By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on March 9, 2023 | Last Updated on November 21, 2023
If you love the holidays and festive drinks, then you’re in for a treat! The Nutcracker Drink is an easy-to-make holiday cocktail that will bring warmth and cheer to your next gathering. This classic drink has been around since the 1940s and is made with pineapple or orange juice, rum, gin, fruit punch, and others.
It’s sweet, fruity, and sure to be a hit with everyone at your party or gathering. Indeed, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
So, are you interested in learning more about this classic holiday drink? Read on for a detailed overview of the nutcracker drink recipe, including its history, ingredients, instructions, tips, and more.
What is Nutcracker Drink?
Nutcracker Drink is a festive cocktail that was first created in the 1940s. It’s made with pineapple or orange juice, rum, gin, vodka, peach schnapps, lemonade, fruit punch, and elderflower liqueur. The result is a sweet, fruity drink that will put you in a holiday mood!
What does it taste like?
The Nutcracker Drink has a sweet, fruity flavor with hints of citrus, pineapple, and peach. It’s not overly strong or boozy tasting, making it an ideal choice for those who don’t love the taste of hard alcohol.
How did I first get introduced to the Nutcracker Drink?
I first got introduced to the Nutcracker Drink at a holiday party several years ago. The host served it in large pitchers and everyone loved it! Since then, I’ve been hooked and serve it at least once every holiday season.
How do you make Nutcracker Drink?
Making Nutcracker Drink is quite simple. All you need is a few basic ingredients to get started and you can whip up this delicious holiday drink in no time. Here’s how:
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of pineapple or orange juice
- 6 ounces of overproof rum
- 6 ounces peach schnapps
- 6 ounces of overproof vodka
- 16 ounces lemonade
- 6 ounces dry gin
- 16 ounces fruit punch
- 6 ounces elderflower liqueur
Directions
Step 1
In a large pitcher, mix together the pineapple or orange juice, rum, gin, vodka, peach schnapps, and lemonade. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2
Add the fruit punch and elderflower liqueur to the mixture and stir again for about 20 seconds.
Step 3
Fill a large glass with ice and pour the Nutcracker Drink over the top.
Step 4
Garnish with a few cherries or other fruit if desired and serve cold.
Tips
- If you’d prefer a sweeter drink, you can substitute white grape juice for pineapple or orange juice.
- For a more festive drink, you can rim the glass with sugar and add a splash of grenadine for color.
- You can double or triple the recipe accordingly if you’re serving this to a larger crowd.
Nutcracker Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker
- high ball glass
Ingredients
- 32 ounces of zesty and invigorating lemonade balancing the flavors with a hint of citrus.
- 32 ounces of vibrant and fruity fruit punch adding a burst of flavors to your concoction.
- 12 ounces of sweet and fruity peach schnapps creating a luscious and aromatic blend.
- 12 ounces of delicate and floral elderflower liqueur imparting a touch of elegance to your cocktail creation.
- 12 ounces of smooth and potent overproof vodka providing a strong base for your cocktail.
- 12 ounces of aromatic and botanical dry gin infusing your drink with a distinctive herbal note.
- 32 ounces of refreshing and tangy pineapple juice perfect for a tropical twist.
- 12 ounces of intense and fiery overproof rum adding a kick of flavor to your drink.
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mix together the pineapple or orange juice, rum, gin, vodka, peach schnapps, and lemonade. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the fruit punch and elderflower liqueur to the mixture and stir again for about 20 seconds.
- Fill a large glass with ice and pour the Nutcracker Drink over the top.
- Garnish with a few cherries or other fruit if desired and serve cold.
Notes
- If you’d prefer a sweeter drink, you can substitute white grape juice for pineapple or orange juice.
- For a more festive drink, you can rim the glass with sugar and add a splash of grenadine for color.
- You can double or triple the recipe accordingly if you’re serving this to a larger crowd.
Nutrition Information
The exact nutritional information for Nutcracker Drink will depend on the ingredients used. However, as a general guideline, each 8-ounce serving of the drink contains approximately 180 calories and 17 grams of sugar.
What to serve with Nutcracker Drink?
Nutcracker Drink is great on its own but can also be served with various appetizers or desserts. Some ideas include cheese platters, shrimp cocktails, mini tartlets, and chocolate truffles.
How to store leftover Nutcracker Drink?
Leftover Nutcracker Drink can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to stir or shake the drink before serving again, as the ingredients may separate over time. Also, discard any unused portions after 3 days for safety.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women should not drink Nutcracker Drink as it contains a lot of alcohol. Eventually, the drink will break down into alcohol, which can be harmful to both the mother and baby.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit juices for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use other fruit juices, such as cranberry or white grape juice, in place of pineapple or orange juice. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the drink will change slightly.
Can I make a virgin version of this cocktail?
Yes, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of Nutcracker Drink by omitting the alcohol in the recipe. You may also need to adjust the sweetness level depending on your preference.
Is this drink suitable for children?
No, this drink is not suitable for children as it contains a large amount of alcohol.
Can I use different types of alcohol?
Yes, you can definitely substitute the rum and other liquors for different types to suit your taste. Just be sure to adjust the amounts accordingly.
Wrapping Up
Nutcracker Drink is a festive cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings and winter celebrations. You can whip up this delicious drink with just a few simple ingredients in no time. Be sure to store any leftovers properly and keep them out of reach of children.
So, let us know if you’ve ever tried this festive holiday drink and how it turned out. We would love to hear your stories! Also, share this recipe with your friends if you think they’d like to give it a try. Thank you for your time.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
