MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As the holiday season settles over the Monadnock Region, local bartenders are shaking up festive flavors perfect for parties, date nights, or cozy evenings by the fire. From peppermint treats to spicy sips and nostalgic cookie-inspired creations, these seasonal cocktails showcase the creativity of area eateries. Here’s your guide to three standout holiday drinks—and how to make them at home.

Peppermint Mocha Martini

Dublin Road Taproom and Eatery
53 Dublin Road
Jaffrey

A creamy, candy-cane–rimmed martini that blends peppermint, chocolate, and coffee for the ultimate winter indulgence.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka (vanilla or regular)
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
  • 1 oz crème de cacao (dark or white)
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz chocolate or mocha syrup
  • 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
  • Crushed candy canes (rim)
  • Chocolate shavings or mini candy cane (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rim: Coat a chilled martini glass with chocolate syrup and dip into crushed candy canes.
  2. Mix the Drink: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake: Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until chilled and frothy.
  4. Serve: Strain into the prepared glass.
  5. Garnish: Finish with chocolate shavings, a chocolate drizzle, or a mini candy cane.

Optional Twists:

  • Add a splash of espresso for a bolder coffee flavor.
  • Swap cream for oat or almond milk for a lighter version.

Holly Jolly Heat

Yellow Bell Café
45 Main St.
Keene

A bright, spicy sip that combines tequila and jalapeño-infused sweetness with tart cranberry—a festive drink with a fiery kick.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 0.5 oz orange liqueur
  • 1 oz jalapeño-infused agave
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • Sugar for rimming
  • Fresh cranberries and jalapeño slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rim a glass with sugar.
  2. Fill a shaker with ice and add cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, jalapeño agave, and lime juice.
  3. Shake until thoroughly chilled.
  4. Strain into the rimmed glass.
  5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and jalapeño slices.

Sugar Cookie Martini

21 Bar and Grill
21 Roxbury St.
Keene

Sweet, nostalgic, and decked out with festive sprinkles—this dessert-style martini tastes like a holiday cookie plate in a glass.

Ingredients

  • 1.25 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1.25 oz Bailey’s
  • 1.25 oz amaretto
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • Vanilla frosting (rim)
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Combine vodka, Bailey’s, amaretto, and cream in a shaker with ice. Shake well.
  2. Rim a martini glass with vanilla frosting and dip into sprinkles.
  3. Pour the chilled mixture into the prepared glass.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or classic holiday flavors, these locally inspired cocktails bring a taste of seasonal cheer straight to your glass. Cheers to festive sipping around the Monadnock Region!