Christmas on Cape Cod Drink Recipe: The Perfect Festive Drink for Cozy Nights In

There’s something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine, and the warmth of cherished traditions make this time of year truly special. For Tony and me, one of our favorite traditions is transforming our home into a winter wonderland while sipping on a delicious holiday cocktail. This past weekend, as we watched classic Christmas movies and decorated our tree and mantel, we made the Christmas on Cape Cod Drink—a festive, refreshing cocktail that perfectly captures the flavors of the season.

@bykimberlyfaye How To Make A Cape Cod Drink 🤍 This drink combines all of my favorite elements of this time of year. It’s a Christmas twist on a classic cape cod with winter maple syrup, aromatic evergreens, sugar frosted cranberries and celebratory fizz. It’s perfect for for a festive holiday gathering or a cozy night in. Recipe will be posted on Monday on ByKimberlyFaye.com 🫶✨🎄 holiday drink ideas for christmas holiday drink ideas for thanksgiving #holidaydrinks #christmasdrinks #thanksgivingdrinks #holidayvibes ♬ Christmas Nutcracker Teme – Vasili Zapesca

If you’re looking for a drink to elevate your holiday celebrations, this cocktail is simple to make yet impressively elegant. Plus, it’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your holiday entertaining or a cozy night at home.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Cocktail

The Christmas on Cape Cod Drink is more than just a cocktail; it’s a sensory experience that feels as festive as it tastes. Here’s why it’s become a must-have in our holiday rotation:

• Seasonal Flavors: Tart cranberry juice, the sweetness of pure maple syrup, and a fizzy lime twist make every sip feel like a celebration of the holidays.
• Beautiful Presentation: With sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail looks like it was made for Instagram (but you’ll enjoy it even more in real life).
• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a mixologist to create this drink. The steps are straightforward, but the results are impressive.

Let me walk you through how to make this delightful drink, step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to create the Christmas on Cape Cod Drink:

• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces cranberry juice (make sure it’s 100% juice, not cranberry cocktail)
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 2 ounces lime-flavored sparkling water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the rim and cranberries)
• 3 fresh cranberries
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

How to Make the Christmas on Cape Cod Drink

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, cranberry juice, and pure maple syrup with a handful of ice. Shake rigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled. This step blends the flavors while adding that icy-cold smoothness you want in a cocktail.

Step 2: Prepare the Glass

Take your favorite cocktail glass—whether it’s a coupe, a martini glass, or even a festive tumbler. Rub the edge of the glass with a lime wedge to moisten it. Then dip the rim into a plate of granulated sugar, turning it gently to coat evenly. This sweet, sparkling rim adds a touch of elegance to the drink and balances the tartness of the cranberry juice.

Step 3: Pour and Top

Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass. Add a bit more ice to the glass if desired (we always do for that extra chill). Then, top off the cocktail with lime-flavored sparkling water for a fizzy finish.

Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro

The garnish is what really makes this drink shine! Squeeze a bit of lime juice over your fresh cranberries and roll them in the remaining sugar on your plate. These sparkling cranberries look like tiny frosted jewels and taste just as delightful. Carefully place them on top of the drink. Finally, add a rosemary sprig as a fragrant and festive stirrer.

Cozy Christmas Vibes

This cocktail is best enjoyed with cozy Christmas vibes in full swing. Picture this: Tony and I were dressed in our comfiest pajamas, Christmas movies playing in the background, and the smell of pine filling the air as we decorated our tree and mantel. With a Christmas on Cape Cod Drink in hand, the process of hanging ornaments and arranging stockings felt even more magical.

The sugared cranberries added a playful touch, and the rosemary sprig made the drink smell as festive as it tasted. We laughed, clinked glasses, and even paused to admire how the sugar-rimmed glass caught the soft glow of our holiday lights.

A Few Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cocktail

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for 100% cranberry juice (not from concentrate) and fresh lime.
• Chill Your Glass: If you want to get extra fancy, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink. It keeps the cocktail refreshingly cold longer.
• Experiment with Garnishes: If cranberries and rosemary aren’t your thing, try a slice of lime or even a cinnamon stick for a different vibe.

Pairing Ideas

This cocktail pairs beautifully with holiday snacks and appetizers. Some of our favorites include:

• A classic charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Savory puff pastry bites or pigs in a blanket.
• Sweet treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.

Final Thoughts

Making the Christmas on Cape Cod Drink wasn’t just about enjoying a delicious cocktail; it was about slowing down and savoring the moments that make the holiday season so special. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or curling up for a quiet night by the fire, this cocktail will add a touch of elegance and warmth to your celebrations.

So grab your ingredients, queue up your favorite Christmas movie, and give this drink a try. Who knows—it might just become one of your new holiday traditions too!

Cheers to a magical Christmas season! 🌟

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you’re making this cocktail your own or what traditions you’re pairing it with.