3 Holiday Drinks That Won't Break The Bank This Season

We all know the holidays are expensive, especially when you’re the one hosting the party. Between décor, food, gifts, and travel, no one wants to add a thousand dollar bartender to the list. I used to bartend at a local yacht club, and one of my favorite parts of the job was experimenting with different liquors and flavor combinations. I eventually got into the swing of things and realized that excellent drinks don't require expensive ingredients. Each Christmas season tends to come with unusually high prices, so budgeting where you are is really important. I'm here today to let you test some festive, popular holiday cocktails that taste yummy without breaking the bank.

1. Spiked Eggnog 

Why have vanilla eggnog when you can add a bit more flavor? Rum and brandy are the classic choices and both bring warmth  that match well with the rich, creamy base of eggnog.  A little bit of black rum lends a sweetness reminiscent of caramel, while brandy gives a smoother taste. Add a touch of nutmeg as a garnish, and all of a sudden you have a  winter sweet that looks like it belongs on a bar menu.

2. Maple Bourbon Cider 

Warm drinks are essential for winter occasions and this one is a fan favorite. Add a few whole cloves, some cinnamon sticks, and a tiny sprinkle of maple syrup to the apple cider and heat it on the burner. Pour a shot of bourbon into each mug once it's warm. The spices and cider are most of the flavor, so you can get away with a cheap bourbon. It tastes cozy, smells amazing, and is perfect for cold nights.

3. Peppermint White Russian

This one takes a holiday twist on the traditional White Russian. All you need is vodka, coffee liqueur, half-and-half, and a few drops of peppermint extract. Because peppermint is strong, a little goes a long way.  For a nice festive touch, serve it over ice with a tiny sugar cane on the rim. Even using inexpensive vodka won’t ruin the drink as the creamy and coffee based tastes are powerful.

To impress your visitors, holiday cocktails don't have to be difficult or costly. With a few inexpensive ingredients and a little creativity, you can create beverages that seem festive and tasty while still keeping within your budget. Cheers to a season full of coziness, joy, and reasonably priced drinks!