As the holiday season approaches, we all look forward to spending time with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and indulging in festive treats. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious beverage in hand? Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply cozying up by the fire, there's nothing quite like a well-crafted drink to get you in the spirit.
December is a time of year when we tend to indulge a little more than usual. Rich foods, decadent desserts, and of course, cocktails, all contribute to the festive atmosphere. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which drinks to serve. That's why we've put together a list of the best December cocktail recipes for you to try.
From classic eggnog to inventive twists on holiday favorites, these cocktails are sure to impress your guests and get you in the holiday spirit. So, grab your shaker and let's get mixing. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, boozy or non-alcoholic, there's a December cocktail out there for everyone. So, let's raise a glass to the most wonderful time of the year!
1. Winter Sea Breeze
Looking for a refreshing and festive cocktail to enjoy during the holiday season? Look no further than the Winter Sea Breeze. This tangy and crisp cocktail is perfect for any holiday gathering, with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint adding a festive touch. Made with vodka, grapefruit juice, tonic syrup, and soda water, this cocktail is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. So why not add a little sparkle to your holiday season with the Winter Sea Breeze?
2. Gilded Vanilla Pear Sparkler
The Gilded Vanilla Pear Sparkler is a luxurious and elegant cocktail perfect for ringing in the New Year. Made with 24 karat gold infused Christmas Gin, Italian vanilla liqueur, bright lemon juice, and a homemade vanilla pear syrup, this cocktail is creamy, fruity, and refined sugar-free. The Brut Prosecco adds a crisp and refreshing touch to this opulent winter cocktail. The pear fan and sparkler garnish make it a visually stunning drink that's sure to impress your guests. The Gilded Vanilla Pear Sparkler is a festive and glamorous way to toast to the end of a challenging year and welcome a brighter 2021.
3. Snowflake Chiller Cocktail
The Snowflake Chiller Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their typical holiday cocktails. Made with Pinnacle® Original Vodka, this cocktail is easy to make and absolutely delicious. The drink's presentation is also quite impressive, making it a great addition to any holiday party. The addition of rock candy sticks as "stir sticks" or a dollop of vanilla ice cream to make a cocktail float adds a fun twist to the drink. If you're looking for a way to impress your guests this holiday season, the Snowflake Chiller Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
4. Cherry Thyme Prosecco Cocktail
The Cherry Thyme Prosecco Cocktail is a sweet and refreshing drink that is perfect for the holiday season. It is made with cherry juice, thyme, and Prosecco, and the addition of lemon juice enhances the flavor. The cherry mixture can be made ahead of time, making it a great time-saver. It is a must-try for anyone who loves Prosecco cocktails.
5. Christmas Cookie Cocktail
The Christmas Cookie Cocktail is a sweet and delicious drink that features peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, and Irish cream. It tastes like a peppermint latte, only better. It's a great dessert cocktail or nightcap, perfect for sipping on Christmas Eve. The Candy Cane vodka is a great alternative to peppermint schnapps. This cocktail is best served cold and pairs well with chocolate cookies or candies.
6. Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail
The Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail is a perfect drink for those who love a little caffeine kick in their cocktails. This cocktail is made with Jackson Morgan's Salted Caramel Whiskey Cream, caramel sauce, coffee, and ice. The combination of salted caramel and coffee makes it a delicious drink that you can sip on all night long. The rim of the glass is decorated with corn syrup and white sanding sugar, giving it a festive look. This cocktail is perfect for a New Year's Eve party or any other winter gathering. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your next party, the Salted Caramel Iced Coffee Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
7. Rosemary Blackberry Limonata
The Rosemary Blackberry Limonata is a refreshing and colorful cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This vodka-based drink combines the tartness of lemon soda with the sweetness of blackberries and the earthiness of rosemary. The homemade rosemary blackberry syrup adds a unique flavor to the cocktail and makes it stand out from other holiday drinks. The garnish of a fresh sprig of rosemary and a couple of blackberries adds a touch of elegance to the cocktail. It's a perfect choice for those who want a break from traditional holiday beverages and crave something cool, fresh, and bright to reinvigorate their holiday cheer. Give it a try and experience the perfect balance of flavors in this delicious cocktail.
8. Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa
The Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa is a perfect addition to any winter gathering or holiday party. This cocktail is made with only three ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for those who want to impress their guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of vanilla and cranberry flavors creates a festive and refreshing taste that is sure to please everyone's palate. Whether you're looking for a signature cocktail for your holiday party or just want to enjoy a delicious drink on a cozy winter evening, the Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa is a must-try. So, grab your favorite glass and get ready to indulge in this delightful cocktail!
9. Christmas Mimosas
Looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail for your holiday party? Look no further than Christmas Mimosas! This fun twist on a classic mimosa combines champagne with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice for a delicious and refreshing drink that's perfect for celebrating the season. Garnish with frozen cranberries and lemon slices for a festive touch. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to enjoy a special drink at home, Christmas Mimosas are sure to be a hit. Check out our article for more delicious holiday cocktail recipes!
10. Pink Lemontini Champagne Cocktail
The Pink Lemontini Champagne Cocktail is a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is a combination of a lemontini turned pink with a dash of grenadine or maraschino cherry juice and topped off with champagne or prosecco. The sweetness of the lemontini mixture is balanced out by the less sweet bubbly drink, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail. This cocktail is easy to make for two or for a crowd, making it a great choice for any holiday party. If you're looking for a festive and delicious cocktail to serve this December, the Pink Lemontini Champagne Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
11. Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
The Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe is a delightful twist on the classic G&T that's perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail combines gin and tonic with a dash of elderflower liqueur, sloe gin, and Campari to create a drink with a pretty blush and a hint of fruit. The sloe gin and Campari add a warming hue to the drink, while the elderflower reminds us that summer will be back. This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights in with family or friends.
12. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink for the holiday season. The combination of sweet cranberry juice and smooth bourbon creates a balanced and delicious taste. The addition of rosemary sage simple syrup adds a fresh and seasonal flavor to the cocktail. This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for any special occasion, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive event. The cocktail can be served in a classic rocks glass or a pretty French-style wine glass. It's a great option for a party-friendly cocktail and can be made in advance and kept until ready to serve. The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious drink this holiday season.
13. Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria
The Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria is a warm and flavorful cocktail loaded with cranberry flavor and seasonal spices. Made with dry light-bodied red wine, brandy, cranberry juice, cranberries, orange slices, simple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and whole peppercorns, this sangria is cooked in a slow cooker for an hour to meld the flavors together. Garnished with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon, this libation looks as delicious as it tastes. Perfect for entertaining, this sangria is a simple way to serve a lot of folks. Try the Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria at your next gathering and impress your guests with its warm and comforting flavors.
14. Christmas Sangria
Looking for a festive and crowd-pleasing cocktail for your holiday party? Look no further than Christmas Sangria! Made with red wine, pure orange juice, orange slices, and pomegranate arils, this cocktail is both pretty and delicious. But what really sets it apart is the spiced simple syrup made with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, which adds a warming and cozy touch to the drink. And with the ability to make it in advance and serve a crowd, Christmas Sangria is the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. So why not give it a try and impress your guests with this delicious and festive cocktail?
15. Mistletoe Martini
The Mistletoe Martini is a refreshing and stimulating cocktail that blends the flavors of cranberry and elderflower. Unlike many other Christmas drinks, it is not overly sweet or heavy, making it a welcome alternative during the holiday season. The elderflower liqueur adds a unique and hard-to-describe flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries. The drink is garnished with cranberries, which add texture and a delightful pop of flavor. The overall taste is rich cranberry with hints of citrus, making it a simple and easygoing drink that most everyone will love. It's perfect for serving at holiday parties, and can be made in big batches to save time. If you're looking for a low maintenance cocktail that will impress your guests, the Mistletoe Martini is definitely worth trying.
16. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a festive and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is made with a cranberry simple syrup, quality bourbon, and a splash of bitters. The addition of cranberries gives it a unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The cocktail is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its beautiful red hue. It's a great choice for those who want to impress their guests with a signature cocktail during the holiday gatherings. So, if you're looking for a new cocktail to add to your December drink menu, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is definitely worth trying.
17. Candy Cane Martinis
The Candy Cane Martini is a must-try cocktail for the holiday season. This delicious drink is made with homemade peppermint vodka, giving it a unique and festive flavor. Whether you prefer a crisp or creamy martini, this recipe has got you covered. The creamy version is especially indulgent and perfect for sipping by the fireplace. The combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors in the Candy Cane Martini is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to serve at your next holiday party, the Candy Cane Martini is definitely worth a try.
18. Chai Whiskey Flip
The Chai Whiskey Flip is a luxurious and spiced cocktail that is perfect for the winter season. Made with Irish whiskey and a special chai syrup, this cocktail is equal parts sweet, creamy, and strong. The aromatic chai syrup adds warm baking spices and rich vanilla flavors that make it a perfect cozy drink for cold winter nights. This modern-style flip is served cold in a coupe and garnished with cinnamon. If you're looking for a cocktail that is both cozy and boozy, the Chai Whiskey Flip is definitely worth trying.
19. The Queen's Dubonnet Cocktail
The Queen's Dubonnet Cocktail is a classic drink that has been enjoyed by the Queen of England for years. Made with Dubonnet and Gin, this cocktail is perfect for a cozy night in with friends or family. Dubonnet is a sweet fortified wine aperitif that is infused with herbs and spices, giving it a unique flavor that is both sweet and bitter. The addition of gin adds a touch of sophistication to the drink, making it perfect for special occasions or a nightcap after a long day. Served with a lemon wedge and ice, this cocktail is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. If you're looking for a classic cocktail that is sure to impress, The Queen's Dubonnet Cocktail is a must-try.
20. French Kiss
The French Kiss is a simple and elegant sparkling cocktail made with bubbly and a splash of Chambord, a raspberry-flavored liqueur. The name is inspired by the French origins of Chambord and the way it "kisses" the bubbly. It's perfect for any special occasion and has just the right amount of sweetness. The addition of Chambord gives it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other sparkling cocktails.
21. Blackberry Honey Bourbon Smash
The Blackberry Honey Bourbon Smash is a perfect cocktail for the holiday season. The combination of sweet honey and warming vanilla flavors of bourbon with juicy blackberries creates a well-balanced taste. The addition of a splash of fresh lemon adds a refreshing touch to the cocktail. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only four ingredients, making it a great choice for entertaining or casual cocktails. The garnish of a sprig of thyme adds a fancy touch to the cocktail. Overall, the Blackberry Honey Bourbon Smash is a must-try cocktail for those who enjoy a fruity and comforting drink during the winter season.
22. Earl Grey Tea Cocktail
The Earl Grey Tea Cocktail is a refreshing and energizing drink made with gin, earl grey tea, lavender, lemon, and honey simple syrup. The tea is named after the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 1830s, who requested a special blend of tea to be created just for him. The cocktail is easy to make and has a mild, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with gin. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a "healthy" cocktail option, as it's rich in antioxidants and may even help your body detoxify from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
23. Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail
The Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail is a delightful addition to any holiday party. Made with cranberries and orange liqueur, this cocktail is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. The cranberries add a festive touch and the bubbles from the sparkling wine make it feel extra special. It's a great option for those who want something a little different than traditional holiday drinks. So, if you're looking for a unique and tasty cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail is definitely worth a try!
24. Brown Derby Cocktail
If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a twist to add to your December drink list, the Brown Derby Cocktail might be just what you need. This bourbon-based cocktail features a delicious blend of grapefruit and honey, giving it a unique flavor profile that's both tart and sweet. The simplicity of the recipe means that you won't need any hard-to-find ingredients, making it a great choice for any home bartender. The Brown Derby Cocktail is a timeless classic that's perfect for sipping on a cozy winter evening.
25. Candy Cane Martini
The Candy Cane Martini is a festive and fun cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This delicious drink blends the flavors of mint and raspberry, with a candy cane garnish that adds a touch of sweetness. The recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you choose to rim your glass with crushed candy canes or opt for a sugar or chocolate rim, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests. The Candy Cane Martini is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and festive December cocktail.
26. White Chocolate Mudslides
Looking for a festive and indulgent cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the White Chocolate Mudslide! This drink is a delicious twist on a classic mudslide, made even more decadent with the addition of melted white chocolate. Served in a martini glass or a cozy mug, this creamy and sweet cocktail is sure to be a hit with your guests. Perfect for sipping by the fire or enjoying with a plate of holiday cookies, the White Chocolate Mudslide is a must-try cocktail this December.
