As the weather gets colder, we like to make cozy holiday drinks to keep us warm! If you have any type of wedding event over the holiday season—like an engagement party, bachelorette party, dress shopping day, etc.—think about making some of these drinks to keep your guests warm, happy, and in the holiday spirit! Just make sure no one drinks and drives.

Cranberry Cider

Mmm…Who doesn’t love a hot glass of cider? For this drink, we wanted to stray away from traditional apple cider and add a cranberry twist. This cocktail would be best if you or one of your bridesmaids is hosting an event at someones home. Cider can be made over the stove or in a crock pot and easily served with a ladle. Our favourite recipe comes courtesy of KleinworthCo.com.

Ingredients
8 cups (64 ounces) Cranberry Juice
4 cups (32 ounces) Apple Cider
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp whole cloves (tied in a cheesecloth to contain them)
1 ounce light or dark rum per served glass

Instructions

Combine cranberry juice, apple cider, cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks & cloves in crock pot. Cook on high if you plan on using within 2-3 hours. Cook on low for longer. Allow to simmer & warm until ready to serve- stirring occasionally. Ladle into mugs, garnish with additional cinnamon stick and add in one ounce of rum per serving.

Peppermint Martini

For those of you who like a sharp drink like a classic martini, you may be interested in serving a holiday inspired peppermint martini. These are easy to shake up and can be a great conversation starter. These drinks may work best at a catered event, where a formal bartender can make the concoction for you. Simply ask the staff to add it to the drink menu. This recipe comes courtesy of ZipList.com.

Ingredients
4 peppermint candy canes
3 Tb. sugar + 2 Tb. water
4 ounces white chocolate liqueur
2 ounces vanilla vodka
2 ounces half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon  Pure Peppermint Extract

Light Eggnog

We think that eggnog is pretty much the most festive holiday drink out there…but we also know it’s a quick way to put on some serious holiday weight. While traditional eggnog is made with eggs, milk, cream, and brandy, we decided to share this lighter version of the traditional cocktail. This recipe comes courtesy of YuppieChef.com.

Ingredients:
Amarula
Milk
Cinnamon
Quill for garnish
Crushed Ice

Method:
Place two tablespoons of crushed ice in a champagne flute. Fill flute with milk until the ¾ mark. Sprinkle with cinnamon and top up with Amarula and serve with a Cinnamon Quill.

[Photos courtesy of Pinterest]

Lauren Chan is the Editor of the Bridal Guide.