Holiday Cheers on the Water: Festive Cocktails
By Taylor Hollen
The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate on the water with festive drinks and great company. Whether you’re anchored in a quiet cove or tied up at your favorite marina, these holiday-inspired cocktails are easy to make and sure to bring cheer to your crew. Just be sure to make the captain's drink a "Mocktail" until the boat is safely back at the dock.
Dirty Santa
A festive cocktail that’s equal parts fun and festive, the Dirty Santa delivers a sweet, refreshing flavor with a pop of color — perfect for any holiday get-together on the water.
Ingredients:
Coconut flakes (for rim)
1.5 oz vodka
0.75 oz grenadine
0.5 oz lime juice
Lemon-lime soda
Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim your glass with coconut flakes for a snowy touch.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add vodka, grenadine and lime juice. Shake well!
- Strain over a fresh glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!
Hot Cocoa Martini
A cozy, indulgent treat with a boozy twist, this Hot Cocoa Martini is perfect for chilly nights on the docks.
Ingredients:
3 oz hot cocoa, cooled
1oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 oz dark crème de cacao Crème De Cacao dark liqueur
0.75 oz vanilla vodka
Mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Combine the hot cocoa, Bailey’s, dark crème de cacao Crème De Cacao and vanilla vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well!
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with 3-4 mini marshmallows — or as many as you’d like! If you have a kitchen torch, lightly roast the marshmallows for a toasty finish.
These cocktails are easy to make with limited space onboard and add a festive flair to any holiday celebration on the water. So gather your crew, raise a glass, and toast to smooth sailing and happy holidays! Cheers!