Kosher Cocktails for Purim

The Jewish holiday of Purim calls for kosher cocktails. On Purim we celebrate the Book of Esther, and drinking is actually encouraged. What better way to celebrate this Talmudic tradition than with a tasty kosher cocktail?

Why Do Jewish People Drink on Purim?

Not every Jewish person drinks on the Purim holiday. Those who do indulge in kosher spirits based on a Talmudic interpretation of the Torah.The scroll of Esther concludes with an instruction from Mordechai to celebrate Purim as a time of “yemei mishteh v’simchah,” or “days of drinking and rejoicing” (Esther 9:22). The Talmud interprets this as a command to drink until you cannot tell the difference between the Hebrew phrases “arur Haman” (curse Haman) and “barukh Mordechai” (bless Mordechai).

Different rabbinic authorities interpret this Talmudic command to drink on Purim in various ways, so please don’t take my word for it– seek advice from a trusted halakhic authority before indulging. Furthermore, if you are avoiding alcohol for any reason, don’t let Purim steer you from that path. There are many good reasons to avoid indulging in cocktails (even kosher ones!). If you don’t drink, try one of these mocktail recipes (or recipe variations) instead.

In my family, we look at the Purim holiday as a chance to kick up our heels and have fun. We honor Esther’s inspiring story by toasting with a tasty cocktail. To help you celebrate, I’ve put together a tasty list of kosher cocktails for your Purim party below.

How Do You Make a Kosher Cocktail?

The liquors, mixers, and ingredients you use must be kosher certified. To find kosher certified brands, you can search the OU kosher database, or check your bottle for a kosher hechsher symbol.

I’ve provided links to some of my favorite kosher cocktail recipes below. These cocktails can obviously be made using any brands you like. For those wishing to imbibe kosher-style, I’ve provided a list of kosher-certified brands at the end of each recipe as a helpful guide. All of the brands listed are kosher certified when they bear a hechsher symbol. These aren’t the only kosher brands, obviously—they just happen to be kosher brands I’ve used. When in doubt, always look for the hechsher to ensure that your products are kosher.

I’ve also included some mocktails and a non-alcoholic punch in the list below for kids and others who choose not to drink.

Finally, I’ve provided instructions for how to make a citrus lemon or lime twist, which can be used to garnish your drinks and cocktails.

How Do You Measure Liquor for Cocktails?

The measuring device above is called a “jigger;” it measures fluid ounces or “shots.” If you don’t have a cocktail jigger to help you measure, here’s a rough conversion guide:

¼ oz = ½ tbsp
½ oz = 1 tbsp
1 oz = 2 tbsp

Please drink responsibly. Have a fabulous Purim! Chag sameach, bete’avon!

KOSHER COCKTAILS AND PURIM BEVERAGES

Pomegranate Martini

Looking for a delicious and symbolic beverage for your Purim celebration? This Pomegranate Martini has become my signature cocktail. Pomegranates are mentioned several times throughout the Torah. The beautiful and delicious pomegranate fruit is said to have decorated the pillars of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. I can think of no better way to toast the holiday of Purim. Includes alcohol-free mocktail option.

Pomegranate Martini Recipe

The Purim Pucker – Lemon Mint Cocktail

This aromatic lemon-mint cocktail has rum added for a kick. It's light, cool, citrusy and refreshing—perfect for a spring Purim cocktail celebration.

Lemon Mint Cocktail Recipe

The Razzle Dazzle – Raspberry Moscato Cocktail

This raspberry Moscato cocktail is a pretty, delicate libation. This fizzy pink drink will brighten up any Purim celebration. It is light enough for a daytime soiree, but also festive enough for lighting up a nighttime Purim party.

Moscato Cocktail Recipe

Cucumber Martini

A crisp, aromatic and delicious blend of cucumber, lime juice, dry vermouth, gin, homemade ginger agave syrup, and basil. This cocktail is lightly sweet and unexpectedly refreshing.

Cucumber Martini Recipe

Cosmo Cocktail – Cranberry Vodka Cosmopolitan

A cranberry cosmopolitan made with kosher ingredients. This sophisticated kosher martini is always a crowd pleaser. Using sweetened lime juice will make the drink sweeter; fresh lime juice gives a crisp tartness for those who prefer a less sugary drink.

Cosmo Cocktail Recipe

Watermelon Rum Cocktail

This refreshingly sweet cocktail comes straight from the shores of Jaffa, Israel. With blended fresh watermelon, rum, and lime juice, it's an exquisitely balanced beverage — and it includes an equally tempting alcohol-free variation.

Watermelon Rum Cocktail Recipe

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

This scrumptious ice cream cocktail tastes just like an orange popsicle with creamy vanilla ice cream inside. The flavor will take you right back to childhood! This drink can be made dairy free and gluten free.

Orange Creamsicle Cocktail

Blood Orange Cocktail with Rosemary

The delicious seasonal kosher cocktail is made with fresh blood orange juice, vodka, rosemary simple syrup, and soda water. Easy mocktail variation included for non-drinkers.

Blood Orange Cocktail

The Bull – Beer Cocktail with Vodka, Rum and Grenadine

Chef Katsuji Tanabe learned this cocktail from his grandfather in Mexico; the recipe has been in his family for years. It’s served over ice, which makes it particularly light and refreshing.

Beer Cocktail Recipe

Blood Orange Manischewitz Cocktail

What could be more perfect for a Jewish holiday celebration than a Manischewitz cocktail? This tasty cocktail recipe features blood orange juice and reduced Manischewitz wine. It's also kosher for Passover!

Manischewitz Cocktail Recipe

Lemon Vanilla Vodka Cocktail

This vodka cocktail made with lemon and vanilla has a creamy, lemony flavor. It reminds me of luscious lemon frosting on a white cake. A touch of vanilla adds a lovely flavor and aroma.

Lemon Vanilla Vodka Cocktail Recipe

Strawberry Basil Cocktail

This scrumptious strawberry basil martini is sweet, seasonal, and beautiful. Use strawberry syrup and learn how to make infused vodka to bring a homemade touch to this delicious cocktail.

Strawberry Basil Cocktail Recipe

Purim Party Punch for Kids

Not everybody can drink on Purim. This kid-friendly Purim Party Punch is free of alcohol, juicy and delicious.

Party Punch for Kids

How to Make a Lemon or Lime Twist

Learn to make a citrus twist using lemon or lime peel to garnish your drinks.

How to Make a Citrus Twist