12 Days of Cocktails: Frozen Holiday Hosting Hack
The holiday season is here, and with it comes gatherings, good cheer, and, of course, cocktails! At Swilled Dog, we know the secret to hosting a memorable party lies in the little details that make your guests feel special. That’s why we’re kicking off our 12 Days of Cocktails series with a simple yet showstopping hosting hack that’ll elevate your holiday drinks from ordinary to unforgettable.
The Festive Ice Cube Hack
Your guests deserve cocktails that are as dazzling as the holiday lights. Enter the festive ice cube—an easy addition that infuses your drinks with flavor while adding a pop of holiday charm. Here’s how to make them:
What You’ll Need:
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange slices (thinly sliced)
• Rosemary sprigs
• Cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• Ice cube tray (large molds work best for a dramatic effect)
Directions:
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries and rosemary sprigs, and slice the oranges thinly.
2. Assemble: Place a few cranberries, an orange slice, and a small rosemary sprig into each compartment of the ice cube tray.
3. Pour & Freeze: Fill each compartment with cranberry juice and freeze for at least 8-10 hours, or until fully solid, depending on ice mold size.
Once frozen, these festive cubes are ready to take your cocktails to the next level.
The Cocktail: Holiday Gin & Tonic
Now that your ice cubes are prepped, here’s how to create a cocktail that will have your guests raving.
Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz Swilled Dog’s Mon Forest Reserve Dry Gin
• Tonic water (enough to fill your glass)
• Festive ice cubes (from above)
• Garnish: Rosemary sprig or orange peel
Directions:
1. Assemble the Drink: In a festive glass, add your frozen cubes.
2. Add Gin: Pour 1.5 oz of Mon Forest Reserve Dry Gin over the cubes.
3. Top with Tonic: Fill the glass with tonic water, stirring gently to combine.
4. Garnish: Add a rosemary sprig or a curl of orange peel for the final holiday touch.
The result is a vibrant, fragrant cranberry gin and tonic that not only tastes amazing but looks like a piece of holiday art.
Why It Works
This hosting hack doesn’t just make your drinks more festive—it also infuses them with subtle notes of cranberry, orange, and rosemary as the ice melts, adding depth to every sip. Plus, it’s a simple way to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Follow Along!
This is just the beginning of Swilled Dog’s 12 Days of Cocktails. Follow us for more recipes, tips, and gift-worthy ideas to make your holiday season brighter, one sip at a time. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a big family celebration, we’ve got you covered. Check us out on Instagram @SwilledDog to see this recipe and more holiday hacks.
Cheers to making spirits icy and bright!