The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive drinks that bring warmth, joy, and a touch of cheer to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a lively cocktail party, holiday cocktails are a great way to add a little sparkle to the occasion.
From classic favorites like eggnog and mulled wine to modern twists like cranberry Moscow mules and peppermint martinis, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The best part? You can easily tailor these drinks to suit your taste and dietary preferences, with plenty of non-alcoholic mocktail options available.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of delicious holiday cocktail recipes, share tips on garnishing and presentation, and offer ideas for hosting the perfect holiday cocktail party. So, grab your favorite spirits and get ready to raise a glass to the season of celebration and good company. Let the festivities begin!
Holiday Cocktails
1. Classic Eggnog
Eggnog is a beloved holiday classic that brings warmth and comfort to any festive gathering. Traditionally made with a blend of eggs, milk, cream, and sugar, this rich and creamy drink is often spiced with nutmeg and vanilla.
While it’s delicious on its own, it’s commonly served with rum, brandy, or bourbon to give it an extra kick. Some versions include whipped cream for an even richer texture. The combination of sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors makes eggnog a favorite during the holiday season.
Whether served hot or chilled, it brings nostalgia and cheer to the table, especially when topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. The drink’s origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, but it’s now an iconic part of Christmas and New Year’s festivities.
2. Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is the perfect drink to sip on a cold winter night. This warm cocktail combines dark rum, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a cozy and indulgent experience. The butter adds richness, while the sugar balances out the spices, resulting in a smooth and comforting drink.
Typically served in a mug, Hot Buttered Rum is a favorite at holiday parties, especially when paired with the crackling sounds of a fireplace. It’s easy to customize by adjusting the sweetness or spice level to personal preference.
With its warm, spiced aroma and smooth flavor, this drink captures the essence of the holiday season, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to unwind after a day of winter activities.
3. Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is a warm, aromatic drink that encapsulates the spirit of the holidays with its cozy flavors. This comforting beverage is typically made by heating red wine with a mix of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.
The result is a rich, spiced drink that fills the room with a festive aroma. Often sweetened with sugar or honey, it can be made to suit various tastes. Mulled Wine has a long history, dating back to the Roman Empire, where it was used for its medicinal properties.
Today, it’s a staple during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in many European countries. Perfect for a holiday gathering, mulled wine pairs wonderfully with seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and roasted nuts.
4. Peppermint Martini
A Peppermint Martini is a delightful holiday twist on the classic cocktail, combining the refreshing taste of peppermint with the smoothness of vodka. This festive drink typically includes vodka, peppermint schnapps, and a splash of cream, creating a creamy, minty experience.
To garnish, crushed candy canes are often used to add a touch of sweetness and a holiday flair. The cocktail is not only delicious but also visually striking with its frosty appearance. The peppermint flavor makes it an ideal choice for holiday parties, offering a refreshing and festive alternative to traditional martinis.
Whether you’re hosting friends or attending a holiday bash, the Peppermint Martini is sure to be a hit, adding a fun and festive touch to the occasion.
5. Cranberry Margarita
The Cranberry Margarita is a holiday spin on the classic margarita, blending the tartness of cranberry with the zesty flavors of tequila and lime. This cocktail brings a refreshing and festive twist to any holiday celebration.
It’s made by mixing tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, which gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. To enhance the holiday feel, the rim of the glass is often dipped in sugar or salt, and fresh cranberries can be used as garnish.
The bright red color and citrusy zing make this drink a great choice for holiday gatherings, adding a splash of color and flavor to your festive spread. It’s a perfect balance of the familiar margarita taste and the seasonal cranberry twist.
6. Holiday Punch
Holiday Punch is a festive and flavorful drink that can be served in large batches, making it perfect for gatherings. This versatile cocktail typically includes rum or vodka, mixed with fruit juices such as cranberry, pineapple, and orange juice, along with a splash of soda or ginger ale for a refreshing fizz.
The beauty of Holiday Punch lies in its flexibility—it can be made both alcoholic or non-alcoholic, catering to all guests. Garnished with fresh fruits like slices of citrus, cranberries, or even sprigs of mint, it adds a vibrant, colorful touch to any table.
Whether served chilled or over ice, Holiday Punch is an ideal choice for holiday parties, offering a refreshing, tropical twist that complements the rich flavors of other holiday drinks.
7. Spiked Apple Cider
Spiked Apple Cider is a quintessential fall and winter drink that perfectly captures the flavors of the season. This warm cocktail combines apple cider with dark rum or bourbon, creating a cozy and comforting beverage ideal for chilly nights.
The sweetness of the cider is balanced by the warmth of the alcohol, and spices like cinnamon and cloves add a delicious depth of flavor. Spiked Apple Cider is often served hot, making it the perfect drink for sipping by the fireplace or at a festive holiday gathering.
To enhance the presentation, serve it with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice for a festive touch. This cocktail is both soothing and flavorful, making it a popular choice during the holiday season.
8. White Christmas Mojito
The White Christmas Mojito is a holiday variation of the classic mojito, combining refreshing flavors with festive twists. Instead of the usual lime and mint, this cocktail incorporates coconut milk for a creamy texture, along with rum and a splash of lime juice.
The coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the rum, giving the drink a tropical feel, while fresh mint adds a touch of brightness. White Christmas Mojitos are often served over crushed ice, making them a cool and refreshing option for holiday celebrations.
The creamy coconut element adds an extra layer of indulgence, while the mint ensures a crisp finish. This cocktail is perfect for those looking to try something different from the usual holiday drinks while still keeping the festive spirit alive.
9. Poinsettia
The Poinsettia is a sparkling and elegant holiday cocktail that pairs cranberry juice with the light effervescence of champagne. This simple yet flavorful drink is made by combining cranberry juice, Cointreau, and champagne or sparkling wine.
The result is a light, refreshing, and slightly tart drink that’s perfect for toasting at holiday parties. The drink’s vibrant red color makes it visually appealing, adding a touch of festivity to any occasion.
The Poinsettia is often garnished with fresh cranberries or a twist of orange peel to enhance its citrusy flavor. Whether served at a Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve celebration, or holiday gathering, the Poinsettia offers a celebratory and stylish way to enjoy the season.
10. Gingerbread Martini
The Gingerbread Martini is a delicious holiday cocktail that brings the comforting flavors of gingerbread cookies to life in liquid form. Made with vodka, Kahlua, gingerbread syrup, and cream, this drink is rich, sweet, and warming.
The gingerbread syrup gives it a spiced flavor, while the cream adds a smooth, velvety texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top can enhance the festive feel.
The drink is perfect for those who enjoy the cozy, aromatic flavors of gingerbread during the holidays but want something a little stronger than cookies. It’s a wonderful way to indulge in holiday flavors while sipping something sophisticated and fun.
11. Winter Sangria
Winter Sangria is a festive twist on the classic sangria, incorporating seasonal ingredients like cranberries, oranges, and spices to create a warm and aromatic drink. Red wine forms the base of the cocktail, which is enhanced by the addition of brandy, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
The result is a rich and flavorful sangria that’s perfect for cold winter evenings. Unlike traditional sangria, which is typically served chilled, Winter Sangria is often served at room temperature or heated for a cozy, mulled effect.
This drink is great for holiday gatherings, as it’s easy to prepare in large batches, and its vibrant flavors make it a standout on any holiday table.
12. Christmas Mule
The Christmas Mule is a holiday variation of the classic Moscow Mule, adding festive flavors to the popular cocktail. Typically made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, the Christmas Mule adds cranberry juice for a tart, sweet kick and a vibrant red hue.
The drink is served in the traditional copper mug, making it both visually striking and refreshing. Garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint, the Christmas Mule is as festive in appearance as it is in taste.
This cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a crisp, refreshing taste that balances the heat of ginger beer with the sweetness of cranberry. It’s a fun, festive drink that’s sure to be a hit.
13. Hot Toddy
A Hot Toddy is a comforting and soothing drink that’s perfect for cold winter nights. Traditionally made with whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water, this cocktail is known for its warming properties and is often consumed when feeling under the weather.
The combination of whiskey and honey provides warmth, while the lemon juice adds a tangy kick, making it both soothing and refreshing. Many variations of the Hot Toddy exist, with some people adding spices like cinnamon or cloves to enhance the flavor.
It’s a great drink to enjoy while cozying up by the fire or unwinding after a long day of winter activities. Its nostalgic warmth and simplicity make it a timeless holiday favorite.
14. Candy Cane Cocktail
The Candy Cane Cocktail is a fun, festive drink that brings the classic flavor of peppermint candy canes into a delicious adult beverage.
Typically made with vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao, this cocktail combines the cool, refreshing taste of mint with the sweetness of chocolate. The drink is often garnished with a crushed candy cane rim or a whole candy cane, making it both visually festive and flavorful.
The Candy Cane Cocktail is perfect for holiday parties, offering a fun and playful twist on traditional holiday drinks. Whether served chilled or over ice, it’s a sweet, minty treat that captures the holiday spirit in every sip.
15. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a warm, comforting cocktail that’s perfect for chilly nights and holiday mornings. Made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream, it’s a delightful blend of rich, bold coffee and smooth whiskey.
The sugar helps to balance the bitterness of the coffee, while the whipped cream adds a creamy finish. Irish Coffee is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or as a pick-me-up during festive holiday brunches.
It’s simple to make, but its rich, indulgent flavors make it a holiday favorite. The combination of coffee and whiskey is sure to warm you up, while the whipped cream makes it feel like a special treat.
Conclusion
This holiday season, let your creativity shine with festive cocktails that bring warmth and joy to every celebration. Whether you’re crafting a classic drink or experimenting with new flavors, these holiday recipes are sure to impress your guests.
Don’t forget to have fun with garnishes, glassware, and presentation to make each drink feel extra special. Cheers to good times, great company, and unforgettable memories. Wishing you a joyful and festive holiday season filled with delicious drinks and happy moments!
FAQs
Yes! Many holiday cocktails, like mulled wine or sangria, can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to leave out ingredients like soda or sparkling wine until right before serving.
Absolutely! There are plenty of festive mocktails like spiced apple cider punch and pomegranate spritz that everyone can enjoy.
Simple options include a cranberry Moscow mule, a spiced hot toddy, or a peppermint martini. These drinks require only a few ingredients and are easy to prepare.