Happy Friday, gang! We’re in that sweet spot of December when the calendar is full, but the gatherings are still intimate — a few friends stopping by, family dropping in, or just a cozy night at home with people you love. This week on Fridays with Oscar, Kelly, and I are embracing the art of casual holiday hosting with two recipes that deliver maximum festivity with minimal fuss: a gorgeous Mistletoe Martini that sparkles with cranberry and elderflower, and a Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip that tastes exactly like the holidays. No fancy techniques, no elaborate prep — just good flavors, easy execution, and the kind of recipes that let you actually enjoy your own gathering.
⭐️ Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post
- 🍸 A festive Mistletoe Martini with cranberry, elderflower, and bubbles
- 🍰 A no-bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip that’s dessert-table ready in 15 minutes
- 💡 Comprehensive FAQs for both recipes with tips and variations
- 🐾 A check-in with Oscar & Ollie
- 👗 A look at what Beth and Kelly are wearing
Mistletoe Martini & Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
December entertaining doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Sometimes the best gatherings are the unplanned ones — the friends who text, “Mind if we stop by?” the neighbor who drops off cookies and stays for a drink, the family who shows up early and lingers late. These recipes are made for exactly those moments: the Mistletoe Martini is as pretty as it is delicious (and comes together in minutes), while the Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip requires zero baking and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Set them out, light a few candles, and let the evening unfold.
🍸 Mistletoe Martini
If ever there was a cocktail made for mistletoe moments, this is it. The Mistletoe Martini is a stunning ruby-red drink that tastes as festive as it looks — bright cranberry meets delicate elderflower, with just enough citrus to keep things balanced and bubbly Prosecco to make it celebratory. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to gather around the tree with your favorite people, raise a glass, and toast to the sweetness of the season. And the best part? It comes together in minutes, which means more time for sipping and less time shaking.
✨ Beth’s Tip: For a pitcher version (serves 6-8), combine 1.5 cups vodka, 3/4 cup cranberry juice, 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur, and 1/3 cup lemon juice in a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve, then divide among glasses and top each with Prosecco. Add garnishes just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
🍸 Mistletoe Martini
Q: Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
A: You can mix the vodka, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the Prosecco and garnishes right before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh.
Q: What vodka works best for this martini?
A: Any clean, smooth vodka works beautifully — Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Ketel One are all excellent choices. You don’t need top-shelf since it’s mixed with other flavorful ingredients.
Q: Can I use a different sparkling wine?
A: Absolutely! Champagne, Cava, or any sparkling wine will work. Prosecco tends to be slightly sweeter and more fruit-forward, which complements the cranberry nicely, but use what you have on hand.
Q: What if I don’t have elderflower liqueur?
A: Elderflower liqueur adds a lovely floral sweetness, but you can substitute with 1 oz simple syrup and a splash of elderflower cordial if you have it. The drink will still be delicious, just less floral.
Q: How do I make the cranberry juice less tart?
A: Use cranberry juice cocktail (which has added sweetness) rather than 100% cranberry juice, or add 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker before mixing.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries for garnish?
A: Yes! Frozen cranberries work great and they’ll help keep your drink cold. Just rinse them quickly under water before adding.
Q: What other garnishes work well?
A: A sugared rosemary sprig (dip in simple syrup, then sugar, and let dry) looks stunning. A lemon twist or a few pomegranate arils also add festive flair.
🍸 Mistletoe Martini
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- 1.5 oz elderflower liqueur St. Germain
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine chilled
- Ice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Chill glasses: Place two coupe or martini glasses in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake well: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until very cold.
- Strain: Divide the mixture evenly between the two chilled glasses.
- Top with bubbles: Gently pour 1 oz of Prosecco into each glass.
- Garnish: Add a fresh rosemary sprig and a few fresh cranberries if desired.
- Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Tips/Notes
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🍰 Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
Sometimes the best desserts are the ones you can eat with your hands. This Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip brings all the warmth and spice of gingerbread cookies into a creamy, no-bake dip that’s ridiculously easy to make and even easier to devour. With molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and all those cozy holiday spices folded into velvety cream cheese, it tastes like the holidays in dessert form. Serve it with gingersnaps for the full gingerbread-on-gingerbread experience, or pair it with apple slices and pretzels for a sweet-salty contrast that’s dangerously addictive. Either way, this dip has a habit of disappearing faster than you’d expect.
✨ Kelly’s Tip: This dip can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving and add fresh toppings. It’s also fantastic spread on warm waffles or pancakes for a holiday breakfast treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dip actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Add toppings just before serving.
Q: My dip is too thick. How do I fix it?
A: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk at a time and stir until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese?
A: For a lighter version, you can substitute half the cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt. Keep in mind it will be tangier and less rich than the traditional version.
Q: What if I don’t have molasses?
A: Dark brown sugar works in a pinch (use 1/4 cup), though you’ll lose some of the deep, rich molasses flavor. Maple syrup is another option but will change the flavor profile slightly.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Miyoko’s) and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How long does this dip last in the refrigerator?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving if it’s been sitting.
Q: What are the best dippers for this?
A: Gingersnap cookies are classic and echo the gingerbread flavor. Graham crackers, apple slices, and pear slices are excellent for balancing the sweetness. Pretzels add a salty contrast that’s surprisingly addictive!
Q: Can I add mix-ins to the dip?
A: Absolutely! Fold in mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped crystallized ginger after mixing. Just don’t overmix or the dip will lose its creamy texture.
Q: Can I pipe this dip onto cookies for individual servings?
A: Yes! If you want a firmer consistency for piping, reduce the heavy cream to 1/4 cup. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe onto gingersnaps for an elegant presentation.
Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For topping (optional):
- Crushed gingersnap cookies
- Candied ginger finely chopped
- A dusting of cinnamon
For serving:
- Gingersnap cookies
- Graham crackers
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
- Pretzels
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add sugar and spices: Add powdered sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Beat until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in molasses, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the dip and adjust spices if needed. If you want it sweeter, add more powdered sugar. If you want more spice, add a pinch more ginger or cinnamon.
- Chill (optional): For a firmer, scoopable texture, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can also serve immediately for a softer, more spreadable consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, top with crushed gingersnaps or candied ginger if desired, and serve with cookies, crackers, fruit, or pretzels.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🐾 Oscar & Ollie
🎄Sweet Holiday Style
If there’s ever a time to embrace a bold red jacket, it’s the holidays — and a Red Lady Jacket delivers all the festive cheer I need. The textured bouclé fabric and gold button details give it that Chanel-inspired elegance, while the cropped silhouette keeps it modern and fresh.
I’ve layered it over a denim top from Frank & Eileen, which adds a casual, lived-in contrast to the structured jacket. My Galway Wide Leg Jeans in a light wash keep things relaxed, and I’ve finished with Sutton Buckle Flats from Talbots for a coordinated, pulled-together look. It’s festive, fun, and exactly the kind of outfit that makes me feel ready for whatever December throws my way.
There’s something about a great striped sweater that just feels effortlessly festive — and this Brushed Cashmere Sweater in Vintage Stripe is exactly that. This sweater has sold like hotcakes and has limited sizes left, but try this alternative: Cashmere Sweater in Stripe, or The Brushed Cashmere Rugby Sweater. I also love the striped Franck Jumper from Sézane.
Shop Kelly’s Look
I’ve paired it with my Petite Delaney Kickout Sweater Pants in navy — they’re the perfect hybrid of comfort and polish with a subtle flare at the hem. And because it’s the holidays, I’m finishing the look with red ballet flats for a festive pop of color. The red suede pair I have is from last year, but try the Stained Rosewood version. This is the kind of outfit that works whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or curling up by the fire with a cocktail and a good book.
🥂 Cheers to Casual Holiday Gatherings
As December races toward the finish line, Kelly and I are reminded that the best holiday moments often happen in the quietest settings — a few friends around the table, a simple dessert, a festive drink. These recipes embody everything we love about casual holiday hosting: they’re impressive without being fussy, delicious without requiring hours of work, and perfect for those sweet, spontaneous gatherings that make this season so special.
So mix up a Mistletoe Martini, set out that Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip, and let the evening unfold naturally. The holidays are meant to be savored.
🐾 Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you all a beautiful holiday filled with family and fun!
For more holiday inspiration, check out:
- 5 Genius Holiday Baking Shortcuts Every Home Cook Should Know
- Last-Minute Gifts for the Stylish Woman Over 50
- 10 Christmas Decor Pieces That Will Make Your Home the Envy of Every Guest
- The Nordstrom Fragrance Gift Guide
🎁 Holiday Gift Card Raffle — Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
To celebrate the season — and to thank you for being here — I’m hosting a Holiday Gift Card Raffle!
December’s prize:
✨ A $100 Amazon Gift Card ✨
How to enter:
Just leave a comment on today’s post and share what you loved about this post or what you love about SaaCA. Boom — you’re entered!
Winner announced:
📅 January 1
Tell us what you’d love to see on Fridays with Oscar — whether it’s a specific cocktail you’ve been dying to try or a recipe you’d love us to tackle, we’re all ears!
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