The perfect holiday party this season

When the holidays come around, we think about the family and friends we love spending time with. Hosting a party isn’t just a way to celebrate, for many it’s become an annual tradition. Welcoming those we care about into our homes in the spirit of hospitality evokes feelings of warmth and coziness when the weather is at its worst.

Written by Michael Kirkham, Manager of Sports On Tap

The Christmas season is also synonymous with delicious food and drinks. Showcasing your culinary skills can be a great way to express creativity and indulge in festive cuisine. Over and above serving tasty refreshments, you can make your get-together truly exceptional by developing the perfect cocktail bar. From recipes to simple kitchenware, here are all the things you need to create the perfect holiday bar at home.

The most important equipment you need to make your own drinks at home

To properly serve cocktails, shooters, and other festive drinks, it’s important to have the proper glassware and bar utensils. Start with the basics; a cocktail shaker, shot glasses, a punch bowl, wine glasses and cocktail glasses. An automatic ice maker is also handy so that you can always have fresh ice on hand. If you don’t have one, it’s not too late to put one on your holiday wish list – we’re looking at you, Santa!

A variety of glassware and a few basic utensils is all you need to get started.

Ingredients you need to make multiple cheer-worthy drinks

Your at-home bar shouldn’t be without the classic rum and eggnog, but to be able to make a wide variety of cocktails, you should have a few key ingredients on hand. In terms of mix, make sure you stock up on orange, pineapple, grapefruit, and cranberry juices along with Clamato and some carbonated staples such as Coke and Sprite. As far as alcohol goes, an assortment of favourites will go a long way to making your guests smile. Think Spiced Rum, Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps, Baileys, Kahlua, Jack Daniels, and RumChata.

Top 5 drinks to mix this holiday season

Clockwise from top left: Spiced Rum & Eggnog, Jack Frost Shooter, RumChata Root Beer, Peppermint White Russian, After Eight Shooter. Get creative with your presentation and decor!

1. Spiced Rum & Eggnog – the classic!
   Mix 4 parts eggnog with 1 part spiced rum. You can use this ratio in a cocktail glass or if mixing, in a punch bowl.
2. Jack Frost Shooter
   Mix ½ oz of Jack Daniels with ½ oz of Peppermint Schnapps in a shooter glass
3. After Eight Shooter
   Mix 1/3 Kahlua with 1/3 Crème de Menthe and 1/3 Baileys in a shot glass
4. Peppermint White Russian
   Mix ¾ oz vodka with ¾ oz coffee liqueur and ½ oz of Peppermint Schnapps in a cocktail glass with ice and 3 oz of milk. Garnish with a candy cane!
5. RumChata Root Beer
   Pour 3 parts root beer over ice, then add 1 part RumChata.

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Looking for the perfect place to enjoy some holiday sports over a good meal and delicious drinks? Sports On Tap is Saskatoon’s premium sports bar with over 70 screens and excellent food and beverages. Starting on Boxing Day, don’t miss out on the World Junior Hockey Championship action from Gothenburg, Sweden where Canada will defend their 2023 gold medal finish. All games will be shown live at Sports On Tap!