The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes the opportunity to indulge in delicious food and drinks. As a bartender, I have seen my fair share of holiday cocktails, and I can tell you that this year's offerings are some of the best I have ever seen.
These cocktails are perfect for sipping by the fire, sharing with loved ones, or enjoying on your own after a long day of holiday shopping.
What makes a great holiday cocktail? For me, it's all about the flavors. A good holiday cocktail should be warm, spicy, and comforting.
It should make you feel like you're wrapped up in a cozy blanket, even if you're standing in a crowded bar. It should also be visually appealing, with festive colors and garnishes that make you feel like you're celebrating something special.
This year's holiday cocktail recipes are a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern twists. From spiced rum and apple cider to peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate, there is something for everyone on this list.
Whether you prefer your cocktails warm and cozy or cold and refreshing, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and get you in the holiday spirit. So grab your shaker and your favorite holiday mug, and let's get mixing!
1. Winter Sea Breeze
The Winter Sea Breeze is a tangy and crisp holiday cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. With its festive garnish of pomegranate seeds and mint leaves, it's perfect for any Christmas party. The combination of vodka, grapefruit juice, tonic syrup, and soda water creates a refreshing and effervescent drink that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be served in a lowball glass, making it a great choice for a planned-out party or a last-minute Christmas soiree. If you're looking for a delicious and festive holiday cocktail, the Winter Sea Breeze is definitely worth trying.
2. Jingle Bell Cranberry Paloma
The Jingle Bell Cranberry Paloma is a festive cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with silver tequila, leftover cranberry sauce, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and ginger beer, this cocktail is sweet, spicy, and bubbly. The sugared cranberries add a festive touch and make the drink extra pretty.
This cocktail is easy to make and takes only a few minutes to prepare. It's a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and impress your guests with a delicious and festive drink. If you're looking for a quick and easy holiday cocktail that is sure to impress, give the Jingle Bell Cranberry Paloma a try.
3. Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
The "Pomegranate Ginger Paloma" is a refreshing and festive cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season. It's a twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, with the addition of sweet pomegranate and a kick of ginger beer. The simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tartness of the pomegranate.
This cocktail is fizzy, minty, and gingery, making it a perfect drink to serve at any holiday party. The ginger beer gives it a unique flavor that's perfect for the season. If you're looking for a new holiday cocktail to try, the "Pomegranate Ginger Paloma" is definitely worth a taste!
4. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a cozy and delicious holiday cocktail made with homemade spiced chai simple syrup, bourbon, winter citrus, a touch of vanilla, and sparkling water.
The syrup adds all the flavor of chai tea, sweetened with maple and spiked with vanilla, while the bourbon provides a warming touch. It's not too sweet and not too heavy on the bourbon, making it perfect for any holiday gathering.
5. Blood Orange Champagne Mule
The Blood Orange Champagne Mule is a festive and colorful cocktail perfect for ringing in the New Year. The addition of blood orange juice adds a unique flavor and a vibrant red hue to the classic Moscow Mule.
The cocktail is then topped off with champagne for an extra touch of celebration. While the recipe may seem complicated, it is actually quite easy to make and perfect for a New Year's Eve party. So why not add a little sparkle to your night with this delicious and festive cocktail?
6. Cranberry Gin Shaker
Looking for a festive cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Cranberry Gin Shaker! This cocktail is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with the added bonus of a beautiful pop of color from the candied cranberry garnish.
Made with homemade cranberry simple syrup and gin, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests. Plus, if you have any mint lying around, adding a few leaves on top of each drink creates a beautiful red and green color palette. Trust us, your guests will be asking for the recipe all night long!
7. Pomegranate Maple Fizz Cocktail
The Pomegranate Maple Fizz Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious drink this holiday season. Made with homemade pomegranate juice and sweetened with maple syrup, this cocktail is sweet, fizzy, and beautifully pink.
It can also be easily turned into a mocktail for non-drinkers or younger guests. The addition of vodka is optional, but be warned – this cocktail is secretly addictive! If you're looking for a fun and festive drink to serve at your holiday party, the Pomegranate Maple Fizz Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
8. Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail
The Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. This sweet and spiced cocktail is easy to make and takes only 4 minutes to prepare. It is a blend of rum, creamer, and eggnog, with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
This cocktail is best served cold and is perfect for those who love a creamy and sweet drink with a kick. If you are looking for a cocktail to impress your guests, the Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is a must-try.
9. Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
The Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a perfect addition to your holiday party this season. Made with 7UP and sparkling wine, this cocktail is a refreshing and minty drink that will leave your guests wanting more. The rim of the glass is lined with crushed peppermint candy, which adds a subtle sweetness to the drink.
Garnished with a candy cane, this cocktail has a lovely pink shade that will add to the festive atmosphere of your party. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, the Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests this holiday season.
10. Poinsettia Spritz Punch
The Poinsettia Spritz Punch is a fizzy cranberry cocktail with a hit of St. Germain and sweet champagne. Its red hue makes it perfect for the holiday season, and it's incredibly easy to make. Simply chill the ingredients in a pitcher and add the champagne and fresh cranberries when it's time to serve.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want a festive and delicious drink without spending too much time in the kitchen. The addition of St. Germain adds a light floral touch that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and sweet champagne. If you're looking for a simple and delicious cocktail to serve at your holiday party, the Poinsettia Spritz Punch is definitely worth trying.
11. Christmas Mimosas
If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail to serve at your holiday party, then you should definitely try Christmas Mimosas. This cocktail is a fun twist on a traditional mimosa that combines champagne with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
It's a refreshing and delicious drink that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Garnish with frozen cranberries and lemon slices for an extra festive touch. If you're looking for more holiday cocktail recipes, be sure to check out the other must-make cocktails in the article.
12. Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a festive and fun drink that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas. The combination of vodka, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, jalapeños, and ginger beer creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The minted sugar-rimmed glass adds a festive touch to this already delicious cocktail.
This cocktail is perfect for holiday parties or for a cozy night in by the fire. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Overall, the Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little bit of fun and flavor to their holiday celebrations.
13. Black Cherry Bellini
The Black Cherry Bellini is a fruity and slightly sweet cocktail that is perfect for celebrating the New Year.
The homemade black cherry puree adds a rich and deep flavor to the drink, which is topped off with sparkling wine or prosecco for a light and effervescent finish. The cocktail is visually stunning and easy to make, making it a great option for entertaining guests.
14. Cranberry Thyme Spritz
Looking for a festive and fun cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Cranberry Thyme Spritz. This sweet and tart drink is spiked with vodka and elderflower liquor, and balanced out with honey and citrus juices.
The addition of thyme gives it a unique and herbaceous flavor that sets it apart from your typical holiday cocktails. Plus, the cranberries add a beautiful pop of color that will make your guests feel extra festive. Trust us, once you try this drink, you'll be wanting to make up a big batch of these come Thanksgiving Day!
15. Frosty the Snowman Cocktail
The Frosty the Snowman Cocktail is a delightful and eye-catching drink that's perfect for adding some boozy peppermint goodness to your holiday celebrations. This magical concoction is made with coconut rum, blue curacao, peppermint schnapps, pineapple juice, Sprite, ice, and crushed candy canes.
The peppermint flavor adds the perfect touch of Christmas to this delightful medley of tastes. The crushed peppermint rimmer and blue shimmering color of this drink make it a tasty and visually appealing addition to any holiday gathering. If you're looking for a cocktail that's made to impress, the Frosty the Snowman Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
16. Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail
The Mele Kalikimaka Cocktail is a tiki-inspired drink that packs a punch of flavors. The spiced rum from Three of Strong Spirits, infused with cinnamon and ginger, is complemented by the bitter orange and baking spice of Amaro Amorino.
Hella Aromatic Bitters add a finishing touch of clove and allspice to this festive drink. The cinnamon and ginger simple syrups add an extra layer of warmth to the cocktail. This drink is perfect for those who want to try something new this holiday season.
17. Buddy the Elf Cocktail
Looking for a sweet and boozy holiday cocktail that will transport you straight to the North Pole? Look no further than the Buddy the Elf Cocktail. Inspired by the beloved Christmas movie character, this dessert cocktail is packed with all the sugary goodness that Buddy loves, including real maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger.
The addition of Kahlúa and vodka make it a potent drink, perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night. Topped off with a splash of sweetened condensed milk and optional whipped cream and chocolate sauce, this cocktail is a true indulgence. While it may not be for everyone, those with a sweet tooth and a love for all things Christmas will surely enjoy this festive concoction.
18. Sugar Cookie Martini
Looking for a festive and sweet cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Sugar Cookie Martini. This delightful cocktail tastes just like a sugar cookie, with a creamy and rich texture and a delicate vanilla flavor. The key ingredient is vanilla-flavored vodka, which gives the drink a touch of sweetness and a less aggressive flavor than plain vodka.
The cocktail is also made with amaretto and Irish cream, which add depth and complexity to the flavor. To make the cocktail even more festive, the rim of the glass is coated in frosting and sprinkles. This is a perfect cocktail for those with a sweet tooth and a love of all things Christmas cookies.
19. Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail
The Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail is a festive and delicious punch perfect for any holiday party. Made with warming bourbon, sweet pomegranate juice, zesty citrus, and bubbly Prosecco, this cocktail is sure to bring happiness to all who indulge. The addition of homemade festive "holiday" ice cubes with fresh cranberries, blood orange slices, and fresh rosemary adds an extra touch of holiday cheer.
What sets this cocktail apart from others is that it's not loaded with added sugars like most punch recipes, making it a refreshing and guilt-free option. If you're looking for a fun and easy holiday cocktail that's sure to impress your guests, the Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail is a must-try.
20. Pomegranate Gin and Tonic
Looking for a festive twist on a classic cocktail this holiday season? Look no further than the Pomegranate Gin and Tonic. This sweet and tart cocktail combines the best parts of a traditional gin and tonic – gin, tonic water, and lime – with a splash of pomegranate juice for a beautiful color and a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Garnished with pomegranate arils and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail is perfect for holiday celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. Whether you're a fan of classic London dry gins like Tanqueray or prefer something more unique like Hendrick's or Botanist, this cocktail is sure to please. So why not add a little festive flair to your next cocktail hour with a Pomegranate Gin and Tonic?
21. Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail
The Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail is a must-try this holiday season. This festive drink is a twist on the classic mojito with the addition of pomegranate juice and arils. The combination of fresh mint, lime, and pomegranate creates a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for any holiday occasion. The club soda adds a bubbly touch that makes this drink even more enjoyable.
The garnish of fresh mint and pomegranate arils adds a beautiful touch to the presentation of the cocktail. Whether you prefer a mocktail or a cocktail, this recipe is easily adaptable to your preference. Overall, the Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail is a delicious and festive addition to any holiday celebration.
22. Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail
The Sparkling Purple Gin Cocktail is a perfect addition to the holiday season. Made with Empress Gin and Elderflower Liqueur, this champagne cocktail is both elegant and easy to make. The delicate, citrus flavors make it a great pairing for traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Empress Gin, with its all-natural butterfly pea flower and other botanicals, transforms from vivid indigo to a delicate soft violet pink when mixed with tonic water or citrus. This beautiful cocktail is sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday party.
23. Raspberry Chambord and Prosecco Cocktail
The Raspberry Chambord and Prosecco Cocktail is a stunning and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any celebration. Made with Chambord Raspberry Liqueur and fresh raspberries, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and boisterous flavor.
The combination of Prosecco and Chambord creates a perfect balance of sweetness and fizziness, making it a great choice for a Christmas or Valentine's Day cocktail. This cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. If you're looking for a festive and impressive cocktail to serve at your next holiday party, the Raspberry Chambord and Prosecco Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
24. Cranberry Orange Margaritas
The Cranberry Orange Margarita is a perfect cocktail for the holiday season. It is a festive and refreshing drink that is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. The cocktail has a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, thanks to the addition of sugared cranberries and sparkling water.
The cranberry juice gives it a beautiful red color, making it a perfect fit for any holiday party. The recipe can be adjusted to make a large batch or just one drink, making it a versatile option for any gathering. The Cranberry Orange Margarita is a must-try for anyone looking for a new holiday cocktail recipe.
25. Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch
Looking for a refreshing holiday punch to serve at your next party? Try the Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch! This cocktail is spiked with apple vodka, sparkling white Champagne, and two varieties of apple cider, resulting in a delicious and bubbly explosion of apple with every sip.
Infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg, the spiced apple juice is the perfect base for this holiday punch. With its festive garnishes and sparkling presentation, the Spiced Apple Sparkler Punch is sure to be a hit with your guests.
26. Pomegranate Margarita
The Pomegranate Margarita is a perfect addition to your winter cocktail collection. This festive twist on the classic margarita is naturally sweet and refreshingly fruity, with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The beautiful red hue of this cocktail is sure to bring joy and holiday cheer to any gathering.
The recipe is easy to follow, requiring only the addition of pomegranate juice to classic margarita ingredients. If you're looking for a delicious and festive cocktail to serve at your holiday party, the Pomegranate Margarita is a must-try. So, gather your friends and family and let the party begin!
