Festive Drink Recipes to Serve at Outdoor Gatherings

Hosting an outdoor gathering is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while enjoying the cool Florida evenings. Whether you’re gathering around your Synergy Outdoor Living outdoor kitchen or lounging on the patio, festive drinks can elevate the experience.  

From smoky cocktails to classic holiday flavors, these recipes bring fun and sophistication to your celebrations. Let’s take a look at some of the best drink recipes to try this season! 

Smoked Maria Cocktail 

A smoky twist on the classic Bloody Mary, this bold cocktail is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The freshly smoked vegetables add depth and richness to the flavor, making it ideal for brunch or as a starter to an evening gathering. 

Ingredients for Homemade Smoked Maria Mix (Makes 8 servings): 

• About 7 medium tomatoes 

• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

• 2 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce 

• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt 

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 

• 1 tablespoon horseradish (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Smoke the Veggies: Place tomatoes, peppers, and celery on your smoker and smoke them until they are charred and infused with smoky flavor—this usually takes a few hours. 

1. Blend the Mix: In a blender, combine the smoked vegetables with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, hot sauce, celery salt, black pepper, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and horseradish if using. Blend until smooth. 

1. Assemble the Drink: Pour the mix into a glass with ice, add tequila or vodka to taste, and stir well. Garnish with smoked celery sticks, pickled jalapeños, or crispy bacon for an extra festive touch. 

 

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Rum Splash 

This sweet and smoky pineapple cocktail with a hint of spice is sure to be a hit at your next backyard party. The balance of caramelized pineapple and spicy jalapeño makes every sip unforgettable. 

Ingredients: 

• Smoked pineapple chunks 

• Smoked jalapeño slices 

• 1 cup white rum 

• 1/2 cup lime juice 

• 1/2 cup simple syrup 

• Club soda to top off 

Instructions: 

1. Smoke the Fruit: Smoke pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices until they are caramelized and have a nice char. 

1. Muddle and Mix: In a shaker, muddle the smoked pineapple and jalapeño with lime juice and simple syrup. 

1. Add Rum: Pour in the white rum, add ice, and shake well. 

1. Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, top off with club soda, and garnish with a smoked pineapple slice or jalapeño ring. 

 

Smoked Holiday Mulled Wine 

This spiced and smoky mulled wine is a cozy addition to your festivities. Its warm flavors pair perfectly with a crisp evening outdoors. 

Ingredients (Serves 10): 

• 2 bottles red wine 

• 1/2 cup honey 

• 1/2 cup whiskey 

• 1/2 cup white rum 

• 1 cinnamon stick 

• 2 star anise pods 

• 4 whole cloves 

• Peel from one orange 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 180℉ and let it warm up with the lid closed for 15 minutes. 

1. Combine Ingredients: In a shallow baking dish, mix together the red wine, honey, whiskey, white rum, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and orange peel. 

1. Smoke the Wine: Place the dish directly on the grill grate and smoke for about one hour, stirring halfway through to ensure even flavor. 

1. Serve Warm: Remove from the smoker and ladle into mugs, leaving the spices behind. Garnish with fresh orange zest or a cinnamon stick. 

 

How to Make Smoked Ice 

Adding smoked ice to your cocktails is a simple yet impressive way to elevate your outdoor bar setup. The process is straightforward and can be adapted for water, juice, or even coffee. 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Liquid: Pour water, fruit juice, or coffee into a large, shallow baking dish. 

1. Smoke the Liquid: Set your smoker to 180℉ and place the dish inside. Smoke the liquid for about one hour, stirring halfway through to ensure even smokiness. 

1. Freeze: Carefully pour the smoked liquid into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. 

1. Use in Cocktails: Add the smoked ice cubes to your favorite drinks for an extra layer of flavor as they melt. 

 

Kegerator Favorite: Holiday Spiced Ale 

For beer lovers, the kegerator can become the centerpiece of your gatherings. This Holiday Spiced Ale combines the best of winter flavors with the convenience of draft service. 

Ingredients (Makes 1 gallon of spiced syrup for 10-12 pints of beer): 

• 2/3 cup water 

• 1/2 cup brown sugar 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

• Your favorite amber or brown ale from the kegerator 

Instructions: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. 

1. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the spices are fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. 

1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the spiced syrup to a pint glass, then pour your draft beer over it, stirring gently to combine. 

1. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange peel for extra flair. 

This simple recipe allows you to turn any ale into a festive holiday brew that’s perfect for sharing. 

 

Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Gatherings? 

With these festive drinks, your outdoor events are sure to be unforgettable. From smoky flavors to holiday spices and a refreshing beer punch, these recipes bring a unique flair to your table.  

Paired with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen—including features like a fridge or ice trough—you’ll have everything you need to keep the good times flowing. Cheers to a season of great drinks and even better memories! 

Contact us today for a consultation!