10 COCKTAILS (AND/OR MOCKTAILS) TO PAIR WITH YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIES
Everyone has their favorite holiday traditions, and several of them include imbibing some sort of adult beverage. At the same time, the “Mocktail” craze has gone fully mainstream, removing the pressure to drink up when everyone is sitting down for the annual Viewing Of The Holiday Movie. Here are some suggestions for cocktails, many of which can be made without alcohol to suit your film of choice. Also, I contend that any movie you watch during a holiday celebration is a “holiday film,” but let’s keep the fighting to a minimum.
- Sex and the City (2008). Yes, this is a holiday movie because the New Year’s Eve scene always makes us cry. For auld lang’s syne, my dear, make a proper Cosmopolitan for yourself and your besties with the Cointreau Cosmos + Caviar kit. In collaboration with TikTok’s Caviar Queen, Danielle Zaslavsky, the kit pairs with Marky’s Caviar for a unique tasting experience that would even impress Aleksander Petrovsky.


2. The Godfather (1972). Yes, this is also a holiday movie because I know plenty of families who watch the entire Godfather trilogy every December 25th. All that Italian food should be paired with a proper Campari and Soda, with a twist of lime. This is known as a Pellegrino for the teetotalers if you make them an offer they can actually refuse.

3. Spirited (2022). The first of two Will Ferrell holiday movies on this list, Spirited is a musical co-starring Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds is a co-owner of Portland, OR-based Aviation Gin, so pair this viewing with any one of their classic cocktails or sip one of their flavored gins over ice. Warning: spit takes may occur.

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4. Dear Santa (2024). Jack Black plays Satan, not Santa, so it’s a perfect opportunity to add some heat with a spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate. Feel free to add a knock of Kahlua for the extra kick, Jack would totally approve.


5. Elf (2003). Will Ferrell in tights again, this time as Buddy the Elf. Since he loves sugar more than anything, embrace the sweetness with an Espresso Martini made with Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey combined with coffee and Irish Cream liqueurs. Just refrain from going through any revolving doors after a couple of these delightful drinks.


6. Bad Santa (2003). One of the most hilarious holiday movies ever made is for viewing well after the kids are finally asleep. Billy Bob Thornton is the most inappropriate mall Santa in history, either always drunk, hungover, or somehow both. Call this one a free-for-all, with the bar fully open to any and all tastes, just like Thornton’s Willie. Just be sure to provide plenty of sandwiches.

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas. Maybe it’s not movie-length, but it’s annual viewing. And if your kids are anything like mine were when they were little, you’re going to sit through it more than once. While the young’uns are otherwise occupied, make yourself a Peppermint Pattie: Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, and white Creme de Cacao. Garnish with a candy cane and relive your own childhood while doing the “Linus and Lucy” dance for the billionth time.


8. A Christmas Story (1983). So many images come to mind in connection with this movie. The “Fra-GEEL-ay” Leg Lamp. The kid with his tongue stuck to the pole. Santa kicking Ralphie down the slide. And they never get their Christmas turkey. You probably forgot your Ovaltine, so try a Cranberry Orange Old-Fashioned with your favorite whiskey instead. Even your cranky dad might stop complaining after putting down one of these.


9. Happiest Season (2020). An alternative kind of holiday movie that still proves that love makes a family. It stars Kristen Stewart, whom I met a few years ago, and I can confirm she does indeed laugh and smile. Of course, that was after a couple of strong vodka martinis, which is why that’s the drink I’m suggesting for this movie. The cheery bottle from Yacht Life is the opposite of gloomy, just like Kristen.


10. Die Hard (1988). Yes, it’s a Christmas movie because it takes place ON CHRISTMAS EVE. It’s a Christmas movie no matter when you watch it. It’s an extra bonus Christmas movie when you watch it on Christmas. And in honor of Nakatomi Plaza and all of the explosions, your drink of choice should be Sake Bombs, because I’m clever like that. Yippie-Ki-Yay, celebrators!

