I’ve never been a huge fan of holidays, but I do love to celebrate. I prefer intimate and spontaneous celebrations over big Hallmark-prescribed occasions. 

The right cocktail can add a touch of festivity to anything that you’re inspired to celebrate. I’m not suggesting that you need to drink to have a good time, but it is nice to pause, tune into your tastebuds, and relax into the spirit of the moment.

Here are some of my favorite drinks to pair with simple celebrations. There’s nothing fancy here—just some go-to classics and attention towards the right mood.

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Dry Rosé

I love celebrating the first warm day of spring (and then many warm days after that) by sharing a bottle of rosé in the park. I pour the wine into a Thermos to keep it cold and discreet, and I pack a few sturdy little glasses. I particularly like this rosé from Long Island.

 

Kir Royale

This is such a simple, elegant way to kick off an intimate evening. Lighten your palette with the gentle effervescence and kiss of sweetness. I like a good midrange Prosecco, and then I garnish with a blackberry.

 

French 95

This is another romantic one, but the cognac gives it a bit more punch. Celebrate fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market by pairing with a simple bistro-inspired meal.

 

Fox River

I learned about this drink from the back of a peach bitters bottle, and it’s become one of my favorite dessert cocktails. It’s made with bourbon, creme de cacao, peach bitters and a twist of lemon. It’s creamy without being too rich. I like drinking this the night before a holiday as a way of easing into the spirit.

 

A Glass of Beer

I celebrate the completion of a long bike ride or any successful outing in the sun with a cold beer. When I can get it, I love the Japanese beer Wednesday Cat. The can is too adorably funky to resist. I also give props to the bottle and can designs from Mikkeller Better Half.

 

Bloody Mary

I disliked this drink for a long time, because the first few I had tasted like jacked up V-8. But then I tasted the real thing, and I’ve never gone back. Celebrate having nothing to do on a lazy Sunday with this spicy, piquant and refreshing staple. Don’t skimp on the garnish. Small batch pickles or Mean Beans are my favorite.

 

Dirty Martini

Sometimes, an occasion calls for a really stiff drink, and that’s when a martini is in order. I like a classic gin martini. It makes me feel like a grown up. I prefer Hendrick’s gin and plump, fresh olives.

 

Sangria

There are so many festive ways to enjoy sangria. Warm afternoons, taco night at home, a party with friends. I usually use a basic red wine a splash of gin as the base, and then I add fresh squeezed orange, lemon and lime juice. Make it at least 24 hours in advance and add plenty of fresh, seasonal fruit. Pink wines with berries can be fun too.

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Next time you want to create some extra atmosphere around a special moment, give one of these drinks a try. What are your favorite drinks to celebrate with? 

xo,
Rebecca

 

Top Photo by: Didriks
Illustrations by: Rebecca Pollock