Ever wondered why the classic Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has so many verses, and why somebody would ever want that many birds? Well, we have a more convenient holiday plan for you. Behold our Twelve Days of Christmas cocktails from some of the most talented bartenders in Pittsburgh, where TABLE headquarters are located. Each bar team was tasked with one verse, and they went above and beyond with their interpretations of each drink. These cocktails will spark up any drink menu. And you can always make them later in the year to bring back some of the glitter and glow of the holiday spirit.
Drink Your Way Through the Twelve Days of Christmas with These Cocktails
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
We started out with a mocktail from Katrina Tomacchio of LOADED for a Christmas drink that everyone can enjoy. Since it’s the verse that repeats the most times, we wanted the most universally accessible drink to celebrate it. Katrina used Knudsen pear juice, Jackworth non-alcoholic ginger beer, and Ritual Zero Proof Dark Rum alternative to create a fragrant Christmas mocktail.
Two Turtle Doves
Good things come in twos, like tequila and mezcal. This cocktail from Rachel Sinagra of Fig & Ash blends these two classic spirits together with Bauchant and coffee liqueur. The turtle dove is a symbol of peace and friendship. So, enjoy with two (or more) of your best friends, or cozy up with this drink for a peaceful solo night.
Three French Hens
Alexander Riola of Fish Nor Fowl used three French liquors. It’s got Citadelle, from the oldest gin distiller in France, yellow chartreuse, and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur for a little note of spice. This perfect pares-ski cocktail also uses nutmeg, cinnamon, and aquafaba to create a balanced and inventive drink that will warm you up on the coldest days.
Four Calling Birds
The further you get into “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the more you start to wonder just who actually wants this many birds. No birds were harmed in the making of this cocktail, which mixes the recipes of the Aviation and the Paper Plane. Hannah McKee of Con Alma wanted to combine two of her favorite four-part drinks to create this unique cocktail.
Five Golden Rings
Limoncello is liquid gold. Vallozzi’s of Pittsburgh makes its own. But, you can make Laura Karner and Stephanie Yarup’s recipe with your favorite version of this citrus digestivo. (They recommend Il Tramonto Limoncello and Sogno di Sorrento Limoncello). Five drops of olive oil call to mind the rings in the only verse of this song that’s an actual object you might be able to gift. Though, according to the PNC Christmas Price Index, it’s going to cost you $1,245 for those rings.
Six Geese a-Laying
Aiden Leyland of The Commoner immediately thought of classic vodka Grey Goose for the sixth verse of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It’s not just vodka—though a shot of Grey Goose is also sometimes welcome during the holidays. This delightful Christmas cocktail uses Génepy, matcha syrup, and toasted oat to create a more complex flavor profile.
Seven Swans a-Swimming
Audrey & Lisa from LoBar Cocktail Services win for presentation. That wow factor of that swan glass is pretty unbeatable. You can buy one on Amazon yourself if you’d like. Their version of the classic Hemingway Daiquiri has a luxurious, tropical flair, and will transport you to a sunny beach somewhere…at least for a moment.
Eight Maids a-Milking
Coquito is a Puerto Rican holiday classic, and Brandon Mohney of Bar Botanico loved the staff trips to Puerto Rico where he got to sample it. While the later verses of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” get a little nonsensical, this cocktail is one of our favorites from the series. With coconut milk, this version of coquito is vegan for everyone to enjoy.
Nine Ladies Dancing
Put on your dancing shoes with this spice-forward cocktail from Larkin Kolls and Jamie Cumberledge of Esquina Cantina. Don Julio Blanco tequila, fig and thyme syrup, and bergamot purée come together to form a lively, fresh cocktail. This will get more than nine ladies out on the floor!
Ten Lords a-Leaping
Cam Dickson of Ritual House cautioned that this apple bourbon cocktail could be called “ten lords a-sleeping.” It’s full of strong liquor that could, well, knock you out rather than get you leaping. Shake this up at home, cozy up with some blankets and Christmas movies, and you’re set for a blissful holiday night in. The ten-slice apple fan adds an extra festive touch to the drink.
Eleven Pipers Piping
Colin McNamee of COBRA got creative with this verse and used Piper Sonoma Sparkling Wine, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, to represent “eleven pipers piping.” This sparkling wine cocktail could be perfect for a New Year’s toast. Or, use it for pre-dinner glass clinking at your holiday party.
Twelve Drummers Drumming
The final “Twelve Days of Christmas” cocktail, from Spencer Warren of The Warren Bar & Burrow, is a straightforward shake into a Collins glass with rum, ginger liqueur, cinnamon, and edible flowers. Merry Christmas!
Story by Emma Riva
Production by Star Laliberte
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Laura Petrilla
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