9 Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit & Ring in the New Year

Courtesy of Zacapa Rum

With the New Year fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about some of the best ways to officially get in the holiday spirit.

Whether you have that last-minute, hard-to-buy-for host on your gift list or are just looking to enjoy a cocktail or two yourself, here’s a look at some fun and flavorful ways to spread some holiday cheer this season. 

If you are looking for the perfect winter warmup, Zacapa Rum’s reserve collection should be on your list. Handcrafted, produced, and distilled in Guatemala, the brand offers a distinct selection that appeals to both light and dark spirits drinkers. Their standout Zacapa XO offers the perfect balance of complex aromas and flavors that come from a blend of their exclusive reserve rums. Each hand-selected rum is aged between 10 to 25 years and then blended in barrels that previously stored whiskeys, sherries, and wines before being finished off in French oak casks that previously aged cognac.

Courtesy of Brother’s Bond

For the bourbon lover, Brother’s Bond has introduced a new limited release of their original cask expression.

The brand founded by friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley recently introduced the well-balanced Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Offering the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, the bourbon features aromas of caramel, vanilla, ripe banana, and flavors of warmed rye bread and honey with a hint of leather and subtle smoke.

Courtesy of Brendel Wines

For a refreshing way to celebrate the holiday, you will want to be sure to try Brendel Young Leon Frizzante Rosé.

Leon Brendel got his start making rosé some 70+ years ago when it wasn’t nearly as popular as it is today. Made with 100 percent organic grapes, the lightly carbonated wine combines the juicy flavors of strawberry with the vibrancy of orange zest and pomegranate for a delicious taste.

Casa Lumbre

For the spirits aficionado looking for a nice twist, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur might be just what they are looking for. Boasting to be the “only premium orange liqueur made with all fresh ingredients from Mexico,” the delicious liqueur brings a great new flavor to holiday cocktails.

Here is a simple recipe for an Alma Finca Mexican Margarita:

Ingredients:

¾ parts Alma Finca

1 ½ parts Premium Tequila

¾ parts Lime Juice

¼ parts Agave Syrup

Salt Rim (optional)

Preparation:

Add all ingredients with ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake and pour over ice into a lowball glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!

Courtesy of Biltmore Winery

For the white wine lover, if you can’t decide which varietal to gift this year, Biltmore Winery offers a Reserve Collection produced in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.

The winery produces seven North Carolina wines along with dozens of others sourced from grapes grown on the west coast. Standouts from the 2022 NC Grower of Excellence’s Reserve Chardonnay collection are 2021 North Carolina Heritage Vines, 2021 North Carolina Barrel Select, and 2021 North Carolina.

For a little bubbly to ring in the New Year, be sure to try the Blanc de Blancs North Carolina 2019.

Courtesy of 818 Tequila

This holiday season, Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila partnered up with Art of Sucre for a limited edition and festive Gold Espresso Glitter Bomb.

Made with hand-spun puffs of cotton candy with edible glitter inside, the fun treat designed for the budding home mixologist pairs perfectly with an 818 Tequila Espresso Martini.

Simply add to the martini and stir to wow guests with a shimmering gold cocktail.

Courtesy of Equiano Rum

For the rum lover, Equiano Rum has come up with a fun way to transform a traditional hot chocolate into a kicked-up cocktail. Here’s a look at Equiano Spiked Chocolate recipe designed for two that you can make at home:

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 cups 2% milk

3 tablespoons soft muscovado sugar

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pinch cinnamon

¼ cup (1 ½ ounces) semisweet or dark chocolate chips

2 ounces (¼ cup) Equiano Original Rum

Whipped Cream (Optional)

Directions:

Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and ¼ cup of the milk and whisk until the cocoa powder is mostly dissolved. Whisk in the remaining milk until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and heat over medium heat until the chocolate is melted, about 2 minutes. Do not boil.

Stir in the Equiano Rum. Serve immediately, garnished with whipped cream.

Courtesy of Via Carota

For the home mixologist who is just starting out, the folks at Via Carota have taken all the guesswork out of perfecting a cocktail. Their ready-made cocktails are already expertly crafted and bottled. All you have to do is pour over the rocks.

Their collection includes Classic Negroni, Old Fashioned, Signature Manhattan, and Espresso Martini.

This holiday season, they offered Negroni, Bourbon, and Martini sets that quickly sold out.

Courtesy of New Brew

With dry January right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the best way to celebrate. New Brew’s Euphoric Seltzer just might be the best way to ease into the alcohol-free month.

The seltzer features kava root, kratom leaf, and caffeine for a “mood-boosting effect.” The non-alcoholic beverage is also designed to increase energy and reduce anxiety.