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Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail Recipe

Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Festive holly jolly christmas citrus cocktail sparkles with seasonal cheer, blending zesty oranges and winter spirits. Bright garnishes and cool mint create a merry sip that brings holiday warmth to glasses everywhere.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Alcoholic and Juice Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces (60 milliliters) vodka or gin
  • 1 ounce (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 ounce (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • ½ ounce (15 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice

Sweetening and Carbonation Ingredients:

  • ½ ounce (15 milliliters) ginger syrup (or simple syrup for a milder flavor)
  • 3 ounces (90 milliliters) sparkling water or ginger ale

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Orange slices
  • Lime slices
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Rosemary sprig

Instructions

  1. Craft an inviting cocktail vessel by generously filling it with crystalline ice cubes, creating a frosty foundation that will keep the beverage perfectly chilled.
  2. Elevate the glass presentation by delicately encrusting the rim with a sparkling sugar coating: gently glide a vibrant citrus wedge around the glass edge, then delicately dunk into a shallow layer of granulated sugar.
  3. Transform a cocktail shaker into a festive mixing chamber by adding a substantial handful of ice, then enthusiastically pour in the selected spirit, zesty orange essence, tangy grapefruit nectar, tart lime juice, and warming ginger syrup.
  4. Vigorously shake the mixture for approximately 10 seconds, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and create a unified, invigorating flavor profile.
  5. Elegantly strain the luminous liquid into the prepared glass, ensuring a smooth and refined pour that captures the cocktail’s dynamic character.
  6. Enhance the beverage with a playful effervescent finale by crowning the drink with sparkling water or spirited ginger ale, introducing a delightful fizzy dimension.
  7. Complete the festive masterpiece with an artful garnish: strategically place a vibrant orange or lime slice, scatter a few jewel-like cranberries, and crown with a fragrant rosemary sprig to evoke a truly holly jolly holiday spirit.
  8. Serve immediately, inviting guests to savor this jubilant, seasonally inspired libation.

Notes

  • Customize the spirit choice based on personal preference, swapping vodka or gin to match individual taste profiles.
  • Adjust sweetness levels by varying the amount of ginger syrup, creating a more balanced or bolder flavor experience.
  • Prepare ginger syrup in advance using fresh ginger and sugar for a more intense, homemade flavor that elevates the cocktail’s complexity.
  • Transform this cocktail into a mocktail by replacing alcohol with additional sparkling water or a non-alcoholic botanical spirit, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive drink.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg