The Drunk Reindeer Cocktail is Your New Must-Have Festive Holiday Drink
(By Jason Griffith, Professional Food Writer for Chefmaniac.com)
The holiday season is officially upon us, and while the food gets most of the glory, I firmly believe the drinks should be just as fun! This year, forget the same old spiked eggnog. We’re shaking things up with a new festive favorite that is sweet, tangy, and boasts a gorgeous, ruby-red hue: The Drunk Reindeer Cocktail.
This isn’t just a drink; it’s a guaranteed way to bring a little extra sparkle and cheer to your Christmas party, your cozy night by the fireplace, or even a casual Sunday dinner. With a simple mix of vodka, cranberry, and bright citrus, it’s remarkably easy to make but delivers big, bold holiday flavor. Trust me, once you garnish this with a sprig of rosemary and some sugared cranberries, you’ll see why it’s become my go-to winter warmer.
💚 Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve been making and serving cocktails for years, and what I look for in a holiday drink are three things: festivity, simplicity, and great flavor. The Drunk Reindeer hits all three perfectly.
First, it’s visually stunning—the red liquid and green garnish instantly scream Christmas. Second, it’s so easy. We’re talking five basic ingredients shaken together. No muddling, no complicated syrups, no special equipment needed beyond a basic shaker. Finally, the flavor profile is spot-on: the sweet cranberry and orange are perfectly balanced by the clean kick of vodka and the smooth, subtle orange note from the Triple Sec. It’s a sweet sipper without being cloying, and the perfect counterpoint to any rich holiday meal or appetizer.
Speaking of appetizers, this cocktail pairs beautifully with some simple, elegant party bites, like my favorite This Baked Brie Appetizer is my Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests—the sweetness of the drink is fantastic with the salty, buttery brie.
🍹 Ingredients for the Drunk Reindeer Cocktail
This recipe makes one serving. Easily scale up for a punch bowl or large batch!
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
| Vodka | 2 ounces | Use your preferred brand. Cranberry vodka works beautifully here, too! |
| Triple Sec | 1 ounce | Adds a necessary hint of sweet orange flavor. |
| Cranberry Juice | 2 ounces | Full-strength, not low-sugar. The tartness is key. |
| Orange Juice | 1 ounce | Freshly squeezed is always best, but quality store-bought is fine. |
| Grenadine | 1 ounce | Primarily for color and an extra touch of sweetness. |
| Ice Cubes | For Shaking and Serving | Essential for chilling the drink thoroughly. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Make it Less Boozy: Drop the vodka down to 1.5 ounces and increase the cranberry juice to 2.5 ounces.
- Vodka Swap: For a different flavor profile, try white rum or gin. The botanicals in gin add a complex layer that works surprisingly well with cranberry.
- Triple Sec Substitute: If you don’t have Triple Sec, a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau works, though they are slightly stronger in flavor.
- Garnish: My go-to is Sugared Cranberries (just toss fresh cranberries in simple syrup, then sugar) and a Rosemary Sprig (which also adds a subtle pine scent). An orange slice or twist is a great, easy alternative.
🦌 How to Make the Drunk Reindeer Cocktail
This recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute mixing.
Step 1: Chill Your Glassware
To ensure the coldest sip, always chill your glassware! Place your festive cocktail glasses (a coupe, martini, or rocks glass works well) in the freezer for about 15 minutes before mixing.
Step 2: Combine and Shake
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour in the 2 oz Vodka, 1 oz Triple Sec, 2 oz Cranberry Juice, 1 oz Orange Juice, and 1 oz Grenadine.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want to see the outside of the shaker frosted over—this means it is perfectly chilled and slightly diluted.
Step 3: Strain and Garnish
- Fill your chilled festive glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few sugared cranberries. Serve immediately.
🍾 Tips for Success
- The Right Shake: Don’t skip the vigorous shake! Shaking not only chills the drink but also slightly aerates it, which improves the texture and integrates the juices and alcohol better.
- Measure Precisely: Cocktails are a science! Use a jigger or small measuring spoons to ensure you hit the proportions exactly. Too much grenadine, for example, will make it overly sweet.
- Make it a Punch: To scale this up for a party, keep the ratios the same. Mix all liquid ingredients (minus the ice) in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, pour over ice and add the garnish. Don’t add the ice to the bowl itself, or it will dilute too fast!
🥂 Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This festive, colorful cocktail is a perfect accompaniment to almost any holiday gathering.
- Appetizers: Pair it with savory, cheesy bites like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or a classic dip like Spinach Artichoke Dip.
- Desserts: The fruity notes complement chocolate beautifully. Consider serving it alongside a classic rich dessert, or something simpler like my recipe for These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are My Favorite Winter Treat to Share and Savor.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a “Sober Reindeer,” simply omit the vodka and triple sec. Increase the cranberry juice to 3 oz and the orange juice to 2 oz. You still get the color and the sweet, tangy flavors!
📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimate)
Please note: This is an estimate based on average ingredient values and may vary based on specific brands of alcohol and juice.
| Category | Value (Approx.) |
| Calories | 200 – 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 – 25g |
| Sugar | 18 – 22g |
| Alcohol Content | Approx. 3 standard drinks (4 oz liquor total) |
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❄️ Storage and Leftover Tips
This cocktail is best served immediately after shaking. If you are making a large batch (a punch) ahead of time, mix all the liquids together in a covered container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Crucial Rule: Do not add ice or garnishes until the moment you are ready to serve. Adding ice prematurely will cause excessive dilution, leaving you with a watery, flavorless drink.
🍽️ More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this vibrant, holiday-ready sipper, be sure to check out these other favorites from the kitchen:
- For a sweet treat that works anytime, try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- Looking for a classic, cozy meal? You can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a non-alcoholic refresher that’s easy to make for guests, try my vibrant This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
🎄 Final Thoughts
The Drunk Reindeer Cocktail is the perfect balance of seasonal spice, citrus brightness, and easy preparation. It’s the kind of drink that instantly elevates the mood and makes any moment feel a little more festive. Whether you’re hosting a massive holiday bash or just need a delicious end to a chilly day, this recipe has you covered.
Give it a shake this season and let me know what you think! Did you use sugared cranberries or an orange twist? Drop your feedback and photo tags in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow me on social media for more holiday cooking and cocktail inspiration!
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