How to Sleigh Your Holiday Cocktail Party

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to break out the holiday spirits and host a festive cocktail party. Filling your home with friends and family and celebrating the season over food and drinks can truly make it feel like the most wonderful time of the year. From crafting cocktails to decking the halls, here are a few of our favorite ways to make the night extra merry and bright!

#GoghCreate a Signature Cocktail

Crafting a signature holiday cocktail is a great way to wow your guests with your creativity and keep bartending quick and simple. For an instant crowd-pleaser, try adding popular winter flavors, like peppermint, to a classic cocktail through DIY vodka infusion. You can #GoghCreate your own peppermint-infused Van Gogh Vodka in just a few simple steps:

Step One: Unwrap and crush three candy canes into pieces.

Step Two: Place crushed candy canes in a glass jar or bottle. Add 8 oz. Van Gogh Vodka and stir.

Step Three: Let the vodka sit and stir every few hours until all the candy cane pieces are dissolved.

Step Four: Use your peppermint-infused Van Gogh Vodka to put a festive spin on a classic cocktail, like a White Russian.

Van Gogh Peppermint White Russian
1 oz. peppermint-infused Van Gogh Vodka
2 oz. coffee liqueur
2 oz. half-and-half
Vanilla frosting
Crushed candy canes

Apply thin layer of vanilla frosting around the rim of a glass. Dip rim in bowl of crushed candy canes, covering the frosting entirely. Chill for 10 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, coffee liqueur and half-and-half. Shake and pour into peppermint-rimmed glass with ice.

Pick the Perfect Platters

Cooking for a crowd can be a challenge. The trick? It’s better to have a few amazing dishes than an large array of average ones. Rather than overwhelming yourself with a menu longer than your holiday wish list, select a few hors d’oeuvres you can prepare in batches. Then, tie everything together by leaning into The Art Of Vodka and suggesting food and cocktail pairings that enhance the flavors of the dishes.

For a savory platter, layer smoked salmon, crème fraiche, caviar and fresh rosemary on cucumber slices and serve with our signature Van Gogh Vodka.

For a tangy platter, add goat cheese, raspberries and mint to bruschetta and serve with Van Gogh Raspberry.

For a sweet platter, set out assorted chocolate truffles and serve with Van Gogh Double Espresso.

Don’t Forget to Deck the Halls

Tie a bow on the night with a few simple, festive touches:

• Light candles. Not only do they give the room a warm glow, they also bring attention to spaces where your guests can gather.
• Create a holiday playlist. Make sure to keep the volume just loud enough to set the mood, but low enough guests can chat without raising their voices.
• Decorate with winter greenery. Cedar garland, boughs of holly and scattered pine cones lean into the minimalist trend and add a fresh, seasonal scent to your home.

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Want more ways to #GoghCelebrate? Find out how to build your own Van Gogh hot cocoa bar and get other fun holiday ideas here.