Briana DiTommaso, head winemaker at Provocativo, shares a simple yet elegant holiday spritzer recipe, emphasizing the importance of keeping beverage options minimal and festive.
The holiday season is a time for hosting family and friends, but planning menus can quickly become overwhelming and expensive. A key way to reduce stress and costs is by limiting drink selections, ensuring hosts can enjoy their gatherings without constantly playing bartender. Experts suggest that a thoughtfully curated drink menu can enhance the holiday experience while keeping things manageable.
To create a stress-free hosting experience, beverage planning should focus on quality over quantity. Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, advises keeping selections limited to a few wines, beers, and essential spirits to avoid making the event cocktail-centric. This approach allows hosts to spend more time engaging with guests rather than mixing drinks all night. Additionally, pairing drinks with courses—such as serving dry whites before sweeter wines—can simplify decision-making while elevating the dining experience.
Experts also recommend including one or two signature cocktails with a holiday twist, such as a cranberry margarita, to add a festive touch without overwhelming guests with too many choices. Olivia Pollock, a hosting expert, suggests providing basic spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum, along with easy mixers like tonic, soda, or juice, so guests can mix their own drinks if desired. Offering a post-meal digestif or dessert wine can serve as a refined conclusion to the evening, enhancing the overall holiday ambiance.
In addition to alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic options should be available for designated drivers and guests who prefer not to drink. A festive punch or mocktail can make all guests feel included, setting a warm and welcoming tone. To stay budget-friendly, Pollock recommends buying in bulk and taking advantage of seasonal discounts on wine, beer, and spirits. With a well-planned yet simple drink selection, hosts can create a memorable holiday gathering that is both enjoyable and stress-free.
