Festive drinks for an office party?

August 6, 2008 8:15 AM

I need suggestions for an office party Christmas cocktail.

Ok, so, myself and my co-worker were tasked with organizing the office Christmas Party this year (And yes, I realize we're doing this early, but hey, we want to get a reservation at a place we like, not go scrambling at the last minute!). Our mandate for this party is to do something "different" this year, since the office is thoroughly sick of the usual party games and whatnot.

We had the idea of making up a cocktail or festive drink that we could offer people as they came in the door. Since we have some non-drinkers and pregnant co-workers in our group, said festive drink needs to have a non-alcoholic variant.

So, the drink has to:
1) have alcoholic and virgin variants
2) be relatively easy to make for a bartender with a decently stocked bar
3) Taste good

Eggnog is the obvious solution here, but I'd like to try and find something new that my co-workers may not have tried. Bonus points for something either Christmas-themed, or something with a name that makes reference to academia (since I work for an NGO for scholarly associations).

So, hivemind, please suggest a festive drink or cocktail to help me make this a great office party!

posted by LN to food & drink (8 comments total)

Xmas time my wife makes this slush drink. its a fruit juice slush, heavy on the cranberry. she mixes the booze right in (brandy) but I think you could make the slush virgin and just mix the brandy in.
posted by ian1977 at 8:25 AM on August 6, 2008

The Holiday Cheer. Red and green, simple, and can be made with non-alcoholic champagne.
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 8:26 AM on August 6, 2008

Nogasake
posted by ND¢ at 8:47 AM on August 6, 2008

Well, peppermint is a logical answer for me. Peppermint schnapps + chocolate liquour + milk = MMmmmm! Add in a candy cane for a 'stir stick' for extra holiday cheer!
posted by gwenlister at 9:11 AM on August 6, 2008

This might be a stretch at a bar (don't know what equipment would be available) but last x-mas the cider was a huge hit. Toast cinnamon, clove, peppercorns and whatever other spices sound good in a pan, then simmer with apple cider (we used a crockpot). Then, add alcohol individually. We used applejack, but you can use whatever sounds good or whatever you have on hand. You could even offer an assortment of alcohols for variety. It's easy since the default beverage is non-alcoholic.
posted by lizjohn at 10:04 AM on August 6, 2008

Sticking with gwenlister's peppermint theme: The Peppermint Stick

1 part creme de cacao
1.5 parts peppermint schnapps
1 part cream

Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Serve in martini glass drizzled with chocolate syrup (and hang a mini candy cane on the rim if desired).

I've seen a few alcohol-free peppermint punch recipes containing peppermint ice cream, milk, and ginger ale -- perhaps something like that would be a good alternative for the non-drinkers?
posted by cranberry_nut at 12:00 PM on August 6, 2008

Pomegranate Champagne Fizz:

1 oz gin
1 oz pomegranate juice
1/4 oz. simple syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice

Shake the above with ice. Pour into a champagne flute and top with ~2 oz. champagne/sparkling wine.

If I'm making a big batch I just mix and chill the shaken parts and pour into a flute then top with champage, so no individual mixing.

I think if you just left out the gin and topped with seltzer that would also be excellent.

Christmasy because it's red and champagne-y.

I also loved the spiced cider suggestion.
posted by robinpME at 12:48 PM on August 6, 2008

Uhh, maybe it was 1/4 oz. of lemon juice. I don't usually measure, I just adjust to taste.
posted by robinpME at 12:49 PM on August 6, 2008