The holidays are known for indulgence — presents, food, decorations and, of course, drinks. The good news is festive drinks don’t have to break your holiday bank. Delicious, budget-friendly alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are definitely within reach.
Budget-friendly wine and cocktails
When planning cocktails for holiday gatherings, remember: Quality over quantity. To keep costs low, keep your drink selection to a minimum with one red and one white wine and one to two simple cocktails or mocktails. Perhaps find one signature cocktail to feature and use good-quality liquor. This is much more cost-efficient than buying five different mediocre varieties, not to mention tastier.
Less is more
Ashley Berger, who writes Sweetpea Lifestyle, says, “I love serving a batch cocktail for holiday gatherings. Not only is it economical, it’s easy on the host.”
Sparkling wine cocktails are a budget-friendly batch cocktail idea. While Champagne is the ultimate indulgence, lesser-priced prosecco, cava or cremant make a perfect alternative for holiday drinks.
The formula is simple: For every 25-ounce bottle of sparkling wine, use 16 ounces of fruit juice and 8 ounces of liquor. A festive option is a cranberry spritz made with sparkling wine, cranberry juice and Grand Marnier.
Another option is to make a big batch of mulled wine for a fantastic holiday treat. Mulled wine is the cozy cousin to summertime sangria. Like with sangria, you do not need an expensive wine for it to be delicious. One magnum of red wine can be picked up for as low as $12.99.
Add the red wine to a crockpot, along with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, anise and a splash of brandy. Cook on low for about an hour. Another great tip is to purchase small airplane-size bottles of brandy so there’s zero waste.
Budget-friendly wine
There’s no reason to feel like you have to spend $50 to get a great bottle of wine. Warehouse stores and Trader Joe’s have an incredible selection of good-quality, budget-friendly wines curated by their in-house wine experts. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try varietals of wine you’ve never had.
Tony Kilgallin, sommelier and wine expert at the Trader Joe’s store in Napa, California, suggests: “For $8.99 you can buy a nebbiolo that tastes like a sophisticated pinot noir.” He also recommends stocking up on Geyser Peak sauvignon blanc that’s a very solid and budget-friendly wine for the holidays.
He also mentions, “Don’t be afraid to ask people who work at the store what their favorite budget-friendly suggestions are. That’s why we’re there!”
If you don’t have a warehouse store or Trader Joe’s nearby, many grocery stores have BOGO deals around the holidays. This allows you to get great bottles of wine at half the cost.
Non-alcoholic options
It’s always a good idea to have a non-alcoholic option or two. Luckily, these drinks are very budget-friendly.
Apple cider is a quintessential, cozy holiday drink, but buying top-quality apple cider can be pricey. Instead, opt for a lower-priced store brand or plain apple juice and jazz it up to make a memorable holiday drink.
Start with 1 or 2 quarts of apple cider or apple juice in a crockpot and add flavor and spices to make it fun and festive. Caramel apple cider is a warm, decadent option. Add about a cup of store-bought caramel syrup and a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the crockpot with the apple cider. Cover and cook on low for two to three hours. Serve with a pinch of cinnamon.
Spritz-type mocktail drinks are delicious, festive and very cost-efficient. The idea is simple: One part juice and one part fizzy drink, such as sparkling water. To make it festive, add a fun garnish. Cherry grape juice, sparkling water and a sprig of rosemary is a tasty combination and beautiful if served in a stemmed wine glass.
Remember that glassware works wonders in elevating a drink. Use your best stemware or borrow a set from friends or family. Thrift stores and consignment shops can be goldmines for finding affordable, unique glassware and stemware.
BYOB can be a win-win
Although it may not be the most popular option, BYOB, or bring your own beverage, can be an advantage. The host saves money, while the guests get peace of mind knowing they’ll have their favorite drinks on hand.
As a host, you can create a drink station with festive decorations, nice glasses, garnishes, bottle openers and plenty of ice. This makes guests feel special and gives them a place to gather and share their libations.
Holiday cheer without breaking the bank
Saving money on holiday drinks doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep your holiday drink budget in check by shopping strategically and asking store personnel for budget-friendly recommendations. Simplify your offerings with just a few well-chosen cocktail and wine options and embrace simple garnishes like fresh herbs and fruit to add a festive but affordable touch. And don’t forget, you can also ask guests to bring their favorite drink to share.
Remember, the true spirit of the holidays is sharing joyful moments with loved ones. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on holiday drinks and libations. With a little creativity and these budget-friendly ideas, you can easily craft delicious and festive beverages without overspending. So raise a glass to a season filled with warmth, laughter and affordable, festive sips.
Casey Rooney is a recipe developer and the creator of Get On My Plate, where she shares easy comfort food and Trader Joe’s recipes to help make everyday cooking stress free. With a focus on familiar flavors and using pantry staples, her recipes are down-to-earth and approachable — perfect for busy home cooks.