Perfect Cocktail Pairings to Go With Your Favorite Holiday Movies
When snuggling in for movie nights during the holiday season, there’s nothing better than having a drink (or two) to sip while watching Santa save the day inMiracle on 34th Street or the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes. When you’re tired of run-of-the-mill hot toddies, take the festive spirit to the next level by pairing your favorite seasonal film with a drink that’s tailor-made for it.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
In this holiday classic, down-on-his-luck George Bailey and his bumbling guardian angel, Clarence, stumble into a bar called Nick’s to escape the winter chill. While George goes straight for the hard stuff (a double bourbon), Clarence’s order gets a little more complicated, much to the chagrin of the barkeep:
“I was just thinking of a flaming rum punch. No, it’s not cold enough for that. Not nearly cold enough. Wait a minute—I’ve got it! Mulled wine, heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves. Off with you, me lad, and be lively!”
What to drink: Mulled Wine, of course.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
Sure, everyone remembers that Ralphie longed for a Red Ryder BB gun in the movie, but he also drank gallons of Ovaltine in an attempt to win a secret decoder ring. Until Ovaltine cocktails come around, sipping a chocolate-y, bourbon-heavy milkshake has a similar sweet-and-malty charm.
What to drink: This Bourbon, Vanilla and Chocolate Milkshake.
ELF
Plenty of sweets are consumed in over-the-top fashion by Buddy the Elf in this favorite holiday flick, but his favorite food of all is maple syrup. When he catches a mailroom employee adding a nip of liquor to his coffee one morning, Buddy automatically assumes the brown liquid is syrup and follows suit, proceeding to get charmingly tipsy.
“Oh, syrup and coffee? Why didn’t I think of that? Can I try some?”
What to drink: A piping hot Irish Coffee—syrup optional.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
There’s hardly a scene in White Christmas where the characters aren’t drinking something bold and boozy. Champagne, bourbon, and brandy Manhattans flow freely, but it’s the rum punch that feels the most festive.
What to drink: Rum Punch—and light it on fire.
