to create a warm and comforting drink. It’s a great alternative for those who don’t drink alcohol or for anyone looking for a delicious and soothing drink.
7of 20
Spiced Cranberry Rum Old Fashioned
Main Ingredients: Spiced Rum, Orange Zest, Orange Juice, Granulated
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. This Spiced Cranberry Rum Old Fashioned puts a festive spin on the traditional recipe by adding spiced cranberry syrup to the mix. The result is a sweet and tangy drink that pairs perfectly with the flavors of beer can chicken.
8of 20
Brandy-Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk, Dark Chocolate, Canela, Chipotle Chile Powder
Hot chocolate is a staple during the cold winter months, but why not take it up a notch with this Brandy-Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate? This spicy and boozy drink is made with hot chocolate, brandy, and a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. It’s the perfect way to warm up while enjoying your beer can chicken.
9of 20
Gingerbread Bourbon Punch
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Ginger Brandy
This Gingerbread Bourbon Punch is the perfect party drink to enjoy with your beer can chicken. Made with bourbon, ginger beer, and a spiced ginger syrup, this punch is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It’s sure to be a hit with all of your guests.
10of 20
Uncle Angelo's Egg Nog
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Milk, Cream, Ground Nutmeg, Sugar, Bourbon, Rum
No holiday dinner is complete without a glass of eggnog, and this recipe for Uncle Angelo’s Egg Nog is one you’ll want to make year after year. Made with brandy, rum, and bourbon, this rich and creamy drink is a favorite among many and will pair wonderfully with your beer can chicken.
11of 20
Eggnog Old Fashioned
Main Ingredients: Brandy, Frangelico, Bitters, Eggnog, Ground Nutmeg
Another twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this Eggnog Old Fashioned combines the flavors of bourbon and eggnog for a smooth and delicious cocktail. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and strong and will be a hit at any holiday gathering.
12of 20
Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots
Main Ingredients: Jello, Hot Water, Cranberry Juice, Bourbon, Triple Sec
Looking for a fun and festive way to enjoy your Old Fashioned? These Cranberry Old Fashioned Jello Shots are the perfect solution. Made with real cranberries, bourbon, and orange bitters, these jello shots are a fun and unique way to enjoy your favorite cocktail.
13of 20
Hot Rum Cow
Main Ingredients: Milk, Dark Rum, Bitters, Vanilla Extract, Cane Syrup
If you’re a fan of hot toddies, you’ll love this Hot Rum Cow recipe. Made with rum, milk, and spices, this creamy and comforting drink is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter night. It’s a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy your beer can chicken.
14of 20
Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Fresh Cranberries, Star Anise Pods
Another variation of the classic Old Fashioned, this Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned features the flavors of the holiday season with the addition of spiced cranberry syrup. This festive and flavorful drink is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and will add some extra holiday cheer to your meal.
15of 20
Fiery Caramel Apple Hot Toddy
Main Ingredients: Water, Apple Brandy, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Simple
If you like a little heat and sweetness in your drinks, this Fiery Caramel Apple Hot Toddy is the perfect choice. Made with apple cider, caramel vodka, and a dash of cayenne pepper, this hot toddy is a delicious and unexpected way to enjoy your beer can chicken.
This Christmas Martini is a festive and fun cocktail that will add some holiday spirit to your beer can chicken dinner. Made with vodka, cranberry juice, and triple sec, this easy and delicious drink is sure to be a hit with your guests.
17of 20
Christmas Clementine Drop
Main Ingredients: Clementines, Vodka, Grand Marnier, Chocolate Bitters
This Christmas Clementine Drop is a sweet and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for sipping on while enjoying your beer can chicken. Made with clementine vodka, triple sec, and fresh clementine juice, this drink is bursting with citrus flavor and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
18of 20
Christmas Ale Sangria.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Vodka, Orange Bitters, Pears, Oranges
Sangria isn’t just for the summer months – this Christmas Ale Sangria is a festive and flavorful twist on the classic drink. Made with red wine, brandy, and Christmas ale, this sangria is spicy and sweet with a hint of holiday flavors. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season while enjoying your beer can chicken.
19of 20
The Bourbon Sweetheart
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Strawberries, Simple Syrup, Ginger Liqueur
Looking for a romantic drink to enjoy with your loved one while indulging in your beer can chicken dinner? The Bourbon Sweetheart is the perfect choice. Made with bourbon, amaretto, and raspberry liqueur, this cocktail is sweet and fruity with a hint of nuttiness from the amaretto. It’s a perfect match for your romantic dinner.
20of 20
Creole Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Rum, Brandy, Cherry Brandy, Port, Angostura Bitters
Last but not least, we have the Creole Christmas Cake – a decadent and indulgent dessert cocktail that is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. Made with brandy, amaretto, and dark chocolate liqueur, this drink is rich and flavorful, just like a slice of cake. It’s the perfect treat for any special occasion or holiday celebration.
What are Bitters?
The Role of Bitters in Cocktails
Before we dive into the Christmas bitters recipe, let's first understand what bitters are and their role in cocktails. Bitters are highly concentrated alcohol-based extracts made from herbs, spices, and fruits. They add depth and complexity to cocktails by balancing out the flavors and enhancing the overall taste. They also provide a pleasant bitterness, which helps to stimulate the taste buds and bring out the flavors of other ingredients in the drink.
Making Your Own Christmas Bitters
Ingredients
To make your own Christmas bitters, you'll need some basic ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store or online. These include whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, dried fruit such as orange peel and cranberries, and some high-proof alcohol such as vodka or bourbon. You can also add other festive ingredients like ginger, nutmeg, or star anise to give your bitters a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, combine all your chosen spices and fruit in a clean glass jar. Pour the alcohol over the ingredients, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for about 2-3 weeks, shaking it daily to infuse the flavors. Once the bitters are ready, strain them through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and bottle them up. You can also add a touch of sweetener, such as simple syrup, to balance out the bitterness.
Using Christmas Bitters in Cocktails
Classic Christmas Cocktails
The most popular cocktail made with Christmas bitters is the classic Old Fashioned. Simply add a few dashes of your homemade bitters to a glass with whiskey, sugar, and orange peel for a festive twist on this beloved drink. You can also add a few drops of bitters to your eggnog, mulled wine, or hot cocoa for a cozy and delicious winter drink.
Experimenting with New Recipes
Don't limit yourself to traditional holiday drinks; you can also get creative and experiment with new recipes using your homemade bitters. For example, add a dash of bitters to your favorite gin and tonic for a refreshing and herbaceous twist. You can also use bitters in non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade or iced tea for a flavorful and alcohol-free option.
In conclusion, making your own Christmas bitters is a fun and easy way to add a special touch to your holiday cocktails. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and unique flavor that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday celebrations. So why not give it a try and add a personal and festive touch to your drinks this holiday season?