fbpx
0

Festive Cocktails & Easy Apps for Holiday Entertaining

Food & Drink General Lifestyle

Festive Cocktails & Easy Apps for Holiday Entertaining

festive cocktails & appetizers
The Right Cocktails & Apps Can Add the Perfect Festive Touch!

A holiday party needs two things: good food and good drinks. Okay, good company is important, too! After the craziness of the last two years, I’m all about keeping it simple. And it doesn’t get much simpler than a few good cocktails and appetizers. I’ve got some festive cocktails & easy apps for holiday entertaining that are sure to wow your guests, whether you’re having a small get-together with close friends or a bigger celebration this year.

Festive Cocktails for Holiday Entertaining

Empress 1908 Gin Blueberry Fizz

Want to impress your guests? Serve this Blueberry Fizz gin cocktail! I created this recipe using Empress 1908 Gin, which has a natural gorgeous indigo hue.

Fresh blueberries and edible flowers make this a drink that’s almost too pretty to drink.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 ounces club soda
  • 2 ounces Empress 1908 Gin
  • Handful of ripe blueberries
  • Edible flowers
  • Ice cubes

Directions:

  • Muddle the blueberries.
  • Add ice cubes.
  • Add club soda.
  • Add Empress 1908 Gin.
  • Shake it up.
  • Pour and top with edible flowers.

For a more festive take, use muddled cooked cranberries instead of blueberries.

Chocolate Peppermint Martini

This peppermint martini is easy to make and hits on fave holiday flavors like peppermint, chocolate, vanilla.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 ounces Vanilla vodka
  • 1 ounce Peppermint schnapps
  • 2 ounces White crème de menthe or Godiva chocolate liqueur
  • Crushed candy cane (I crush 2)
  • Lemon wedge

Add vodka, schnapps, and liqueur to a shaker and shake it up. Set aside. Crush your candy canes. Rim your cocktail glass with a lemon wedge. Rim glass with crushed candy cane and set aside. Add ice to your cocktail shaker. Shake it up again, strain it into the candy-rimmed martini glass, and enjoy.

Garnish with a candy cane for a pop of color and holiday flavor.

Holiday Punch Bowl

holiday punch cocktail recipe
You Can’t Go Wrong With a Holiday Punch Recipe for a Larger Crowd!

Punch bowls are great for bigger holiday parties, and this recipe is chock-full of seasonal flavors:

  • 32 ounces Cranberry juice
  • 2 liters Ginger ale
  • 2 cups Orange juice
  • 24 ounces Sparkling grape juice
  • 2 cups Vodka
  • Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and lemon wedges

Best of all, this punch is effortless. Just combine all of the ingredients in your punch bowl before guests arrive, and you’re good to go. Don’t skip the sliced oranges and fresh cranberries. They really add to the presentation.

And for your designated drivers and those who don’t drink alcohol, make an extra batch of non-alcoholic punch to ensure all of your guests can enjoy it.

3 Easy Holiday Apps

1. Charcuterie Board

charcuterie as an appetizer
The Gorgeous Board is by Carving & Craving in South Florida

No holiday party is complete without a charcuterie board. They’re perfect for grazing, and they have a little something for everyone. With the right combination of colors, charcuterie boards are gorgeous and the centerpiece of a table.

I love charcuterie boards because there aren’t any rules. I try to have a variety of tastes and textures, but you don’t have to.

For a well-rounded board, try to include:

  • Cheese
  • Meats
  • Pickles
  • Spreads and condiments
  • Nuts and chocolate
  • Fruit

But, of course, presentation is everything, so choose a beautiful board.

Of course, if you don’t have the time or don’t think you’re up to creating a festive board, you can always call on my gals, Joanna, if you are local to South Florida! They deliver anywhere within a 45-minute radius in any direction… The picture above is one of their delectable holiday charcuterie boards.

2. Blue Cheese and Pear Tartlet

easy appetizer
Easy and a Total Crowd Pleaser

These blue cheese and pear tartlets are savory, slightly sweet, and so good you can’t just have one … or two. Instead, use premade mini phyllo tart shells to save time, and if you’re not a fan of blue cheese, goat cheese is an excellent substitute.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 oz. blue cheese or gorgonzola
  • 2 ripe pears – 1 cored, peeled and chopped, and one sliced for the tops on the tartlets
  • 2 tbsp. light cream
  • 1 package of mini phyllo tart shells
  • Black pepper to taste

Pre-bake the shells according to directions. Mix the remaining ingredients (except the sliced pear), and when the shells are completely cooled, spoon the mixture into the shells. Top with the pear slices and bake at 350 F for about 15 minutes. Simple and delicious!

The refrigerated pie crust will work in a pinch if you can’t find mini phyllo tart shells. Also, if you want to get fancy, you can leave the pear stems attached to the peeled pears. And, instead of slicing the pears, you can also chop them up into pieces and top the mixture this way as well.

Instant Pot Tangy Meatballs

This Recipe Never Fails to Be a Hit! Freezes Beautifully, Too!

Perfect for any holiday party or gathering, these Mini Tangy Meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

 🎯1 48-ounce ounce bag of frozen fully cooked meatballs, can be beef, chicken, pork, or a combination

🎯18 ounces of your favorite barbecue or chili sauce

🎯18 ounces of your favorite grape jelly

Instant pot directions:

1. Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooking pot 2. Lock the lid in place, select high pressure, and set the cooking time for five minutes.

3. When the five minutes are up, use the quick press release on the instant pot. When the valve drops (takes about 15 minutes), take off the lid and put the meatballs in a bowl off to the side of the Insta pot 4. Get rid of the cooking water, add your barbecue sauce and grape jelly to the cooking pot, click on the sauté button and stir the mixture frequently. When everything is soft and smooth, your sauce is ready!

5. Add the cooked meatballs and stir to combine.

You can leave these in a warm setting until you are ready to serve them, and they are also perfect to put into the freezer to be used later.

Serve over rice for dinner or with toothpicks or mini forks for appetizers! Yum!!

What’s More Important Than the Drinks & Appetizers?

easy cocktails and apps and friends
Friends & Family Are What It’s All About!

Whatever you choose to serve, we all know the most important thing is spending time with friends and family. So, wishing you a fabulous holiday season!

These cocktails and appetizers will appeal to most tastes, and you can always adjust for guests who may have special dietary needs. But I love how simple yet delicious they are. But, of course, that means more time to spend with friends and loved ones.

Thanks so much for reading this and for being here. I’d be so appreciative if you would share this post, my site, and my boutique with friends. I mean, the holidays are around the corner!!! Yikes!! So take a quick sec and email this link. And sign up yourself if you haven’t already! (Maybe someone emailed you this post!) It Just takes your email address, and you’re in!

Oh, and don’t forget, if you purchase something from this post, I may earn enough to one day buy a cup of coffee (tall) from Starbucks!
All rights reserved.

Let’s Get Social! I’m friendly!

Find me on Pinterest (I would love for you to pin some of the pics), InstagramFacebook, TwitterTikTok & YouTube. Besides those social media channels, you can also follow me on LinkedIn.

And you can shop for my favorite looks & products on Like.to.Know.it and Shopping with Gigi! If you don’t have the Like.to.Know.it app, Shop My Instagram instead!

You might also be interested in these posts:



 

 

You Might Also Like...

45 Comments

  • Reply
    ROBIN LAMONTE
    December 22, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Gwen,
    I love all your holiday cocktails!
    I am going to try your blue cheese and pear tartlets for NYE!
    Cocktail meatballs are always a crowd pleaser!

    • Reply
      Gwen Gottlieb
      December 26, 2021 at 4:59 pm

      Let me know what you think of the tartlets! I love the individualized portion sizes! And yes, those meatballs are such a favorite!

  • Reply
    Rosemary Davis
    December 23, 2021 at 4:33 am

    So many delicious recipes, Gwen!

    I love the idea of the holiday punch bowl! It makes serving a group simple and easy.

    Rosemary
    http://www.distinctlysouthernstyle.com

    • Reply
      Gwen Gottlieb
      December 26, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      It sure does! And easier is what it’s all about, the morning after New Year’s! xo

  • Reply
    Mariann Yip
    December 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Yes. Really need this. Thank you so much for sharing.

  • Reply
    gralion torile
    February 23, 2022 at 10:26 am

    You made some decent points there. I appeared on the web for the problem and found most people will go along with with your website.

  • Reply
    https://www.thrifty.co.uk/car-hire/london-city.htm
    March 3, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any manner you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  • Reply
    como hacer un análisis de marca
    March 4, 2022 at 4:27 am

    You have mentioned very interesting points! ps decent internet site. “It is better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for what you are not.” by Andre Gide.

  • Reply
    abogado inmobiliario
    March 8, 2022 at 8:07 am

    I am not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or understanding more. Thank you for wonderful information I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.

  • Reply
    https://capitalforbusiness.net/
    March 8, 2022 at 12:42 pm

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Cheers!

  • Reply
    Maria Khan
    March 11, 2022 at 12:56 am

    I love the idea of the Charcuterie Board

  • Reply
    buy props money canada
    April 1, 2022 at 5:03 am

    Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  • Reply
    wedding videography
    April 22, 2022 at 7:59 am

    I’ve been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours lately, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It?¦s pretty price sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the net can be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  • Reply
    car auto used cars
    May 1, 2022 at 1:40 am

    You have remarked very interesting details ! ps decent web site.

  • Reply
    como hacer un visual thinking
    May 2, 2022 at 10:09 pm

    Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks

  • Reply
    auto supplies
    May 5, 2022 at 9:41 pm

    Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I am experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss drawback? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  • Reply
    links
    May 13, 2022 at 1:50 am

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  • Reply
    gralion torile
    May 17, 2022 at 9:02 pm

    Very clean website , thanks for this post.

  • Reply
    zorivare worilon
    June 29, 2022 at 4:54 pm

    Nice post. I be taught one thing more challenging on completely different blogs everyday. It’ll all the time be stimulating to read content from different writers and apply a bit something from their store. I’d want to make use of some with the content material on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a hyperlink in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    CBD kaufen
    July 7, 2022 at 4:56 pm

    What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Great job.

  • Reply
    service
    July 15, 2022 at 11:28 am

    I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  • Reply
    Burl Tarricone
    July 15, 2022 at 9:38 pm

    some genuinely choice content on this website , saved to my bookmarks.

  • Reply
    Idell Nelton
    August 6, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    There’s definately a great deal to learn about this subject. I like all of the points you have made.

  • Reply
    mushroom chocolate bars
    August 6, 2022 at 8:28 pm

    Woh I love your articles, saved to favorites! .

  • Reply
    abogados desahucio madrid
    August 11, 2022 at 7:15 pm

    Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a fragment of your post to my blog?

  • Reply
    ClickFunnels Alternative
    August 25, 2022 at 3:33 am

    It is virtually a pleasant and beneficial piece of info. I am glad which you simply shared this useful Information with us.
    thanku for sharing

  • Reply
    best cryptocurrency to buy now
    September 11, 2022 at 9:57 am

    hi!,I really like your writing very so much! percentage we be in contact extra about your post on AOL? I require an expert in this space to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look ahead to look you.

  • Reply
    best cryptocurrency to invest in 2022
    September 12, 2022 at 8:50 am

    You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!

  • Reply
    Europa-Road traktor szállítás
    September 23, 2022 at 3:25 am

    I gotta favorite this web site it seems very beneficial invaluable

  • Reply
    qr code
    October 9, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    Magnificent website. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to your sweat!

  • Reply
    rajaslot88
    October 9, 2022 at 11:18 pm

    Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Missouri
    October 20, 2022 at 10:54 am

    I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i¦m happy to convey that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to do not overlook this site and give it a look on a constant basis.

  • Reply
    ANNA TEST SEKSİ SWİNGER ÇİFT JON KOYAR Porno
    October 26, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Esmer temizlik görevlisi temizliğini yaparken adam onun çıplak temizlik yapmasını ister.
    Kadın para karşılığı bu nazik teklifi kabul eder ve çıplak temizlik.

  • Reply
    At sesek sikisi hayvanlar alemi Porno izle Sikiş Sex
    October 27, 2022 at 11:09 am

    Video izle porno Orgazm Connie Geri tutmayın ve başka porno videolar gibi Sıcak str8 sarışın punk adam tutamaz.
    O oldu çok sıcak için tutmak geri. 0:
    47. Artık Geri tutmayın! pt. 7:17. Bu seksi
    şeye dayanamadım. müzik derleme. 16:31.
    2 sıcak kız lanet geri tutamaz.

  • Reply
    dentistas plus
    October 28, 2022 at 5:22 am

    I went over this web site and I believe you have a lot of good information, saved to my bookmarks (:.

  • Reply
    opiniones dentistas
    October 28, 2022 at 8:36 am

    Dead indited articles, regards for selective information. “In the fight between you and the world, back the world.” by Frank Zappa.

  • Reply
    Europa-Road kombájn szállítás
    November 11, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  • Reply
    tengeri szállítmányozás Europa-Road Kft
    November 11, 2022 at 11:34 pm

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my site =). We may have a link trade agreement among us!

  • Reply
    Allie Haze Grup Porn Videos
    November 19, 2022 at 4:48 pm

    Ödem klitoris. Klitorisin ödemi bazen okşama sırasında
    (el, dudak) aşırı basınç uygulandığında ortaya çıkar.
    Bu durumda, deri altı kanama oluşabilir. Ve bu hematom ve
    ödem yol açar. Uzun.

  • Reply
    zmozeroteriloren
    November 23, 2022 at 11:35 pm

    I think this site holds very wonderful indited subject material blog posts.

  • Reply
    useful site
    November 27, 2022 at 9:49 am

    I think this web site holds some very wonderful info for everyone : D.

  • Reply
    zmozeroteriloren
    November 29, 2022 at 2:33 pm

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  • Reply
    Halifax UX design agency
    November 30, 2022 at 4:51 pm

    A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Great job!

  • Reply
    Metaverse Crypto
    January 25, 2023 at 5:09 am

    “Festive Cocktails & Easy Apps for Holiday Entertaining is an amazing cookbook! It has a great selection of recipes that make it easy to create amazing cocktails and appetizers for any holiday party. I love how the recipes are easy to follow and how they all use ingredients that are easy to find. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to liven up their holiday entertaining!”

  • Reply
    things to do
    March 2, 2023 at 4:40 am

    Festive Cocktails & Easy Apps for Holiday Entertaining is an amazing cookbook! tks

Leave a Reply