The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to start thinking about how to make it extra special this year.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of gathering with loved ones and sharing a warm drink on a cold winter's night. The flicker of candlelight and the scent of pine needles can transport us to a place of comfort and joy.
But what makes a truly great Yule celebration? It's not just about the decorations or the food, although those are certainly important.
It's about creating an atmosphere of warmth and conviviality, where everyone feels welcome and cared for.
One way to achieve this is through the art of mixology. Creating a delicious and festive cocktail can be the perfect way to set the tone for an evening of merrymaking.
But with so many recipes out there, how do you know which ones are truly the best?
That's where I come in. As a seasoned bartender, I've had the pleasure of mixing up countless Yule cocktails over the years. From classic eggnog to creative concoctions featuring seasonal ingredients like cranberries and cinnamon, I've seen it all.
So, if you're looking to add some extra cheer to your holiday celebrations this year, keep reading for my top picks for the best Yule cocktail recipes.
1. Yule Mule
Looking for a festive cocktail to add some holiday cheer to your gatherings? Look no further than the Yule Mule! This twist on the classic Moscow Mule adds cranberry juice to the mix, creating a delicious and colorful drink perfect for the holiday season.
Served in a traditional copper mug or glass, the Yule Mule is a great addition to any holiday party or cozy night in by the fire. With its blend of tangy lime, spicy ginger beer, and sweet cranberry, this cocktail is sure to be a hit with your guests. So why not raise a glass to the season with a Yule Mule?
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 vodka, St. Germain, and freshly squeezed winter citrus juice, this cocktail is topped with bubbly ginger beer and garnished with pomegranates for an extra festive touch.
It's simple to make and can be served in a pitcher for a crowd or as a late-night nightcap on Christmas Eve. The combination of citrus and elderflower flavors make this cocktail a standout among other Yule Cocktail recipes. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make holiday cocktail, the Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail is a must-try.
3. Yuletide Grog
The Yuletide Grog is a unique and delicious holiday cocktail that combines the flavors of port wine, dark and white rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, demerara sugar syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It can be served hot or cold and is perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire. The Yuletide Grog is a perfect balance of sweet and smoky, making it a great addition to any holiday celebration.
4. The Santa Clause Cocktail
The Santa Clause Cocktail is a festive and colorful drink that is sure to impress your guests during the holiday season. With its vibrant green and red colors, this cocktail is the perfect addition to any Christmas party. This fruity cocktail has a big kick, making it a great choice for those who want to add a little bit of excitement to their holiday celebrations.
Whether you're a fan of romantic holiday movies or funny ones, The Santa Clause Cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy while watching your favorite Christmas films. So, why not give this delicious cocktail a try and add a little bit of holiday cheer to your next gathering?
5. Red Winter Sangria
Looking for a festive cocktail that's perfect for the winter season? Look no further than the Red Winter Sangria! This delicious drink is full of seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries, and is sweetened with sugar and fruit juices. The best part?
You don't need to use your best bottle of wine for this recipe, making it an affordable and easy option for your holiday party. Plus, with fun garnishes like cinnamon sticks and star anise, this drink not only tastes great but looks great too. So why not switch up your usual holiday drinks and give this Red Winter Sangria a try?
6. Martha May Whovier Champagne Cocktail
The Martha May Whovier Champagne Cocktail is a perfect addition to any holiday celebration. Inspired by the Grinch movie, this cocktail is all about the booze with Triple Sec and Goldschläger liqueurs. The cinnamon flavor and gold flakes make it a perfect New Year’s champagne cocktail too!
The bubbles mix everything together, making it a fancy and delicious drink. Although the recipe is not mentioned, the cocktail is easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves a strong and flavorful drink. If you're looking for a unique and festive cocktail to impress your guests this holiday season, Martha May Whovier Champagne Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
7. Sparkling Winter White Sangria
The Sparkling Winter White Sangria is a refreshing cocktail made with white wine, cranberries, citrus fruits, and ginger ale. It's a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for cozying up by the fire on a cold winter night.
The cocktail is easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is best served chilled with a sprig of rosemary. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a flavorful drink, perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.
8. Santa's Nightcap
"Santa's Nightcap" is a festive cocktail that is perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve by the fire. This naughty Chai tea cocktail is spiked with bourbon, cinnamon, and ginger, making it the perfect nightcap for Santa after a long night of delivering presents. The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for entertaining.
The combination of warm Chai tea, milk, honey, and fresh spices with a splash of bourbon creates a delicious and comforting drink that will warm you up from the inside out. If you're looking for a unique and festive cocktail to serve this holiday season, "Santa's Nightcap" is definitely worth trying.
9. Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail is a sophisticated and grown-up cocktail that will definitely impress your guests. It is infused with cranberries and rosemary, giving it a unique twist and a gorgeous blush color. The gin adds a clean taste that goes well with the other ingredients.
The addition of lime juice and ginger beer gives it a nice fizziness and a welcoming complementary taste. This cocktail is perfect for a cozy night by the tree with a Christmas movie. If you're looking for a festive and delicious cocktail this holiday season, the Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
10. Creamy Coconut White Russian
The Creamy Coconut White Russian is a perfect holiday twist on the classic White Russian cocktail. This cocktail is made with homemade cinnamon vanilla simple syrup, vodka, Kahlúa, and creamy coconut milk with a splash of coconut rum.
It's a luscious, creamy, and delicious dessert-like cocktail with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, a touch of coffee flavor, and a bit of a kick from the vodka. The rim of sweet coconut and sugar and a cute little cinnamon stick on top make it a visually appealing drink.
11. Snowflake Chiller Cocktail
The Snowflake Chiller Cocktail is a perfect addition to your winter entertaining season. This cocktail is easy to make and quite pretty, making it an excellent choice for your holiday festivities. The cocktail is made with Pinnacle Original Vodka, and it's garnished with rock candy sticks, which add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
You can also turn this cocktail into a decadent dessert by adding a dollop of vanilla ice cream to make a cocktail float. If you want to spice up your sips all winter long, then the Snowflake Chiller Cocktail is a must-try. It's a perfect cocktail to impress your guests and make your party memorable. So, give it a try and let us know how you liked it!
12. Simple Mulled Wine
Looking for a cozy and comforting cocktail to enjoy during the holiday season? Look no further than Simple Mulled Wine. This warm and spiced drink is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night, with bold red wine and seasonal spices like cinnamon and cloves. The addition of apple cider adds a touch of sweetness and helps to stretch the serving size for a crowd.
Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this recipe is easy to customize to your tastes and preferences. Serve it in a cozy mug alongside your favorite sweet or savory holiday treats. Simple Mulled Wine is sure to warm you up from the inside out and become a new holiday favorite.
13. Buddy the Elf Cocktail
The Buddy the Elf Cocktail is a sweet and boozy drink inspired by the beloved holiday movie character. Made with vodka, Kahlúa, maple syrup, vanilla, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and topped with sweetened condensed milk, it's like Christmas in a cup.
For an over-the-top finish, add whipped cream and chocolate sauce. This dessert cocktail is perfect for those with a sweet tooth looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays.
14. Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail
The Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail is a festive and delicious Yule Cocktail that is perfect for any holiday party or gathering. This warming bourbon punch is made with sweet pomegranate juice, zesty citrus, and bubbly Prosecco, creating the ultimate holiday party punch.
The cocktail is served over homemade festive “holiday” ice cubes, which are made with fresh cranberries, blood orange slices, and fresh rosemary, adding a touch of holiday cheer to the drink. The mix of pomegranate juice and Prosecco keeps the punch perfectly sweet, without being overloaded with added sugars. The Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add some festive cheer to their holiday season.
15. Winter Citrus Tequila Smash
The Winter Citrus Tequila Smash is a refreshing and healthy-ish cocktail that is perfect for the Yule season. It's a mix of blood oranges, pomegranate juice, ginger, mint, honey, tequila, and sparkles. The vibrant color of this cocktail is enough to make anyone want to try it.
What's more, it's packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system during the cold winter months. If you're not a fan of alcohol, you can easily omit the tequila and still enjoy a delicious citrusy mocktail. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier Yule cocktail option.
16. The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
If you're looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your Yule celebration, look no further than The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail. Made with vodka, lemon juice, and a rosemary-infused simple syrup, this drink is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of tartness and herbal sweetness.
The addition of club soda adds a bubbly effervescence that makes it feel extra special. And let's not forget the festive touch of fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish. This cocktail is sure to impress your guests and get them in the holiday spirit. So why not give The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail a try this Yule season?
17. Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make holiday punch recipe, look no further than Jingle Juice Holiday Punch. With only three ingredients, this cocktail is simple, delicious, and beautiful. The combination of whipped vodka, pink champagne (or sparkling Rosé), and Cherry 7-up creates a delicious and festive cocktail that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Plus, you can add cranberries and rosemary to the ice cubes for an extra touch of holiday flair. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to enjoy a festive drink at home, Jingle Juice Holiday Punch is a must-try Yule Cocktail recipe.
18. Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa
The Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa is a perfect Yule Cocktail recipe for winter brunches, Christmas, and holiday and New Year’s Eve parties. This cocktail is made with only three ingredients and is very easy to make. The combination of vanilla and cranberry gives this cocktail a unique and delicious taste.
It can be made into a holiday punch and can be served in champagne flutes or plastic stemless glasses. This cocktail is perfect for those who love cranberry cocktails and is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and festive drink for their holiday gatherings.
19. Spiced Mulled Wine
Spiced Mulled Wine is a perfect Yule Cocktail to warm you up on a chilly winter night. This classic drink is made with red wine, spices, and citrus fruits, creating a delightful aroma and a cozy atmosphere. The combination of warm wine and spices makes it a perfect drink to sip by the fire, after dinner, or to serve at a holiday party.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your party without worrying about the drinks. If you're looking for a comforting and festive drink to celebrate the holiday season, Spiced Mulled Wine is definitely worth a try.
20. Jack Frost Winter Cocktail
The Jack Frost Winter Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and delicious holiday drink. This cocktail is a tropical twist on a classic piña colada, with the addition of blue curacao and sweet shredded coconut, giving it a fun and wintery look.
The drink is sweet, refreshing, and perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. It's easy to make and can be paired with a variety of holiday treats, such as coconut macaroons, oatmeal craisin cookies, and easy sugar cookies. If you're a fan of coconut, this drink is sure to become a new holiday favorite.
21. Cranberry Orange Sangria
The Cranberry Orange Sangria is a perfect holiday cocktail that will definitely add some festive cheer to your Yule celebrations. Made with red wine, cranberry juice, fresh cranberries, and orange slices, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared a few days ahead of time, making it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.
The best thing about this cocktail is that it can be served alongside a Charcuterie Board For Two or enjoyed on its own as a pre-dinner drink. So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing holiday cocktail, the Cranberry Orange Sangria is definitely worth trying!
22. Sugar Plum Fairy Martini
The Sugar Plum Fairy Martini is a must-try cocktail for the holiday season. This festive drink is a perfect blend of tart cranberry juice, rich Amaretto, and a touch of spice. The addition of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing twist to the cocktail. The drink is topped with a splash of ginger ale, which gives it a subtle fizz and a perfect finish.
The sugared cranberries add a beautiful touch to the presentation of the cocktail. The Sugar Plum Fairy Martini is a great option for those who want a quick and easy cocktail to serve at their holiday gathering. It is a perfect sipper for an evening in front of the fireplace or a hit at your next holiday party.
23. Holiday Whiskey Fizz
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail for your Yule celebration? Look no further than the Holiday Whiskey Fizz! This bubbly cocktail features Sagamore Spirits rye whiskey, club soda, cranberry syrup, and lime juice, garnished with fragrant rosemary and fresh cranberries.
The use of rye whiskey gives the cocktail a unique and complex flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs like rosemary not only adds a beautiful touch to the presentation but also enhances the aroma and taste of the drink. If you're looking to impress your guests with a sophisticated and festive cocktail, the Holiday Whiskey Fizz is a must-try.
24. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink for the holiday season. It's a classic winter drink that combines the sweetness of cranberry juice with the strength of bourbon. The rosemary sage simple syrup adds a fresh and seasonal flavor to the cocktail, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion.
The smooth yet flavorful bourbon used in the recipe makes it a great option for parties, and it can be served in a rocks glass, stemless wine glass, or a classic coupe. This cocktail is easy to whip up and tastes fantastic, making it a must-try for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious Yule Cocktail this holiday season.
25. Cranberry Kamikaze
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Cranberry Kamikaze! This twist on the classic kamikaze cocktail adds a splash of tangy cranberry juice to the mix, creating a bright and flavorful drink that's perfect for the holiday season.
While it can be served as a shot or a cocktail, this drink packs a punch, so be sure to enjoy responsibly. With its vibrant color and delicious flavor, the Cranberry Kamikaze is sure to be a hit with your guests. So why not mix up a batch and toast to the season?
26. Rudolph's Rockin' Pomegranate Jingle Juice Punch
If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make punch for your holiday party, look no further than Rudolph's Rockin' Pomegranate Jingle Juice Punch. This delicious cocktail is a mix of sweet pomegranate juice, orange liquor, lime, champagne, and ginger beer, making it a refreshing and flavorful option for any crowd.
The best part? It only takes five to ten minutes to mix up, so you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time mixing drinks. Pair it with some sugared cranberries and a sprig of mint for a festive touch. Trust us, this punch is sure to be a hit with your guests.
27. Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is a classic Yule Cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. This warm and cozy drink is perfect for the holiday season and is a great way to bring people together. Made with red wine, spices, and fruit, this cocktail is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier drink, Mulled Wine can be adjusted to your liking. The aroma of the spices and fruit will fill your home and create a festive atmosphere. If you're looking for a comforting and delicious drink to share with loved ones during the holidays, Mulled Wine is the perfect choice.
28. Warm Sugar Plum
The Warm Sugar Plum cocktail is a perfect addition to your Yule celebrations. This cocktail combines a blend of spices and rum with the rich, sweet flavors of prune juice. The warm and cozy drink is perfect for a cold winter night in. The aroma of the spices will fill your home, making it feel like the holidays have arrived.
This cocktail is a great way to impress your guests and show off your mixology skills. Don't be afraid to make a double or triple batch, as this cocktail is sure to be a hit. If you're looking for a warm winter cocktail, the Warm Sugar Plum is a must-try.
29. Cape Codder Ale Cocktail
The Cape Codder Ale Cocktail is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. This festive cocktail is sweet and gingery, with a gorgeous pop of red color from the cranberries. The Mason jar presentation is not only stylish but functional, allowing for easy measuring and even shaking up the cocktail.
This cocktail is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering. Be sure to try it out alongside other festive holiday drinks like the Holiday Bourbon Punch or Honey Jack Cranberry Tea.
30. Black Magic Cocktail
The Black Magic Cocktail is a shimmering and mysterious drink that is perfect for those who love Halloween or the galaxy. Made with black vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is a dark and enchanting concoction that will leave you feeling spellbound.
The original recipe had some inconsistencies with the color, but the updated version ensures a black cocktail every time. The cocktail is higher in ABV, so it's important to drink responsibly. If you're looking for a Yule Cocktail that is both magical and alluring, the Black Magic Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
31. Aquavit
The Yule Cocktail recipe includes a classic Scandinavian spirit called Aquavit. This infused alcohol has been a part of Scandinavian culture since the 1500s and is made by infusing vodka with herbs and other flavors, with dill and caraway being the main components in most recipes.
The resulting drink has a pale yellow to light brown color and a distinctly herbal taste. Aquavit is traditionally served ice-cold in small shots, but it can also be used in place of vodka for a unique twist on classic cocktails. Add some Scandinavian flair to your holiday festivities with this flavorful and festive spirit.
