Nothing says festive cheer like a drink that captures the magic of the holiday season. Our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this drink is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink, we gather a mix of rich flavors and festive touches. Here’s everything we need to create this holiday favorite.
For the Drink
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened for balance)
- 1/2 cup vodka (choose a smooth brand for best taste)
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water (for a light fizz)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (to brighten the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a warm holiday spice)
- Ice cubes (as needed for serving)
For Garnish
- Fresh cranberries (a handful for garnish and color)
- Thin lime slices (for a zesty touch)
- Small sprigs of fresh rosemary (adds aroma and festive greenery)
- Optional: Edible gold glitter or sugar rim for a magical finish
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry juice | 1 cup | Unsweetened |
| Vodka | 1/2 cup | Smooth variety preferred |
| Orange liqueur | 1/4 cup | Cointreau or Triple Sec |
| Sparkling water | 1/2 cup | Adds light fizz |
| Fresh lime juice | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness |
| Simple syrup | 1 tablespoon | Adjust to taste |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon | Warm holiday spice |
| Ice cubes | As needed | For serving |
| Fresh cranberries | Handful | Garnish |
| Lime slices | Thin slices | Garnish |
| Fresh rosemary | Small sprigs | Garnish |
| Edible gold glitter | Optional | For a festive finish |
Equipment Needed
To craft the Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink perfectly each time, we need the right tools on hand. Having the proper equipment ensures seamless preparation and elevates the drink’s festive presentation.
- Cocktail Shaker: Use a sturdy shaker to blend the cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ground cinnamon efficiently. This combines flavors evenly and chills the mixture quickly.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup: Accurate measuring is key for balance. A jigger helps us pour precise amounts of spirits and mixers.
- Bar Spoon: For gently layering and mixing sparkling water into the cocktail after shaking without losing fizz.
- Muddler or Citrus Reamer: If we prefer to fresh-press lime juice, a reamer works best to extract every drop.
- Strainer: To pour the drink without ice shards or pulp into the serving glass, a fine mesh or cocktail strainer is essential.
- Highball Glasses or Festive Glassware: Presentation matters especially at holiday gatherings. We choose clear glasses to showcase Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink’s vibrant colors.
- Ice Cube Tray: Large clean ice cubes chill the drink without diluting it too fast.
- Garnishing Tweezers or Tongs: To place delicate garnishes like cranberries, lime slices, and rosemary sprigs neatly on the rim or within the drink.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cocktail Shaker | Mixes and chills ingredients evenly |
| Jigger | Measures spirits and mixers precisely |
| Bar Spoon | Gentle stirring, layering sparkling water |
| Citrus Reamer | Freshly extracts lime juice |
| Strainer | Filters ice and pulp when pouring |
| Highball Glasses | Displays the vibrant drink attractively |
| Ice Cube Tray | Produces large ice cubes to chill without over-dilution |
| Garnishing Tweezers | Precisely places garnishes for aesthetic appeal |
By gathering this essential equipment before starting, we streamline our process and guarantee our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink shines both in taste and festive flair.
Prep Work
Before diving into crafting our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink, let’s complete some essential prep work. This ensures a smooth process and a perfectly festive cocktail every time.
Preparing Ingredients
We start by getting all ingredients ready and measured precisely for the best flavor balance. Follow these steps:
- Cranberry juice: Shake well and pour 4 ounces measured with the jigger.
- Vodka: Measure 2 ounces for a spirited base.
- Orange liqueur: Add 1 ounce for a zesty, sweet note.
- Fresh lime juice: Use the citrus reamer to extract 1 ounce of juice, avoiding seeds.
- Simple syrup: Measure 0.5 ounce for balanced sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Prepare a pinch for sprinkling in the shaker.
- Ice cubes: Use large cubes from the ice cube tray to chill without dilution.
For garnish, have these ready:
- Fresh cranberries: about 5 per glass, lightly rinsed and dried.
- Lime slices: thinly sliced for rim decoration.
- Small sprigs of rosemary: to add fragrant holiday aroma.
- Edible gold glitter (optional): sprinkle lightly for a magical sparkle.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry juice | 4 ounces | Well shaken |
| Vodka | 2 ounces | Measured precisely |
| Orange liqueur | 1 ounce | Measured precisely |
| Fresh lime juice | 1 ounce | Juiced and strained |
| Simple syrup | 0.5 ounce | Measured precisely |
| Ground cinnamon | Pinch | Ready for shaker |
| Ice cubes | As needed | Large cubes from tray |
| Fresh cranberries | 5 per glass | Rinsed and dried |
| Lime slices | 1-2 per glass | Thinly sliced |
| Rosemary sprigs | 1 small sprig | Ready for garnish |
| Edible gold glitter | A pinch | Optional for sparkle |
Chilling Glasses
To keep our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink crisp and refreshing, chilling the glasses is crucial. Here’s how we do it:
- Place the highball glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Alternatively, fill glasses with ice water while preparing the drink, then discard just before pouring.
- This step locks in coldness and helps maintain the vibrant color and fresh taste of the cocktail longer.
By prepping the ingredients accurately and chilling the glasses properly, we’re setting the stage for a flawless festive drink experience.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to craft the perfect Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink that dazzles guests and embodies festive cheer.
Mixing the Drink
- Chill your highball glasses in the freezer or fill with ice water while preparing the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and combined.
- Use a strainer to pour the drink into the chilled highball glass filled with fresh large ice cubes.
Adding Garnish
- Gently place a small sprig of fresh rosemary on top.
- Add 3 to 4 fresh cranberries for a burst of color and festive flair.
- Float a thin lime slice along the rim or in the drink.
- For an extra magical finish, dust the surface lightly with edible gold glitter (optional but highly recommended).
Serving Suggestions
For the ultimate festive experience serve Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink immediately. Pair with holiday appetizers such as spiced nuts or cheese platters for balanced flavors. Use a festive straw or cocktail stirrer to enhance the presentation. Keep drinks chilled and offer warm smiles to spread holiday joy.
| Ingredient | Amount | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Juice | 3 oz | Fresh if possible |
| Vodka | 1.5 oz | High quality preferred |
| Orange Liqueur | 1 oz | Triple sec or similar |
| Fresh Lime Juice | 0.5 oz | Squeezed just before mixing |
| Simple Syrup | 0.5 oz | Homemade or store-bought |
| Ground Cinnamon | Pinch | Freshly ground preferred |
| Ice Cubes | As needed | Large cubes reduce dilution |
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink with ease and maximum flavor, we recommend preparing certain elements ahead of time. This approach ensures your festive gathering flows smoothly and your guests receive perfectly chilled, vibrant drinks without delay.
Prepare the Cranberry Base
Mix the cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a clean container. Stir well until the simple syrup completely dissolves. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keeping this base chilled enhances the overall crispness and intensifies the tart and sweet harmony.
Pre-Measure Spirits and Spices
Measure the vodka, orange liqueur, and ground cinnamon in advance. Use small airtight containers or sealable bottles to prevent evaporation and contamination. Store them in a cool dry place near your mixing station for quick assembly.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Juice Mix | 6 oz | Refrigerated in covered jar | Up to 24 hours |
| Vodka | 1.5 oz | Airtight container | Sealed, months |
| Orange Liqueur | 1 oz | Airtight container | Sealed, months |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/8 tsp | Airtight container | Sealed, months |
Chill Glassware and Garnishes
Chill highball glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This keeps the drink perfectly cold without diluting it quickly.
Prepare garnishes such as fresh cranberries and lime slices. Store cranberries in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Wrap lime slices tightly with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container to keep them fresh.
Assemble Right Before Serving
When ready to serve, combine the chilled cranberry mixture, vodka, orange liqueur, and ground cinnamon in the cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into your chilled highball glasses. Complete with garnishes and optional edible gold glitter for a festive sparkle.
“Pro Tip: Preparing components ahead saves time and guarantees a consistently delicious Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink at your holiday events.”
By following these make-ahead steps, we ensure our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink is effortlessly elegant and ready for every joyful toast.
Tips and Variations
To elevate our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink and tailor it to different tastes and occasions, here are our best tips and creative variations to keep in mind:
Tips for the Perfect Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest citrus flavor. Bottled lime juice can be too harsh or flat.
- Chill your glasses thoroughly. We recommend freezing the highball glasses for at least 30 minutes before serving to keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Shake vigorously with ice to fully blend the flavors and chill the mixture without watering it down.
- Balance sweetness by adjusting the simple syrup. Start with 1/2 ounce and add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Garnish with precision using tweezers for a neat festive presentation. The combination of rosemary, cranberries, and lime slices adds both aroma and visual appeal.
- For a magical holiday look, dust a pinch of edible gold glitter on top just before serving.
Flavor Variations to Try
| Variation Name | Ingredients Change | Flavor Profile | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiced Ho Ho | Add 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg and clove | Warm, cozy, and spicy | Winter nights & family gatherings |
| Ho Ho Punch | Triple cranberry juice, no vodka | Fruity, light, alcohol-free | Kids and non-drinkers |
| Citrus Burst Ho Ho | Swap orange liqueur for triple sec | Bright, extra citrus tang | Brunch or daytime parties |
| Creamy Ho Ho Delight | Add 1 oz cream or coconut milk | Smooth, creamy, holiday indulgence | Dessert pairing or cozy evenings |
Pro Tip: To make a virgin version, omit the vodka and orange liqueur, and increase the cranberry juice accordingly. Add extra lime juice for zing.
Creative Garnish Ideas
- Replace rosemary with a fresh thyme sprig for a unique herbal note.
- Use candied cranberries for extra sweetness and sparkle.
- Swap lime slices for blood orange wheels during December for seasonal color.
- Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar by moistening the rim and dipping it into a mix of sugar and ground cinnamon.
By experimenting with these Tips and Variations, we ensure our Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink stays festive, flavorful, and fun, perfect for any holiday celebration.
Conclusion
Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink is more than just a festive cocktail—it’s a celebration in a glass that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. With its vibrant flavors and customizable options, it’s easy to tailor this drink to suit every taste.
By following the steps and tips we’ve shared, you’ll impress your guests and enjoy a hassle-free festive experience. Whether you’re mixing up a batch for a party or savoring a quiet moment by the fire, this drink captures the spirit of the season perfectly. Here’s to making your holidays a little brighter and a lot more delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink?
Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink is a festive holiday cocktail combining cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur, sparkling water, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and cinnamon. It’s garnished with cranberries, lime, rosemary, and optional edible gold glitter.
What ingredients do I need to make Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink?
You need cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur, sparkling water, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, ground cinnamon, ice cubes, and garnishes like fresh cranberries, lime slices, and rosemary.
What equipment is essential for making this drink?
Important tools include a cocktail shaker, jigger, bar spoon, citrus reamer, strainer, highball glasses, an ice cube tray for large cubes, and garnishing tweezers.
How do I prepare the ingredients before mixing?
Shake cranberry juice, measure vodka and orange liqueur accurately, extract fresh lime juice, prepare simple syrup and cinnamon, and chill highball glasses for best flavor and presentation.
What is the correct way to mix Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink?
Chill your glasses, combine cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and cinnamon in a shaker with ice, shake well, strain into glasses, then garnish.
Can I prepare Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink in advance?
Yes, you can make the cranberry base ahead and store it refrigerated for 24 hours. Pre-measure and store alcohol and spices too. Chill glasses and prepare garnishes beforehand.
Are there any variations of Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink?
Yes, popular variations include Spiced Ho Ho, Ho Ho Punch, Citrus Burst Ho Ho, and Creamy Ho Ho Delight, plus alternative garnishes like thyme or blood orange wheels.
What serves well with Santa’s Little Ho Ho Drink?
Pair this cocktail with holiday appetizers like cheese platters, nuts, or finger foods to complement its bright, festive flavors.
How can I make the drink look more festive?
Use garnishes such as fresh rosemary, cranberries, lime slices, and edible gold glitter. Adding colorful festive straws or stirrers also enhances presentation.
Why is chilling the glass important?
Chilling the glass keeps the drink crisp and vibrant, preventing quick dilution from ice and enhancing the overall drinking experience.