Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail Recipe

Celebrate the holiday season with this light, fizzy, and delightfully festive Holly Jolly Christmas Cocktail. A refreshing mix of vodka, Archers, and freshly squeezed winter citrus juice, topped with bubbly ginger beer and garnished with pomegranate arils and fresh herbs. Perfect for parties, Christmas dinner, or a cozy night in, this easy-to-make cocktail is a holiday favorite!

Chef’s Tips

• Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best flavor. Blood orange and grapefruit juices add a vibrant twist.
• To make a mocktail, replace the vodka and Archers with sparkling water or non-alcoholic ginger beer.
• Chill your glasses before serving for an extra frosty and festive touch.
• Serve pitcher-style for gatherings by scaling up the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka: The base spirit that adds a smooth kick.
• 1/2 oz Archers: A sweet and fruity liqueur that complements the citrus.
• 2/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit juice: A tangy and refreshing winter citrus mix.
• Ginger beer or soda: For a fizzy, festive finish.
• Pomegranate arils: Adds a festive pop of color and a slight tartness.
• 1 sprig fresh thyme or mint: For garnish and aroma.
• Ice: To chill the cocktail perfectly.
• Lemon slices (optional): For decoration and added zest.

Substitutions

• Archers: Substitute with peach schnapps or skip it for a less sweet cocktail.
• Ginger beer: Use club soda or sparkling water for a lighter option.
• Pomegranate arils: Substitute with cranberries or edible red sugar pearls for a festive garnish.
• Fresh herbs: Replace thyme or mint with rosemary for an earthy aroma.

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, Archers, and the fresh-squeezed citrus juice.
3. Top with soda or ginger beer and gently stir to combine.
4. Garnish with pomegranate arils, a sprig of fresh thyme or mint, and lemon slices if desired.

Storage

• Make-ahead option: Mix the citrus juices, vodka, and Archers in advance and store in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add soda or ginger beer just before serving.
• Storage: Keep leftover mixed juice and spirits refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days.

FAQs

• Can I make this non-alcoholic? Absolutely! Replace vodka and Archers with sparkling water or ginger ale for a kid-friendly or sober-friendly option.
• Can I use pre-made juice? Yes, but fresh-squeezed juice offers a brighter, more authentic flavor.
• What other garnishes work well? Sugared cranberries, orange slices, or edible glitter are great alternatives.

This Holly Jolly Christmas Cocktail is sure to bring cheer and sparkle to any holiday celebration. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday table. Cheers!