Simple syrups make holiday cocktails effortless.
When our family gathers for the holidays, so much attention goes to the meal that drinks can get overlooked. Not completely—there’s usually a chorus of “somebody get me a drink!”—but beyond beer, wine and a straightforward pour of bourbon, drink creativity often stays in the kitchen.
This year my cousin asked for holiday cocktail ideas days before guests arrived, which prompted this guide. The goal is a reliable, well-organized bar set up in advance so you can focus on the food and enjoy the party.
Think mise en place: everything in its place. Just like chefs prep ingredients ahead, prepare your bar so drink service is smooth and no-fuss.
Start by designating a communal bar area. Letting guests top off their own drinks gives you more time to cook and mingle. Position the bar where people can gather without blocking the kitchen or dining traffic.
Stock a balanced selection of alcohol. Reserve a couple of nice bottles of white and red wine for the formal meal, and keep more budget-friendly options available at the bar. If guests bring wine as gifts, add those bottles to the bar too—chances are they brought something they enjoy drinking.
I keep beer separate from the indoor bar. A cooler on the back porch holds a variety of German, Belgian and American beers, plus a bottle opener and a small jar for caps. Bottled water and soda are there as well to keep guests hydrated.
For cocktails, offer a range of spirits—bourbon, vodka, gin and rum are versatile choices. Rather than placing brand bottles at the bar, consider decanters for a polished look; small tags or charms can identify the spirit inside and add a decorative touch.
Stock a variety of mixers so guests aren’t stuck drinking spirits neat. Club soda, tonic water, lemon-lime soda and even cream are useful. These let people build simple highballs or richer, cream-based drinks.
Provide a selection of glassware: wine glasses, old-fashioned (short) glasses and martini glasses. Different drinks feel more festive when they’re in appropriate glassware.
Gather the essential tools. A reliable wine opener is crucial; a double-hinged waiter’s corkscrew works well for most bottles. A cocktail shaker and stirrers are handy for mixed drinks, and a small jigger or measuring method keeps pours consistent.
To avoid spills and guesswork, set out a small kitchen scale—guests can place a glass on it and measure one-ounce pours precisely. Keep a bucket of ice nearby (assign someone to refill it) and have napkins or towels on hand for quick cleanups.
Pre-slice garnishes like lemons, limes, oranges and prepare festive additions such as cranberries and peppermint sticks. Having garnishes ready makes drinks look finished and festive without last-minute fuss.
Once the bar is set, you can prepare cocktails ahead—especially simple syrups. Make several flavored simple syrups and place them in bottles or small pitchers on the bar. They mix well with spirits, wine or soda and let guests assemble drinks quickly.
Try these easy mixing ideas:
1 oz. simple syrup + 2 oz. vodka = a simple martini base.
1 oz. simple syrup + 2 oz. bourbon + 1 oz. cream = a rich, creamy cocktail.
1 oz. simple syrup + 3–4 oz. white wine = a light, approachable wine cocktail.
1 oz. simple syrup + 3–4 oz. lemon-lime soda = a kid- and driver-friendly festive drink.
Encourage guests to experiment and name their creations—part of the fun is sharing and laughing over new concoctions.
Making simple syrup is straightforward: choose a flavor, simmer 1 1/2 cups water with 1 1/2 cups sugar and your chosen flavorings, strain twice, let cool and bottle. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
I’ve developed four holiday syrup flavors to inspire you: Cranberry-Orange, Pear-Ginger, Spiced Pecan and Candy Cane. Use them to flavor cocktails, mocktails or to add a festive touch to soda and iced tea.
If you’re not hosting, a homemade simple syrup makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Reuse a clean plastic bottle, remove the label and security ring, add a plain lid and a small handmade label for a charming presentation.
With a little prep—spirits, mixers, glassware, tools, ice and a few flavored syrups—you’ll have a festive, guest-friendly bar that keeps the celebration flowing and the hosts relaxed.
Happy, festive holidays—and now, will somebody please get me a drink? Santé!