Montreal winters can be magical (especially pre-Christmas) with crisp air, twinkling lights, and the smell of snow mixed with the scent of festive treats. Hosting a holiday gathering at home is the perfect way to share warmth, laughter, and delicious drinks with friends and family. To make your Montreal holiday parties memorable, we’ve curated a list of easy, festive cocktails you can enjoy at home. Whether you’re looking for cozy warmth or bright, citrusy cheer, these drinks will delight your guests.
Mulled Wine (Vin Chaud) — Cozy & Crowd‑Friendly
Mulled wine is the ultimate winter warmer, filling your home with festive aromas and comfort. Perfect for serving at a small home gathering, it’s simple to make and even easier to batch for a crowd.
Recipe (Serves 6–8):
- 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Pinot Noir works best)
- ½ cup brandy (optional)
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–6 whole cloves
- 1–2 star anise (optional)
- Peel of 1 orange or a few slices
- 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- Optional: a few slices of apple, splash of fresh orange juice
Instructions & Tips:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and warm gently over low heat. Do not boil.
- Stir occasionally and sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice.
Festive Classic: Eggnog — Traditional & Indulgent
Eggnog is a holiday classic that brings creamy comfort to any party. For a quick solution, we also offer our famous, ready-to-serve boozy eggnog online with local delivery across Montreal. Perfect if you’re short on time but still want a homemade feel.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe (Serves 4–6):
- 4 cups milk (or 2 cups milk + 2 cups heavy cream)
- 4 egg yolks + 2 whole eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 1–2 oz rum or brandy per serving
Instructions & Tips:
- Warm milk and cream in a saucepan over low heat. Avoid boiling.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and half the nutmeg. Temper the eggs by slowly adding half the warm milk, then return to the saucepan.
- Heat gently until slightly thickened, cool, and refrigerate for a few hours.
- Serve chilled, spiced with freshly grated nutmeg, and optionally spiked with rum or brandy.
Hosting Tip: Eggnog is delicious, but heavy. In our opinion, it's best served at the end of the gettogether or event. Pair your eggnong with cookies, holiday desserts, or even post-meal cheeses.
Montréal Original: The Winter Grove — Batchable Citrus & Rum Cocktail
We created this original cocktail to bring a bright, citrusy twist to your holiday spread. Featuring our house-made orgeat syrup, it’s perfect for batching and serving a dozen guests.
Single Serving:
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz orange juice (bottled or freshly squeezed)
- ¼ oz orgeat syrup
- ½ oz triple sec
- 1 oz light rum
- 3 dashes of bitters
- Shake with ice, strain into a glass, garnish with fresh mint
Batch Recipe (Serves 12):
- 6 oz fresh lemon juice
- 9 oz orange juice
- 3 oz orgeat syrup
- 6 oz triple sec
- 12 oz light rum
- 3 tsp bitters
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl, stir well, chill, and serve over ice. Garnish with mint.
Spiced Hot Chocolate Cocktail
For a quick, cozy option, spiced hot chocolate is always a hit.
Recipe (Serves 4):
Hosting Tips for a Montréal Holiday Gathering
- Batch drinks ahead: Mulled wine, The Winter Grove, or hot chocolate can be made in advance.
- Use local ingredients: Orgeat syrup, maple syrup, and artisanal hot chocolate make a difference while highlighting local flavors.
- Set the scene: Soft lighting, cozy blankets, and a platter of snacks create a warm atmosphere after a chilly walk in Montreal’s winter streets.
- Offer non-alcoholic options: Everyone can join the festive cheer, even if they skip alcohol.
Conclusion:
Your Montreal winter doesn’t need to be cold inside. With these easy holiday cocktails like cozy mulled wine, indulgent eggnog, the bright Winter Grove, and spiced hot chocolate. With these 4 easy cocktails, your home holiday gatherings will be memorable, festive, and Instagram-worthy. Don’t forget to check out our ready-to-serve eggnog and orgeat syrup for local delivery in Montréal, making holiday hosting simpler than ever.
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