The holiday season is upon us and it's time to start thinking about what drinks to serve at your next gathering.
If you're a gin lover, you're in luck because gin is a versatile spirit that can be used to create a wide variety of cocktails. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide what to make.
Luckily, we're here to help. We've scoured the internet and consulted with some of the best bartenders in the business to bring you the ultimate guide to the best holiday gin cocktail recipes.
From classic gin and tonics to more complex concoctions, we've got you covered.
Whether you're looking for something to serve at a family gathering or a more formal event, we've got a recipe for you. We've included cocktails that are sweet, sour, bitter, and everything in between.
And if you're feeling adventurous, we've even included some recipes that incorporate unexpected ingredients like cranberry sauce and rosemary.
So, grab your shaker and get ready to impress your guests with these delicious and festive gin cocktails.
Whether you're a seasoned bartender or a beginner, these recipes are sure to make your holiday season a little bit brighter.
1. Winter Woods Spritz
The Winter Woods Spritz is a delightful holiday gin cocktail that is sure to get you in the festive spirit. This light and refreshing drink combines the flavors of cedar gin, cranberry, and cardamom to create a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The fresh pressed cranberry juice adds a rich texture to the cocktail, while the cedar gin provides a subtle hint of woodsy flavor.
The cardamom adds a warm and spicy note that ties everything together. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cozy winter evening or serving to guests at a holiday party. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful gin cocktail to try this holiday season, the Winter Woods Spritz is definitely worth a try.
2. Cranberry Gin Cocktail
The Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make holiday drink that is perfect for entertaining guests. Made with only four ingredients, this cocktail is simple yet delicious. The use of pure cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail ensures that the drink is not overly sweet.
The addition of orange bitters and rosemary simple syrup gives the drink an unexpected twist, while the juniper berries in the gin provide a perfect balance of flavor. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and frozen cranberries, this cocktail is not only tasty but also visually appealing. If you're a gin lover, this cocktail is a must-try during the holiday season.
3. Winter Gin & Tonic With Elderflower & Sloe
If you're looking for a festive twist on the classic gin and tonic, the Winter Gin & Tonic with Elderflower & Sloe is a must-try. This cocktail brings together the warmth of sloe gin and Campari with the sweetness of elderflower liqueur, creating a beautiful blush hue and a fruity flavor.
The touch of elderflower adds a summery note, reminding us that warmer days are ahead. Don't worry about the Campari – it's only a splash, so the drink isn't bitter at all. This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights in or for impressing guests at holiday parties. Give it a try and let the flavors of winter and summer come together in your glass.
4. Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail
The Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and elegant drink to serve during the holiday season. Made with Empress Gin and Elderflower Liqueur, this champagne cocktail is both refreshing and sophisticated. The Empress Gin, with its all-natural butterfly pea flower and botanicals, gives the cocktail a beautiful purple hue that transforms into a soft violet pink when mixed with tonic water or citrus.
The delicate citrus flavors make it a perfect pairing for traditional Thanksgiving dishes, and its clean taste makes it easy to sip with any holiday meal. This cocktail is a great choice for those who want to impress their guests with a festive and delicious drink.
5. Elderflower Gin Cocktail
The Elderflower Gin Cocktail is a citrus-forward drink made with Empress 1908 gin, Drillaud Elderflower liquor, and 1804 Grand Imperial orange liquor. The gin is infused with butterfly pea tea, which gives the cocktail a deep blue color that changes to purple and magenta with a squirt of lemon juice.
The butterfly pea tea is known for its health benefits, including anti-aging properties and improving memory. The cocktail is served in a clear glass to showcase its magical color. Overall, the Elderflower Gin Cocktail is a showstopping drink that will impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your holiday celebrations.
6. Gin Mint Cocktail With Pomegranate
The Gin Mint Cocktail with Pomegranate is a must-try for any gin lover this holiday season. This refreshing cocktail is a perfect blend of gin, mint, orange zest, and pomegranate that creates a unique and delightful flavor. The vibrant green mint and pinky-red pomegranate seeds make it a visually stunning drink that will add a festive touch to any party.
This cocktail is deceptively simple to put together and is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Gin Mint Cocktail with Pomegranate is definitely worth a try.
7. Pomegranate Gimlet
The Pomegranate Gimlet is a festive and flavorful gin cocktail perfect for the holiday season. Made with gin, sweetened lime juice, and pomegranate juice, this cocktail is a twist on the classic gimlet. The addition of pomegranate juice adds a tart and fruity flavor that balances out the strong taste of gin.
Garnished with lime and pomegranate arils, this cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're a gin lover or just looking for a new holiday cocktail, the Pomegranate Gimlet is sure to impress.
8. Pomegranate Gin Cocktail
The Pomegranate Gin Cocktail is a delicious and festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season. The combination of gin and pomegranate juice creates a unique and refreshing taste that is sure to impress your guests.
The cocktail is garnished with sprigs of rosemary and pomegranate seeds, adding a beautiful touch to the drink. While the cocktail is perfect for the holidays, it can also be enjoyed year-round. If you're looking for a unique and delicious gin cocktail to serve at your next party, the Pomegranate Gin Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
9. Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves the festive flavors of the holiday season. Made with fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice, this cocktail boasts a beautiful color and a light, refreshing taste. The addition of berry-flavored sparkling water adds the perfect amount of fizz, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter version of the classic Gin Fizz.
The tartness of the pomegranate is balanced out by the sweetness of the cherries, making it a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a festive drink to enjoy on a cozy night in, the Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktail is sure to impress.
10. Valentine's Day Gin Fizz
The Valentine's Day Gin Fizz is a delightful cocktail that's perfect for the season of love. It's a refreshing and fizzy drink that's made with gin, fresh strawberries, orange juice, and sparkling water. The sweetness of the strawberries and orange juice is perfectly balanced with the addition of hot water and sugar.
This cocktail is easy to make and has a beautiful pink hue that's sure to impress your loved one. It's a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day or any other special occasion. So, if you're looking for a delicious and romantic cocktail, the Valentine's Day Gin Fizz is definitely worth a try.
11. Sparkling Elderflower Gin Cocktail
If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make holiday cocktail, the Sparkling Elderflower Gin Cocktail is definitely worth a try. This cocktail is made with just four ingredients: gin, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and a splash of champagne or sparkling Prosecco.
The combination of elderflower and gin creates a unique and floral flavor, while the addition of champagne or sparkling Prosecco gives it a festive touch. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of lemon, this cocktail is perfect for toasting to the end of a challenging year. So, why not give this cocktail a try and add some sparkle to your holiday celebrations?
12. The Empress Q1908
"The Empress Q1908" is a visually stunning and delicious gin cocktail made with Empress 1908 Gin, infused with Canadian water, 7 organic botanicals, and the hotel's signature tea blend.
Its vibrant indigo color comes from the butterfly pea blossom, and when mixed with lemon juice, it transforms into a lovely soft lavender hue. The gin has a similar taste to a London Dry, but with added notes of the hotel's tea blend, creating a perfectly balanced sip.
13. Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail
The Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail combines the sweetness of lychee and cranberry with the taste of gin to create a delicious and classy beverage that is easy to make. The recipe requires only four ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to whip up.
The canned lychee juice adds a unique twist to the cocktail, and the fresh cranberries and mint garnish make it look as good as it tastes. This cocktail is perfect for entertaining guests or for a relaxing evening at home. If you're looking for a unique and delicious holiday gin cocktail, the Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
14. Cranberry Gin and Tonic
The Cranberry Gin and Tonic is a festive twist on the classic gin and tonic cocktail. This holiday-inspired drink features the addition of cranberry juice and fresh cranberries, adding a sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful red color to the drink. The cocktail is served over ice with a squeeze of lime and topped off with tonic water.
The garnish of fresh or sugared cranberries and a lime wedge adds a touch of elegance to this simple yet delicious cocktail. If you're looking for a festive and refreshing drink to enjoy during the holiday season, the Cranberry Gin and Tonic is a must-try.
15. Pomegranate Lime Fizz
Looking for a festive and refreshing gin cocktail for the holidays? Look no further than the Pomegranate Lime Fizz! This cocktail is a twist on the classic Gin Fizz, with homemade grenadine, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and gin. The pomegranate adds a bright and fruity flavor, perfect for celebrating the season.
Even if you're not a fan of gin, this cocktail is worth a try with a less juniper-forward gin like Hendricks. If you're looking for a simple yet impressive cocktail to serve your friends and family this holiday season, the Pomegranate Lime Fizz is definitely worth a spot on your menu.
16. Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail
The Elderflower, Gin and Prosecco Cocktail is a festive and elegant drink that's perfect for any holiday party. It's made with gin, elderflower, Prosecco, and a squeeze of lime juice, and served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass.
What's great about this cocktail is that it's easy to make and only requires five ingredients. One sip and you'll see why it's one of the most popular cocktails out there.
17. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Looking for a festive and impressive gin cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Pomegranate Gin Fizz! This spin on the classic Gin Fizz is elevated with the bold and sweet-tart flavor of pomegranate juice, which also gives the drink a beautiful ruby red color.
The addition of an egg white foam adds a frothy texture to the top of the drink and a creamy rich flavor to each sip. Impress your guests with this deliciously festive cocktail that's perfect for any season.
18. Winter Jasmine Cocktail
The Winter Jasmine Cocktail is a delightful and easy-to-drink gin-based cocktail perfect for the holiday season. Made with London Dry gin, Aperol, Naranja Orange Liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, this cocktail has a balanced combination of bitter, citrus, and herbal notes. The London Dry gin adds a distinct juniper flavor, while the Aperol and Naranja Orange Liqueur add a touch of sweetness and citrusy notes.
The fresh lemon juice gives it a bright and refreshing finish. This cocktail is a perfect aperitif, and its small size makes it easy to enjoy before a holiday meal. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful gin cocktail this holiday season, the Winter Jasmine Cocktail is a must-try.
19. Antique Rose
The Antique Rose is a sparkling pink gin cocktail with natural butterfly pea flower in the gin. It features Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit and sparkling rosé wine, with hints of lime for balance.
The Italian sparkling Moscato Rosé used in the recipe adds fruity notes of peach, strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry. The cocktail is finished off with a pop of purple Empress Gin and real rose petals for a floral finish. It's a stunning and delicious addition to any holiday party or romantic evening in.
20. Pink Gin Fizz
If you're looking for a refreshing and pretty cocktail to serve at your holiday party, the Pink Gin Fizz should definitely be on your list. Made with Edgerton Pink Gin, this cocktail has a lovely pink hue that comes from pomegranate extract.
The gin itself has a warm, spiced citrus flavor with a hint of juniper, making it a perfect base for a summer cocktail. The recipe also calls for strawberries, which add an extra touch of sweetness and color to the drink. Overall, the Pink Gin Fizz is a delicious and visually appealing cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
21. Love in the Cabin Cocktail
The Love in the Cabin Cocktail is a delightful gin-based cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and refreshing drink. The vibrant red color of this cocktail makes it a great addition to any holiday party or gathering.
The cocktail has a fruity flavor that is perfectly balanced with the gin, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy drink. Whether you are sitting by the fireplace or enjoying a cozy night in with someone special, the Love in the Cabin Cocktail is sure to be a hit.
22. Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz
The Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a homemade pear and vanilla simple syrup, gin, and soda water, this cocktail is perfectly sweet and refreshing. The pear syrup adds a fruity and juicy flavor to the drink, while the vanilla syrup gives it a warm and comforting taste.
The cocktail is finished off with a vanilla sugar rim and a thinly sliced pear slice for a beautiful presentation. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a fruity and refreshing drink with a hint of warmth. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful holiday cocktail, the Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz is definitely worth a try.
23. The Queen's Dubonnet Cocktail
"The Queen's Dubonnet Cocktail" is a classic gin cocktail that has been enjoyed by the Queen of England for years. Made with Dubonnet, a sweet fortified wine aperitif, and gin, this cocktail is a perfect pre-meal sipper. The addition of lemon and ice cubes gives it a refreshing twist.
Dubonnet's herbal and slightly bitter taste is balanced perfectly with the gin, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a slightly sweet cocktail. If you're looking for a sophisticated and classic cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season, "The Queen's Dubonnet Cocktail" is definitely worth a try.
24. Empress Gin French 75
The Empress Gin French 75 is a visually stunning cocktail made with Empress 1908 gin, sparkling wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The gin's use of butterfly pea blossom gives it a vivid indigo color that changes to pinkish-purple when citrus or tonic is added.
The combination of flavors and effervescence from the sparkling wine make for a complex and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion.
25. Gin and Raspberry Chambord Cocktail
Looking for a festive and refreshing holiday cocktail? Look no further than the Gin and Raspberry Chambord Cocktail. Made with premium gin, French Chambord liqueur, fresh raspberries, lime juice, and sparkling soda water, this cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
The red liquid and green lime slice garnish make it a colorful addition to any holiday party. Even better, it's easy to make and ready to serve in under 5 minutes. Whether you're sipping it on a hot summer day or at a Christmas party, the Raspberry Gin Fizz Chambord Cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
26. Japanese Roku Gin Cocktail
The Japanese Roku Gin Cocktail with Orange Blossom Syrup is a must-try for gin lovers this holiday season. This refreshing and light cocktail is made with Japanese Roku gin, which uses only Japanese herbs and florals, including cherry blossoms, green tea, yuzu peel, and Japanese pepper. The botanical flavors of the gin are perfectly balanced with the subtle sweetness of orange blossom syrup and a hint of lime juice.
The garnishing options include dried chrysanthemum, dried oranges, lime, lemon, or grapefruit peel, making it a visually stunning drink. The Roku gin cocktail is a perfect pre-dinner drink or a great addition to your brunch drink ideas. If you're looking for a unique and delicious gin cocktail this holiday season, the Japanese Roku Gin Cocktail is a must-try.
27. Smoked Gin and Tonic With Rosemary
Looking for a unique and exciting twist on a classic gin and tonic? Look no further than the Smoked Gin and Tonic with Rosemary! This cocktail is perfect for those who love experimenting with different flavors and mixology techniques. The smokiness adds an intense layer of flavor to the cocktail, playing nicely off the primary flavors and aromas of gin.
The rosemary simple syrup adds an extra layer of flavor to this already flavorful cocktail. Tonic water balances out the other flavors of rosemary and smoke, making it a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. This cocktail is perfect for a winter cocktail party, paired with a nice cheese and charcuterie board. Trust us, you won't be disappointed by the complex flavors of this smoked gin cocktail!
28. French Gimlet
If you're looking for a sophisticated and refreshing holiday gin cocktail, look no further than the French Gimlet. This chic drink is made with just three ingredients: gin, lime juice, and elderflower liqueur. The addition of St Germain gives it a warm floral flavor that's hard to resist.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cozy winter evening or serving at a holiday party. The French Gimlet is just one of many great gin cocktails to try this season, but it's definitely worth adding to your list.
29. Empress Gin Martini
The Empress Gin Martini is a stunning and unique take on the classic French martini. Infused with butterfly pea blossom, Empress 1908 Gin changes colors when exposed to acid, resulting in a beautiful indigo hue that transforms into a pink or purple gin when mixed with lemon juice or sparkling wine.
This cocktail recipe combines Empress Gin with blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, and lemon juice, topped off with cranberry bitters for balance. The result is a delicious and visually stunning cocktail that is sure to impress guests at any holiday gathering. With its floral flavors and botanical profile, Empress 1908 Gin is a versatile spirit that works well in a variety of cocktails, including this festive and flavorful Empress Gin Martini.
30. Elderflower Martini
The Elderflower Martini is a must-try cocktail for gin lovers who enjoy a slightly tart and sweet taste. This holiday gin cocktail recipe combines the classic gin martini with the St-Germain Elderflower liqueur and lime, resulting in a refreshing and relaxing drink that can be enjoyed slowly.
The elderflower and herb notes from the gin blend perfectly with the bright and tart lime, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth. This cocktail is perfect for serving to guests or enjoying alone, and it's easy to make in a pitcher for larger gatherings. If you're looking for a new cocktail to try this holiday season, the Elderflower Martini is definitely worth a taste.
31. Clarified Citrus Gin and Milk Punch
Looking for a unique and festive gin cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Clarified Citrus Gin and Milk Punch. This classic milk punch recipe is given a modern twist with the addition of premium gin, Triple Sec Orange Liqueur, and fresh citrus juices.
The process of clarification gives the cocktail a transparent and bright appearance, making it a visually stunning addition to any holiday spread. With a creamy mouthfeel and hints of rosemary, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday tradition.
32. French 75 Cocktail
The French 75 Cocktail is a classic gin-based cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Its origins date back to 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris, and it has been a favorite ever since. This elegant cocktail combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped off with sparkling wine for a truly festive drink.
The name "French 75" is rumored to come from the kick that the drink packs, which is said to be similar to the powerful French 75mm field gun. This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday party or just enjoying a night in. If you're looking for a sophisticated and delicious gin cocktail, the French 75 is definitely worth a try.
33. Aperol Gin Cocktail
The Aperol Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and citrusy drink made with Aperol, premium gin, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water, and a lime slice. Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients.
It has a vibrant orange hue and a less bitter taste than Campari. This cocktail is easy to make at home and perfect for those who want to try something new and exciting this holiday season.
