The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to start planning the perfect celebration. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to unwind after a long day of shopping, a delicious holiday cocktail can set the mood and bring people together.
But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide what to serve. That's why we've put together a list of the best holiday drink recipes to help you impress your guests and get into the spirit of the season.
From warm and cozy drinks to refreshing and bubbly cocktails, there's something for everyone on this list. We've scoured the internet and tested countless recipes to bring you only the best of the best.
You'll find classic drinks with a twist, as well as new and innovative concoctions that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. And don't worry if you're not a seasoned mixologist – these recipes are easy to follow and require only a few simple ingredients.
But what makes a great holiday cocktail, anyway? For us, it's all about balance. A good drink should have a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors that work together harmoniously.
It should also be visually appealing, with festive garnishes and colors that evoke the spirit of the season. And of course, it should be delicious – something that you and your guests will want to savor and enjoy.
So without further ado, let's dive into our list of the best holiday cocktail recipes.
Whether you're looking for a cozy night in by the fire or a festive gathering with friends and family, these drinks are sure to add some cheer to your holiday season.
1. Winter Sea Breeze
If you're looking for a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail, the Winter Sea Breeze is a must-try. This tangy and crisp drink is perfect for any holiday party or last-minute soiree. With the addition of pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint, the Winter Sea Breeze has a festive Christmas feel that will leave your guests feeling merry and bright.
Made with vodka, grapefruit juice, tonic syrup, and soda water, this cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests. So, if you're looking for a delicious and festive cocktail to serve this holiday season, be sure to add the Winter Sea Breeze to your list.
2. Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
The Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a mix of vodka, St. Germain, and freshly squeezed winter citrus juice, this cocktail is topped with bubbly ginger beer and garnished with pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch.
The citrus flavors are balanced perfectly with the sweetness of the elderflower liquor and the spiciness of the ginger beer. This cocktail is easy to make and can be served in a pitcher for a crowd or as a late night night-cap on Christmas Eve. It's a great addition to any holiday party and is sure to impress your guests.
3. Sparkling Winter Berry Holiday Cocktail
The Sparkling Winter Berry Holiday Cocktail is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that's perfect for any holiday party. Bursting with wintery flavors, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its stunning appearance and delicious taste. What's great about this cocktail is that it can be made with or without alcohol, making it a perfect fit for any guest at your party.
The recipe is simple and can be made in less than 10 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Overall, the Sparkling Winter Berry Holiday Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious drink to serve at their holiday party.
4. Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer
Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer is a festive and delicious holiday cocktail with hints of cranberry, orange juice, ginger ale, and vodka. It's topped off with a sprig of rosemary and cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
This easy-to-make cocktail can be made into a kid-friendly mocktail and is perfect for sipping while you decorate the tree or serve to friends at the annual Christmas party.
5. Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
The Pomegranate Ginger Paloma is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. This drink is a twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, with the addition of sweet pomegranate and spicy ginger beer. The simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while the tequila gives it a bit of a kick.
The ginger beer adds a unique flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is easy to make and can be served in a large batch for holiday parties. The Pomegranate Ginger Paloma is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and festive cocktail this holiday season.
6. Holiday Mistletoe Margarita
The Holiday Mistletoe Margarita is a festive and delicious cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. With its vibrant red coloring, this margarita is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The addition of cranberry gives the cocktail a nice tart flavor that perfectly complements the classic margarita ingredients.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be customized to your liking, with the option to substitute vodka for tequila and triple sec for a holiday martini twist. It's a great drink to serve at holiday parties or to enjoy on a cozy night in. If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to add to your holiday drink list, the Holiday Mistletoe Margarita is definitely worth trying.
7. Jack Frost Cocktail
The Jack Frost Cocktail is a tropical and festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with vodka (or light rum), pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and blue curacao, this cocktail is sweet and refreshing with a hint of Christmas cheer.
The rim of the glass is coated with coconut and corn syrup, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the drink. This cocktail can be served on the rocks or as a martini, making it versatile for any occasion. If you're looking for a unique and delicious holiday cocktail, the Jack Frost Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
8. Jingle Bell Cranberry Paloma
If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season, the Jingle Bell Cranberry Paloma is definitely worth trying. This cocktail is a sweet and spicy mix of silver tequila, leftover cranberry sauce or jam, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and ginger beer. It's a perfect combination of flavors that will leave you feeling warm and cozy on a cold winter night.
The sugared cranberries add a nice touch of sparkle to the drink, making it extra pretty and perfect for any holiday party. What's great about this cocktail is that it's quick to make, but still looks impressive and tastes delicious. If you're a fan of tequila-based cocktails, this one should definitely be on your list to try this holiday season.
9. White Christmas Martini
The White Christmas Martini is a creamy and chocolaty cocktail that tastes like an adults-only white chocolate milkshake in a martini glass.
It's made with a vodka base and white chocolate liqueur, giving it a smooth and rich taste. The cocktail is garnished with a sparkly sugared rim, making it a great choice for holiday parties or cozy winter nights.
10. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for the holiday season. This cozy drink is made with homemade spiced chai simple syrup, high-quality bourbon, winter citrus, a hint of vanilla, and fizzy sparkling water. The syrup is the heart of the cocktail, providing all the flavors you love from chai tea, sweetened with maple, and spiked with hints of vanilla.
The result is a warming and delicious drink that's perfect for cold nights. It's not too sweet, not too heavy on the bourbon, but just right. This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser and will surely impress your guests. Make sure to add this to your list of holiday cocktails to try this season!
11. Blood Orange Champagne Mule
The Blood Orange Champagne Mule is a festive and colorful cocktail perfect for ringing in the New Year. This twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines the flavors of blood orange juice, lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer, topped off with a splash of champagne.
The addition of blood oranges adds a beautiful red hue to the drink, making it a visually stunning choice for your holiday party. While the recipe is simple, the flavors are complex and delicious, making this cocktail a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking for a fun and easy cocktail to impress your guests, the Blood Orange Champagne Mule is definitely worth a try.
12. Festive Christmas Margarita
The Festive Christmas Margarita is a colorful and delicious twist on the classic margarita. It includes tart cranberry or pomegranate juice and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Adding fizz with diet tonic or club soda is a fun option.
The garnishing options are endless, making it a perfect addition to any holiday party. It can be made in large batches for self-serving. Overall, it's a must-try holiday cocktail that is sure to impress your guests and put them in a festive mood.
13. Eggnog Holiday Cocktail
The Eggnog Holiday Cocktail is a creamy and frothy twist on classic eggnog, with a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It can be made with a variety of spirits, from vodka to bourbon to rum, each creating its own unique flavor. Even if you're not a fan of eggnog, this cocktail is worth trying for a little extra holiday cheer.
14. Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It's made with vodka, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, jalapeños, and ginger beer.
The minted sugar-rimmed glass adds a festive touch, and the pomegranate arils provide a pop of color. It's easy to make and can be served as a punch for larger gatherings. The Grinch cocktail is perfect for those who love a little bit of spice in their drinks.
15. Jack Frost Winter Cocktail
The Jack Frost Winter Cocktail is a perfect addition to any holiday party. It's a sweet and tropical drink that will transport you to a warm beach, even in the middle of winter. The blue curacao and shredded coconut give it a fun and festive look that will impress your guests.
If you're a fan of piña coladas, you'll love this drink. It's easy to make and will be a hit with anyone who loves coconut. Sip on this delicious cocktail alongside some coconut macaroons or easy sugar cookies for the ultimate holiday treat. Don't miss out on this fun and delicious drink!
16. Cranberry Mojito Punch
The Cranberry Mojito Punch is a refreshing and festive cocktail that combines the classic flavors of a mojito with the tartness of fresh cranberries.
The addition of lime seltzer adds a bubbly touch that will leave your guests feeling refreshed and satisfied. The sugared cranberries and rosemary garnish add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the drink, making it a showstopper at any party.
17. Holly Jolly Christmas Punch
The Holly Jolly Christmas Punch is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This tequila-based punch is surprisingly flavorful and will please the palate of everyone who tries it. The recipe is simple, with just a few ingredients that are easily found at any grocery store. The punch is served in a large bowl with ice and garnished with cranberries, pomegranate arils, and lime slices.
The large ice cubes make the punch look beautiful and festive. This punch is perfect for holiday dinners or Christmas parties where you want to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. Overall, the Holly Jolly Christmas Punch is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a festive and delicious drink this holiday season.
18. Cranberry Pear Martinis
Looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than the Cranberry Pear Martini. This sophisticated and delicious cocktail is perfect for any holiday gathering, and its beautiful color and sugared rim make it a true showstopper.
Made with high-quality vodka, cranberry juice, and pear nectar, this martini is both sweet and tart, with just the right amount of kick. And best of all, it takes just five minutes to make, so you can spend more time mingling with your guests and less time behind the bar. So why not add the Cranberry Pear Martini to your holiday cocktail lineup this year? Your guests will thank you.
19. Wassail
Wassail is a classic mulled holiday drink that is perfect for the winter season. This sweet and spicy drink is made with a combination of fruit juices and warming spices, and can be served as a mocktail or with alcohol.
The aroma of this cider-based drink fills the air with irresistible, homey smells, making it the perfect big batch drink for Christmas Eve or any holiday party. The secret ingredient in this recipe is red hots, which not only add a cinnamon taste but also create a beautiful pink hue. This easy-to-make cocktail is a holiday winner that will warm your heart and soul.
20. Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail
The Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail is a refreshing and festive twist on the classic mojito. The combination of fresh mint, lime, vodka, and pomegranate juice creates a delicious and bright drink that is perfect for the holiday season.
The addition of club soda gives it a nice bubbly touch, while the garnish of fresh mint and pomegranate arils adds an extra festive touch. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make holiday cocktail, the Pomegranate Mojito is a must-try.
21. Raspberry Vodka Chambord Cosmopolitan
The Raspberry Vodka Chambord Cosmopolitan is a festive and delicious cocktail that is perfect for any holiday gathering or celebration. This sweet and tart cocktail features homemade raspberry vodka, orange liqueur, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice.
The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and flavorful drink that is sure to impress your guests. The beautiful ruby red color of the cocktail makes it a stunning addition to any bar or table setting. If you're looking for a signature holiday drink that is both easy to make and delicious, the Raspberry Vodka Chambord Cosmopolitan is definitely worth trying.
22. Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail
The Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail is a perfect addition to your holiday party. Made with Empress Gin and Elderflower Liqueur, this cocktail is elegant and sparkly, with delicate citrus flavors that make it a great pairing for traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
When mixed with tonic water or citrus, it transforms from vivid indigo to a delicate soft violet pink, making it a beautiful work of art in a glass.
23. Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch
The Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch is a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. This cocktail is a combination of apple vodka, sparkling white Champagne, and two types of apple cider, infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg for a spicy kick.
The flavor is an explosion of apple with every sip, making it perfect for the holiday season. The presentation is also key, with festive garnishes and sparklers to add a little wow factor. If you're looking for a delicious and easy holiday punch recipe, the Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch is definitely worth trying.
24. Cranberry Moscow Mule
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a perfect drink for holiday entertaining. It's a festive take on the classic Moscow Mule, made with vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and cranberry juice cocktail. The tart cranberry flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy ginger and fresh lime, making it a refreshing and flavorful drink for any holiday celebration.
This cocktail can be garnished with fresh cranberries, lime wedges, or even a sprig of rosemary or mint leaves. It's a simple drink packed with fresh seasonal flavor, and it's sure to impress your guests. So, shake up a Cranberry Moscow Mule and serve it at your next holiday party for a delicious and festive cocktail that everyone will love.
25. Gin Mint Cocktail With Pomegranate
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Gin Mint Cocktail with Pomegranate. This cocktail is a perfect blend of gin, mint, and pomegranate, with a hint of orange zest for added freshness.
Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks stunning with its vibrant green and pink-red colors. Whether you're a gin lover or not, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and get them in the holiday spirit. So why not give it a try and add a touch of elegance to your holiday celebration?
26. Homemade Eggnog
Looking for a holiday cocktail that’s creamy, spiced, and boozy? Look no further than Homemade Eggnog! This classic cocktail is a holiday favorite that’s perfect for cozy nights in with friends and family. Made with a blend of eggs, milk, spices, and alcohol, this cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests.
Whether you prefer brandy, rum, or another type of alcohol, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So why not whip up a batch of Homemade Eggnog this holiday season and enjoy the festive flavors of the season?
27. Tom & Jerry Cocktail
The Tom & Jerry Cocktail is a classic Christmas drink that dates back to the 1820s. It is a creamy winter punch with a boozy twist, made with brandy, rum, and a spiced batter. The cocktail is served warm and is perfect for those who prefer a less pronounced egg flavor than eggnog.
The cocktail is best made in a batch and can be customized with different spices and boozy quantities. This cocktail is a must-try for those who love traditional holiday drinks with a kick.
28. Cranberry Mule Holiday Cocktail
The Cranberry Mule Holiday Cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail features fresh cranberry sauce as a main ingredient, giving it a festive and autumnal flavor. The addition of bourbon or your preferred mule base, along with ginger beer, creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
This cocktail is not only perfect for Thanksgiving but also for Christmas celebrations. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve your guests during the holiday season, the Cranberry Mule Holiday Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
29. Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned is a perfect holiday drink that will warm you up from the inside out. It is a classic cocktail with a twist, using dried cranberries that are soaked in bourbon and cinnamon to infuse the whiskey with a unique flavor. The addition of orange zest, bitters, and sweetener gives the drink a perfect balance of flavors that are both simple and elegant.
This cocktail is perfect for those who love classic cocktails with a modern twist. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed at any holiday gathering. If you are looking for a new holiday drink to try, the Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
