The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by crafting festive cocktails that will dazzle your friends and family? 

Whether you're hosting a gathering or just want to elevate a cozy night in, these five handcrafted holiday cocktails from BCLIQUOR will add a touch of merriment to your celebrations. Grab your shaker and get ready to impress!

1. Vancouver Cocktail

This famous cocktail has the taste of Vancouver’s history in a glass. Originating from the Sylvia Hotel in the 1950s, this is the perfect combination of the gin base and the sweet vermouth. This cocktail also adds a twist with the inclusion of Benedictine B&B Liqueur, which is often known for its complex flavour profile. 

The combination of gin, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine creates a warm, inviting flavour profile perfect for colder months. The gin adds a crispness that cuts through the sweetness of the vermouth and Benedictine, while the Benedictine offers notes of honey, spices, and herbs reminiscent of the holidays.

Find the full recipe here (also below): 

1½ oz (45 ml) Long Table Gin

¾ oz (22 ml) Martini Rosso Vermouth

¼ oz (7 ml) Benedictine B&B

2 dashes of orange bitters

lemon zest, for garnish

Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Twist a lemon zest over the drink and use it as a garnish.

2. The Baked Apple Cocktail

The Baked Apple Cocktail is a warm and inviting drink perfect for fall and winter. The drink grew alongside apple cider's popularity during the fall harvest season, and it is the perfect drink to transition into the winter season. 

Here is the full recipe: 

1½ oz (45 ml) Buffalo Trace Bourbon

2 oz (60 ml) apple juice

¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice

¾ oz (22 ml) Spiced Maple Syrup

dried apple or star anise, for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake it well and strain it into a coupe glass. Finally, garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slices.

3. The Molé Mocha Cocktail

The Molé Mocha Cocktail is an intriguing and complex drink that combines the sweet flavours of chocolate and coffee with the subtle smoky and savoury notes of mole sauce. This unique fusion of flavours creates the perfect cocktail if you can’t decide between a spicy margarita or an espresso martini. 

While it tastes amazing, the Molé Mocha is not your typical holiday cocktail. Its unusual combination of flavours will surely spark conversation and intrigue your guests. It offers a chance to explore new taste combinations and broaden your cocktail horizons.

Here’s the recipe:

1 1/2 oz Cazadores Añejo Tequila

1/2 oz McGuinness Créme de Cacao

1 oz brewed espresso

1 dash Habanero Bitters

3 coffee beans for garnish 

In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine tequila, espresso, crème de cacao, simple syrup and bitters. Shake vigorously and fine strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Note that you should have a 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.

4. The Clove Hitch Cocktail

The Clove Hitch Cocktail is a festive, warming drink perfect for the holiday season. It features a base of bourbon or whiskey infused with orange and cranberry flavours, complemented by cloves' spicy warmth and citrus's brightness.

Pro tip: Make the Clove Hitch cocktail a few days in advance to allow the festive flavours of cranberry, orange and spice to infuse into the Bourbon. 

Find the full recipe here: 

2 oz (60 ml) Orange & Cranberry Spice-infused Bourbon

orange peel studded with cloves, for garnish

For the Orange & Cranberry Infused Bourbon:

1 x 750 ml bottle Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon

3 fresh Navel oranges

1 small bag of whole cloves

1 cup (250 ml) fresh cranberries

¼ cup (60 ml) sugar

Strain the infused bourbon or whiskey into a shaker filled with ice. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange peel studded with cloves.

5. El Diablo Cocktail

The El Diablo is a classic tequila cocktail known for its vibrant colour, refreshing taste, and fiery kick. It combines the sweetness of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) with the tangy lime juice and the sharp bite of ginger beer, all balanced with the smooth tequila base. The ginger beer in El Diablo provides a subtle warmth and spiciness that complements the cold weather of the holiday season. This warmth is comforting and inviting, making it ideal for cozy gatherings.

Here’s the recipe:

1½ oz (45 ml) Gran Centenario Plata Tequila

½ oz (15 ml) L’Héritier-Guyot Crème de Cassis de Dijon

½ oz (15 ml) lime juice

3 oz (90 ml) non-alcoholic ginger beer

blackberry, for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice to the glass. Stir gently to combine. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

From the classic Vancouver Cocktail to the innovative Molé Mocha, these five handcrafted holiday cocktails offer a delightful array of flavours and experiences. Whether you seek a warm and comforting drink like the Baked Apple Cocktail or a unique and intriguing option like the Clove Hitch, there's something special for every palate. So, gather your loved ones, raise a glass, and create memorable moments with these festive and delicious cocktails. Happy Holidays!