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Holiday Cocktails (Yes, They Involve Fire)

✇Barbecuebible.com
By: BarbecueBible.com

The cocktail party is alive and well—especially around the holidays. And as you’d expect, we don’t keep our drinks far from the grill. At BarbecueBible.com, cocktails get the same live-fire treatment as dinner: grilled citrus, smoldering spices, and a little smoke where it counts. Think grilled citrus sangria, smoked eggnog, a Smoky Mary, mezcalinis, and more. These are holiday drinks built for people who’d rather light a fire than shake up something ordinary.

Holiday Cocktails

Grilled Citrus Sangria

This sangria starts where most cocktails stop—over live fire. Grilling the citrus caramelizes the sugars and adds a subtle char that deepens the wine’s natural fruitiness. Mixed with fresh fruit and served cold, it’s a crowd-friendly pitcher drink that still carries a hint of smoke, making it right at home next to the grill during the holidays.

Grilled Sangria

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Smoked Eeggnog

Classic eggnog gets a backyard upgrade with real wood smoke. The smoke softens the richness of the cream and eggs while adding a gentle savory note that balances the sweetness. Served chilled or slightly warm, this is eggnog for people who think the holidays should smell like a fire pit, not just nutmeg.

Smoked Eggnog

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Smoky Mary

The Smoky Mary takes the familiar Bloody Mary and pushes it firmly into barbecue territory. Smoke adds depth to the tomato base, while bold seasoning keeps it savory and assertive. It’s an ideal holiday brunch cocktail—or a smart way to start a long day of winter cooking outdoors.

Smoky Mary

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Mezcalini

Clean, sharp, and unmistakably smoky, the Mezcalini proves that smoke doesn’t have to be heavy-handed. Mezcal brings a natural earthiness that plays beautifully with this minimalist cocktail, making it a great before-dinner drink when you want something simple, bracing, and just a little rebellious.

Mezcalini

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Hot Mulled Wine from Quebec – The Caribou

This traditional Quebec winter warmer blends red wine with spirits, spices, and heat—both literal and figurative. Served hot, it’s designed for cold nights and outdoor gatherings, especially when there’s snow underfoot and a fire nearby. Think of it as mulled wine built for people who refuse to head indoors.

mulled wine

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Dragon’s Breath

Bold, fiery, and unapologetic, the Dragon’s Breath cocktail lives up to its name. This drink leans into heat and smoke, making it a natural fit for adventurous drinkers and late-night holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels right when the grill is still glowing long after dinner is done.

Dragon's Breath Cocktail

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Gibson Cocktail with Smoked Cocktail Onion

A classic Gibson gets its barbecue credentials from a single, transformative detail: the smoked onion garnish. That hint of smoke adds depth and complexity without overpowering the clean, crisp character of the drink. It’s proof that sometimes one smoked ingredient is all it takes to change everything.

Gibson Cocktail with Smoked Cocktail Onion

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Bacon Bourbon

Bacon bourbon is exactly what it sounds like—and better than you’d expect. The smoky, savory fat mellows the bourbon while adding richness and aroma, creating a spirit that’s perfect for slow sipping or serious cocktails. It’s a foundational ingredient that opens the door to a whole new class of fire-friendly drinks.

Bacon Bourbon

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Good cocktails don’t need to be complicated—but they should have character. A little smoke, a little heat, and a live fire nearby go a long way. These holiday drinks are made for cold nights, warm gatherings, and anyone who believes the grill never really goes out.

Holiday Cocktails: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best holiday cocktails for a crowd?
Pitcher drinks and batchable cocktails are easiest for parties—think grilled sangria, a big-batch Smoky Mary mix, or mulled wine kept warm on the side burner. Make the base ahead, then add ice, garnish, or bubbles right before serving.
What makes a cocktail “live-fire” or barbecue-style?
Live-fire cocktails use grilling or smoking techniques—charred citrus, smoked spirits, or fire-kissed garnishes—to add depth and aroma. The goal isn’t to make everything taste like a campfire, but to layer in a subtle smoky edge.
Do I need a smoker to make smoked cocktails?
No. Many smoked drink elements can be made on a grill using a small wood chunk, a foil packet, or a quick smoke step. You can also prep smoked garnishes or smoked spirits ahead so the “smoke” is already built in.
Can I make these holiday cocktails ahead of time?
Yes—most components can be prepped in advance. Grill citrus, make simple syrup, smoke onions or bacon bourbon, and mix bases earlier in the day. Keep everything chilled, then finish with ice and fresh garnishes right before guests arrive.
What foods pair well with smoky holiday cocktails?
Smoke-friendly cocktails pair best with bold flavors: grilled appetizers, smoked salmon, roast ribs, sausages, cheese boards, and rich holiday mains. Bright citrus drinks cut through fatty foods, while spirit-forward cocktails shine with hearty, savory bites.

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