Red Rudolph Cocktail Recipe – Mix That Drink

The Red Rudolph cocktail is a holiday-inspired drink that brings together a blend of festive flavors. Named after the iconic reindeer from Christmas lore, this warm and comforting beverage is the perfect companion for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings.

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This drink is served warm. It has orange curacao and cinnamon schnapps, which are both sweet liqueurs, with a base of vodka and cranberry juice. And a touch of Chambord to deepen the berry flavor.

Tasting Profile

The Red Rudolph cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and spicy notes that come together seamlessly. The base of the cocktail is a combination of vodka and cranberry juice, providing a refreshing and slightly tangy foundation.

The orange curaçao adds a bright, citrusy flavor while the cinnamon schnapps gives the drink a subtle spice that lingers on the palate. The touch of Chambord, a raspberry liqueur, further enhances the fruity notes and adds a touch of complexity to the overall profile.

When sipped, the Red Rudolph has a smooth and velvety mouthfeel, thanks to the creamy whipped cream topping. The sugar pearls sprinkled on top provide an enjoyable textural contrast along with a festive look.

Key Ingredients

Vodka: Its  neutral and clean flavor allows the other ingredients to shine.

Cranberry Juice: The sweet and tart flavor of cranberry juice keeps the flavor profile balanced and provides a vibrant, ruby-red hue to the cocktail.

Orange Curaçao: A sweet and citrusy orange liqueur that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Cinnamon Schnapps: This spicy and warm liqueur brings a cozy, festive note to the cocktail.

Chambord: A raspberry liqueur that enhances the fruity notes and deepens the red color.

Whipped Cream: The creamy topping provides a luxurious mouthfeel and a visually appealing presentation.

Sugar Pearls: These decorative sugar sprinkles add a sparkling, festive touch to the cocktail’s appearance.

Serving Suggestions

While it’s an excellent choice for Christmas and winter celebrations, the flavors also make it a great option for brunch or as a dessert cocktail. Always serve it in heat-resistant glassware such as Irish coffee mugs or festive holiday cups that can showcase the beautiful colors of the drink.

Consider garnishing with additional sugar pearls, maybe red or green, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.

This cocktail is versatile enough to be served at various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Red Rudolph is sure to impress your guests or provide comforting warmth during chilly nights.

Food Pairings

For a brunch setting, the Red Rudolph pairs beautifully with a variety of egg dishes, such as omelets, quiches, or even as a complement to sweet pastries and breads. As a dessert cocktail, it can be enjoyed alongside rich, indulgent desserts like chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, or even a simple plate of cookies.

And it can still be paired with a variety of savory and salty snacks, like chips, pretzels, or roasted nuts. It’s also great with a cheese board, baked brie, roasted vegetables and grilled or roasted meats.

Variations

This cocktail is definitely on the light side in terms of alcohol strength, since most of the alcohol in it is in the form of liqueurs which aren’t very high proof. If you want to make a stronger version of it, just swap out some of the cranberry juice for vodka. Raising the amount of vodka up to an ounce would make this a standard strength cocktail.

Using an ounce and a half would put it on the strong side. It’s definitely a recipe you can feel free to tweak.