The Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb is a bold, festive cocktail that’s perfect for the holiday season. This indulgent drink features layers of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and a hint of peppermint that evoke the holiday spirit. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with a candy cane, it’s a drink that not only warms you up but also brings a festive smile to your face. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or hosting a holiday gathering, the Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb is a delightful way to celebrate the season. Let’s dive into this holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 oz chocolate syrup
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- Mini candy cane (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Glass Take an old-fashioned glass and drizzle chocolate syrup inside, letting it coat the bottom and sides for a festive touch. This will give the drink a beautiful layered look and add extra richness.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and heavy cream. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, creamy cocktail with deep flavors perfect for the holiday season.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. Shaking helps chill the drink and blend all the flavors smoothly.
Step 4: Strain and Serve Strain the mixture into your prepared old-fashioned glass over fresh ice. The chocolate syrup should still be visible, giving the drink a layered appearance that looks beautiful and indulgent.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy Top the cocktail with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Dust with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and garnish with a mini candy cane. The whipped cream adds a creamy texture, while the cinnamon and candy cane provide extra holiday flair. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!
Variation
- Peppermint Bourbon Bomb: Add 1/4 oz peppermint schnapps to the shaker for an extra minty twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy liqueurs and bourbon.
- Mocha Bourbon Bomb: Substitute the chocolate syrup with 1/2 oz of mocha syrup for a coffee-chocolate combo that enhances the flavors of the coffee liqueur.
- Spicy Santa Bomb: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shaker for a hint of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the liqueurs.
- Non-Alcoholic Santa Punch: Replace the bourbon, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream with a mixture of hot chocolate, heavy cream, and a splash of peppermint extract for a non-alcoholic version that’s perfect for everyone.
Cooking Note
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of chocolate syrup or omit the whipped cream garnish. The balance of sweet and creamy is key to this cocktail.
- Choosing Bourbon: Use a good-quality bourbon that has warm, caramel notes to complement the sweetness of the liqueurs. The bourbon adds depth and warmth to the drink.
- Garnish Tips: For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream or add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gatherings: The Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb is perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations. Its warm flavors and festive presentation make it a crowd-pleaser during the winter months.
- Cozy Nights In: Enjoy this cocktail on a cold winter evening by the fireplace. Pair it with gingerbread cookies or a slice of chocolate cake for an indulgent treat.
- Dessert Cocktail: Serve the Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb as a dessert cocktail. Its rich, creamy texture makes it an excellent choice to enjoy after dinner.
Tips
- Use Fresh Cream: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh heavy cream. It adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the entire drink.
- Shake Well: Be sure to shake the cocktail thoroughly to properly mix all the ingredients. This ensures a smooth, well-blended drink with a frothy texture.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Feel free to add festive garnishes like chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or even a cinnamon stick for stirring.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 290 per serving
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 10g
FAQs
1. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb?
Yes! Replace the bourbon, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream with hot chocolate, heavy cream, and a splash of peppermint extract for a delicious, alcohol-free version that still captures the holiday flavors.
2. What type of bourbon is best for this cocktail?
A high-quality bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes works best. Choose a bourbon that you enjoy drinking on its own, as the flavor will be prominent in this cocktail.
3. How can I make the Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, decrease the amount of chocolate syrup or omit the whipped cream. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder for a more balanced flavor.
4. Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base mixture (bourbon, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and cream) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, shake with ice and strain into glasses.
5. How do I make the garnish extra special?
Consider using a mini candy cane as a stirrer or adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream. You can also sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for added flair.
Conclusion
The Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb is a decadent, rich, and festive cocktail that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With its blend of bourbon, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and chocolate syrup, this drink is a holiday treat in every sip. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, or toasting to the season with friends, the Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb is sure to bring warmth, cheer, and a bit of indulgence to your celebrations. So gather your ingredients, shake up a glass, and let the holiday spirit flow—cheers to sweet moments and festive flavors!
Bad Santa Bourbon Bomb Recipe
- Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1/2 oz chocolate syrup
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- Mini candy cane (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Glass Take an old-fashioned glass and drizzle chocolate syrup inside, letting it coat the bottom and sides for a festive touch. This will give the drink a beautiful layered look and add extra richness.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and heavy cream. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, creamy cocktail with deep flavors perfect for the holiday season.
Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. Shaking helps chill the drink and blend all the flavors smoothly.
Step 4: Strain and Serve Strain the mixture into your prepared old-fashioned glass over fresh ice. The chocolate syrup should still be visible, giving the drink a layered appearance that looks beautiful and indulgent.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy Top the cocktail with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Dust with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and garnish with a mini candy cane. The whipped cream adds a creamy texture, while the cinnamon and candy cane provide extra holiday flair. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive flavors!
Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of chocolate syrup or omit the whipped cream garnish. The balance of sweet and creamy is key to this cocktail.
- Choosing Bourbon: Use a good-quality bourbon that has warm, caramel notes to complement the sweetness of the liqueurs. The bourbon adds depth and warmth to the drink.
- Garnish Tips: For an extra festive touch, drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream or add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g