Holiday Cocktail Recipes Featuring Specialty Syrups
The holiday season is a prime time for enjoying specialty beverages, and nothing says celebration quite like a crafted holiday cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for the perfect winter drink, incorporating specialty syrups like orgeat and gum syrup can add a unique flair to your concoctions. Here are some recipes that will not only delight your taste buds but also impress your guests with their complexity and depth.
Start the Holiday Cocktail Journey with a Winter Mai Tai with Orgeat
A Mai Tai might be a summer classic, but adding orgeat syrup transforms it into a winter delight.
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Lime wheel and mint for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint.

Spiced Gum Syrup Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that stands the test of time. Elevate it this holiday season with spiced gum syrup.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz spiced gum syrup (cinnamon, clove, and star anise)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
In a mixing glass, stir bourbon, spiced gum syrup, and bitters over ice. Strain into a glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
Almond Joy Martini
This dessert cocktail is a holiday treat that mimics the flavors of the Almond Joy candy bar, thanks to orgeat syrup.
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz coconut cream
- Shredded coconut for rim
Rim a martini glass with shredded coconut. In a shaker, combine vodka, chocolate liqueur, orgeat syrup, and coconut cream with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
These holiday cocktails, enriched with the flavors of specialty syrups, are sure to make your celebrations even more memorable. So, go ahead and add a dash of sophistication to your holiday cocktail menu this season. Cheers to a holiday filled with joy, warmth, and exceptional drinks!