This festive Santa Claus drink recipe features a delicious blend of Vodka Humboldt, Peppermint Liqueur, and Cider, topped with Grenadine Jack Rudy for a sweet twist. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in, serve in a rocks glass with ice for a refreshing holiday treat. Impress your guests and elevate your bartending skills with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Santa Claus Ingredients
- 30 ml Vodka Humboldt
- 15 ml Peppermint Liqueur
- 45 ml Cider
- 100 ml Ice
- Grenadine Jack Rudy
Santa Claus Recipe
- mix the ingredients together with ice
- serve in Rocks glass almost full with crushed ice
- top up with Cider
Recommend: serve in Rocks glass
It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.The Santa Claus Cocktail: A Festive Favorite
As a professional bartender, I’ve seen my fair share of cocktails come and go. Some are fleeting trends, while others become staples in the world of mixology. The Santa Claus cocktail falls into the latter category. This festive drink has been popular for decades, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Santa Claus cocktail, its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Popularity
The origins of the Santa Claus cocktail are somewhat murky, but it’s been a holiday staple for as long as I can remember. This cocktail is famous for its festive appearance, with the bright red color of the grenadine and the green hue of the peppermint liqueur. The Santa Claus cocktail is often associated with the winter season, but it can be enjoyed year-round.
Geographically, the Santa Claus cocktail is enjoyed all over the world, but it’s most popular in the United States. It’s a common sight at holiday parties, and many bars and restaurants feature it on their seasonal menus.
Ingredient Roles
The Santa Claus cocktail is a delicious blend of vodka, peppermint liqueur, cider, and grenadine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the cocktail’s flavor profile.
The vodka is the base spirit in the Santa Claus cocktail. Vodka Humboldt is a great choice for this cocktail, as it has a smooth and crisp taste that blends well with the other ingredients.
The peppermint liqueur adds a festive touch to the cocktail, and its sweet and minty flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Cider is used to add a fruity and slightly tart flavor to the cocktail. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Lastly, grenadine is used to give the cocktail its bright red color. It’s also slightly sweet, which helps to round out the flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Santa Claus cocktail is an important step in the cocktail-making process. A good garnish can elevate the appearance and flavor of the cocktail.
The most common way to garnish a Santa Claus cocktail is to sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top of the drink. This adds a festive touch and complements the peppermint flavor of the liqueur.
Another popular garnish is a sprig of fresh mint. This not only adds a pop of green to the cocktail, but it also enhances the minty flavor of the drink.
Variations
One of the great things about cocktails is that they can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations of the Santa Claus cocktail:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
For those who don’t drink alcohol, or who want to enjoy a festive drink without the buzz, a virgin version of the Santa Claus cocktail is a great option. Simply omit the vodka and peppermint liqueur, and replace the cider with apple juice or cider.
Gluten-Free Version
If you’re gluten intolerant, you can still enjoy a Santa Claus cocktail. Vodka is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the labels of the peppermint liqueur and cider to ensure they don’t contain any gluten. You can also substitute the cider with a gluten-free apple juice.
Vegan Version
For those following a vegan diet, the Santa Claus cocktail can easily be made vegan. Check the labels of the peppermint liqueur and cider to ensure they don’t contain any animal products. You can also substitute the grenadine with a vegan-friendly alternative.
Keto Version
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, the Santa Claus cocktail can still be enjoyed in moderation. Use a low-carb cider or apple juice and a sugar-free grenadine. You can also reduce the amount of cider and grenadine to lower the carb count.
Low-Calorie Version
For those watching their calorie intake, the Santa Claus cocktail can be a bit of a splurge. To make a lower calorie version, use a sugar-free grenadine and a low-calorie cider or apple juice. You can also reduce the amount of peppermint liqueur to lower the calorie count.
Common Mistakes When Making
Making cocktails can be a bit tricky, and there are a few common mistakes to avoid when making a Santa Claus cocktail:
- Using too much peppermint liqueur: The peppermint flavor should be noticeable but not overpowering. Stick to the recipe’s measurements to avoid an overly minty cocktail.
- Not shaking the cocktail enough: Shaking the cocktail helps to blend the flavors and create a frothy texture. Make sure to shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds.
- Using too much grenadine: Grenadine is used to give the cocktail its bright red color, but too much can make the cocktail overly sweet. Stick to the recipe’s measurements.
- Forgetting to garnish: A good garnish can take a cocktail from ordinary to extraordinary. Don’t forget to add the finishing touch to your Santa Claus cocktail.
In conclusion, the Santa Claus cocktail is a festive and delicious drink that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re enjoying it at a holiday party or on a warm summer day, this cocktail is sure to impress. By following the recipe and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a perfect Santa Claus cocktail every time.
If you are going to order Santa Claus in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Santa Claus can be served with different ingredients in different places.
