The holidays are a time for cozy gatherings, twinkling lights, and, of course, delicious drinks that bring the festive spirit alive. Enter the Santa’s Hat Cocktail—a delightful blend of Campari, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup, topped off with a silky egg white froth.
This cocktail isn’t just about flavor; it’s all about the experience. The herbal aroma of rosemary and the tart citrus notes pair beautifully with the bittersweet taste of Campari, creating a drink that feels both sophisticated and playful.
As the festive season sets in, this cocktail stands out with its vibrant red color, making it a perfect choice for holiday parties. Serve it alongside a rich Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta or some Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, and you’ll have a spread that feels as cozy as it looks.
Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or serving it at your next holiday get-together, this drink promises to bring an extra layer of charm and cheer to your celebrations.
The smooth texture of the egg white creates a velvety finish, while the fresh rosemary offers a hint of earthiness that balances out the sweetness. Don’t forget to share your unique twist on this cocktail with me—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
- The Aromatic Touch of Rosemary: The fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, earthy aroma that takes the whole drinking experience up a notch. It’s a subtle yet standout addition that really makes the cocktail special.
- Impress Your Guests with Minimal Effort: Despite how fancy it looks and tastes, this cocktail is incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect choice for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Indulgent Yet Smooth: The egg white gives the drink a velvety texture that feels indulgent and smooth, making it a luxurious treat—ideal for holiday celebrations.
- The Perfect Pairing: This cocktail is fantastic with savory dishes like Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta or Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds—the balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors makes it a memorable addition to any holiday spread.
Santa’s Hat Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Glass for serving
- Muddler (optional, for rosemary)
Ingredients
- 1 3- to 4-inch fresh rosemary sprig, halved
- 1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 medium lemon
- 1 1/2 ounces Simple Syrup
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 large egg white
- Ice
Instructions
- Add the egg white, lemon juice, simple syrup, Campari, and rosemary sprig to a cocktail shaker.
- Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10 seconds to combine ingredients.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 106kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17.6g |
| Protein | 2.0g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Sugar | 16.2g |
| Sodium | 40.7mg |
Best Tips For Making The Perfect Santa’s Hat Cocktail!
- Use Fresh Egg White: For the smoothest texture, make sure to use fresh egg whites. You can also use pasteurized egg whites for safety, especially if you’re serving to guests who may be cautious about raw eggs.
- Campari Alternatives: If you don’t have Campari, you can substitute it with other bitter aperitifs like Aperol or Gran Classico, but be prepared for a slightly different flavor profile. Campari adds a unique balance of bitterness and citrus.
- Rosemary Infusion: For an extra depth of flavor, lightly bruise the rosemary before adding it to the shaker. This helps release its oils and enhances the aroma in the drink.
- Shake it Right: Dry shaking (shaking without ice) before adding ice is key to achieving the perfect frothy texture. It helps emulsify the egg white with the other ingredients, making the drink silky smooth.
- Garnish Creativity: Get creative with your garnish—consider adding a small skewer of cranberries or even a zest of lemon peel for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve Chilled: Ensure your glass is pre-chilled before serving for the ultimate refreshing experience. Simply pop the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making your cocktail.
- Adjust Sweetness: The simple syrup can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
These expert tweaks will take your Santa’s Hat Cocktail from great to extraordinary—perfect for impressing friends and family during the holiday season!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
