It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for sipping festive cocktails! As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like gathering with loved ones and sharing in the joy of the season. And what better way to do that than with a deliciously crafted cocktail?
Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering at home or attending a friend’s holiday party, we’ve got you covered with our 20 festive holiday cocktail recipes. From classic cocktails with a twist to innovative concoctions featuring seasonal flavors, these drinks are sure to make your holiday celebrations merry and bright.
Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule
Elevate your cocktail game with this festive Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule! This refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines the warmth of spices with the tartness of cranberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Slice of lime for garnish
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
– Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, ginger beer, cranberries, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of lime and fresh thyme leaves.
5. Sprinkle ground spices (if using) on top for added flavor.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 2 minutes.
Peppermint White Russian
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique take on the classic White Russian, infused with the invigorating flavor of peppermint. Perfect for those who love minty freshness and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz peppermint syrup (or to taste)
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add peppermint syrup to taste (start with 1/4 oz and adjust).
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Enjoy your refreshing Peppermint White Russian!
Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg
A classic cocktail gets a warm and cozy twist with the addition of nutmeg, perfect for sipping on a chilly winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz eggnog
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Ice
– Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, eggnog, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top of the mixture.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
This recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread with the classic flavors of an old fashioned cocktail. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Gingerbread cookies or crumbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a few crushed gingerbread cookies or crumbs.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking one!
Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon
Warm up with a classic winter cocktail: Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon! This comforting drink combines the rich flavors of butter and cinnamon with the warmth of rum, perfect for chilly nights by the fire or as a pick-me-up on a cold morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (250ml) hot water
– Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for topping
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Pour in the rum and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the hot water and stir to combine.
5. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pomegranate Champagne Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing and fruity punch, perfect for holiday parties or special occasions. The combination of pomegranate juice, champagne, and a hint of citrus creates a delightful and bubbly drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pomegranate juice
– 1 cup champagne (or sparkling wine)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine pomegranate juice, champagne, and orange juice.
2. Stir in the honey syrup until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir well and adjust sweetness to taste.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with slices of citrus fruits.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe.
Candy Cane Martini
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive Candy Cane Martini, featuring peppermint schnapps and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 3-4 drops green food coloring (optional)
– Crushed candy cane, for garnish
– Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a martini glass.
5. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to give the drink a festive hue.
6. Garnish with crushed candy cane and a fresh mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None required! Just chill and serve.
Mulled Wine with Citrus and Cloves
Warm Up with Mulled Wine: Citrus and Cloves Edition
Mulled wine is a classic winter warmer that’s perfect for cozying up by the fire or sharing with friends on a chilly night. This recipe adds a burst of citrusy freshness and warm spice to the traditional mulled wine formula.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 2 cups of water
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cloves
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine and water.
2. Add the sliced orange, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let mulled wine warm for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, stir in the lemon slices, sugar, and grated ginger.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional citrus slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
This autumnal cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the crisp sweetness of apple cider, making it perfect for cozying up on a chilly fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– Ice
– Sliced apples for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add a handful of rosemary sprigs to the shaker and muddle (gently press) them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavors.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with sliced apples and additional rosemary sprigs, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
This festive cocktail combines rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors, perfect for the holiday season. With its velvety texture and invigorating twist, it’s sure to become your new favorite martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 1 ounce vodka
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine liqueur, vodka, and schnapps.
2. Add heavy cream and stir until chilled.
3. Sprinkle cocoa powder on the rim of a martini glass.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready to serve)
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Martini!
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Brighten up your brunch with this festive twist on the classic mimosa! This Cranberry Orange Mimosa combines the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of orange juice for a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup champagne
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup cranberry juice
– 1 tablespoon triple sec (or orange liqueur)
– Slices of orange, for garnish
– Fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute with ice.
2. Pour in the champagne, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Add the orange juice and cranberry juice, stirring gently to combine.
4. Add the triple sec (or orange liqueur) and stir again.
5. Garnish with slices of orange and fresh or frozen cranberries.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Spiked Eggnog Latte
Warm up with a creamy and indulgent Spiked Eggnog Latte, perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines rich eggnog, espresso, and a hint of rum for a grown-up twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
– 2 shots of strong brewed coffee or espresso
– 1 cup of eggnog
– 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 ounce of dark rum (or to taste)
– Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew two shots of strong coffee or espresso.
2. In a large mug, combine the brewed coffee, eggnog, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the dark rum and stir gently to combine.
4. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness as needed.
5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Holiday Sangria with Pears and Cinnamon
Celebrate the holiday season with a warm and comforting sangria infused with sweet pears and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 orange, sliced
– 10-12 cranberries
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, sliced pears, granulated sugar, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Add the sliced orange and cranberries to the pitcher.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional cinnamon sticks if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Toasted Coconut Snowball Cocktail
Toasted Coconut Snowball Cocktail: A tropical twist on the classic snowball cocktail, this recipe combines coconut rum, pineapple juice, and toasted coconut flakes for a creamy and refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces coconut rum
– 4 ounces pineapple juice
– 1 ounce heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the coconut rum, pineapple juice, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the cocktail.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry half.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Caramel Apple Hot Toddy
Warm up with a sweet and spicy drink that combines the flavors of caramel, apples, and bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 shots bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup caramel syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a mug or heat-proof glass, combine bourbon whiskey and apple cider.
2. Add caramel syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the drink.
4. If desired, add a lemon wedge for garnish.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (simply mix and serve)
Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with this refreshing twist on traditional hot chocolate, featuring the invigorating flavors of peppermint and chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or nonfat)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the warmed milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until hot and frothy.
5. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Kick off the holiday season with this delightful combination of rich espresso, spicy gingerbread liqueur, and velvety cream. This festive martini is perfect for serving at your next holiday party or enjoying as a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce gingerbread liqueur
– 1/2 ounce espresso
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, gingerbread liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz, perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick weeknight pick-me-up. This fizzy drink combines the tartness of cranberries with the crispness of gin and a splash of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 oz cranberry juice
– 3 oz sparkling water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh rosemary or thyme sprig, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with cranberry juice and sparkling water.
6. Stir briefly to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel and, if desired, a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this autumn-inspired Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail. The combination of warm spices, sweet pear puree, and bubbly Prosecco creates a delightful and refreshing drink perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Prosecco
– 1/2 cup pear puree (canned or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Sliced fresh pears for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the pear puree, honey syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Prosecco and stir gently.
6. Garnish with sliced fresh pears.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Winter Spice Margarita
As the winter season approaches, warm up with a twist on the classic margarita – infused with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave nectar
– 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz nutmeg syrup (see note)
– 1/8 oz cardamom simple syrup (see note)
– Salt for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, cinnamon syrup, nutmeg syrup, and cardamom simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Note: To make syrups, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add spices (cinnamon stick, nutmeg, or ground cardamom). Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and storing in the refrigerator.
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 festive holiday cocktail recipes! From classic wintertime favorites like Mulled Wine and Hot Buttered Rum, to creative twists on traditional drinks like Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule and Peppermint White Russian, there’s something for everyone. Impress your guests with unique concoctions like Gingerbread Old Fashioned and Caramel Apple Hot Toddy, or keep it simple with refreshing drinks like Pomegranate Champagne Punch and Sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz. Whatever the occasion, these holiday cocktails are sure to make your celebrations merry and bright!
