The holiday season brings joy, cheer, and the perfect excuse to enjoy festive drinks.
From creamy eggnogs to spiced punches, holiday cocktails add a special touch to gatherings with family and friends.
These drinks often feature seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and peppermint.
You’ll find a mix of classic and creative cocktails in this list of the 15 best holiday drinks.
Some are warm and cozy, while others are cool and refreshing. Whether you prefer rum, whiskey, or gin, there’s a holiday cocktail for every taste.
Get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself with these delicious seasonal beverages.
1. Mistletoe Margarita
The Mistletoe Margarita is a festive twist on the classic cocktail. It combines tequila, cranberry juice, and lime for a perfect holiday drink.
To make it, mix tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass.
For extra flair, rim the glass with sugar or salt. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive look.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup or maraschino cherry juice. For a spicy kick, try adding jalapeno slices to the mix.
This cocktail is easy to make in large batches for holiday parties. Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher.
2. Pomegranate Mimosa
Pomegranate mimosas bring a festive twist to the classic brunch cocktail. You’ll love the bright red color and tangy-sweet flavor.
To make this drink, mix equal parts champagne and pomegranate juice in a champagne flute. For extra flair, rim the glass with sugar first.
Want to take it up a notch? Try making pomegranate ice cubes ahead of time. Freeze pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and rosemary in juice for a beautiful presentation.
Garnish your mimosa with fresh pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary. The result is a delightful holiday drink that looks as good as it tastes.
3. Eggnog Martini
This festive twist on a classic martini is perfect for holiday parties. You’ll need eggnog, vodka, and amaretto to make this creamy cocktail.
Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well for about 20 seconds to blend everything together.
For an extra touch, rim your glass with cinnamon sugar. Pour the drink into a chilled martini glass.
Top it off with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for garnish. The Eggnog Martini combines the rich taste of eggnog with the smooth kick of vodka, creating a delicious seasonal drink.
4. Cranberry Gin Fizz
The Cranberry Gin Fizz is a festive twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll love its bright flavor and fizzy texture.
To make it, mix cranberry juice, gin, and lemon juice in a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a glass and top with ginger beer or club soda.
For extra flair, garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. You can also rim the glass with sugar for a sweet touch.
This drink is perfect for holiday parties. It’s easy to make and looks beautiful in a champagne flute.
5. Gingerbread Mule
The Gingerbread Mule puts a festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail combines vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice with the warm flavors of gingerbread.
To make it, mix vodka with gingerbread syrup in a copper mug. Add ice, then pour in ginger beer and a splash of lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish your Gingerbread Mule with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small gingerbread cookie on the rim. The spicy-sweet gingerbread notes complement the zesty ginger beer perfectly, creating a cozy holiday drink you’ll love.
6. Peppermint White Russian
This festive twist on a classic cocktail is perfect for holiday sipping. You’ll love the creamy, minty flavor that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint.
To make it, mix vodka, coffee liqueur like Kahlúa, and a splash of peppermint schnapps in a glass with ice. Top it off with a layer of heavy cream for richness.
For extra flair, rim your glass with crushed candy canes. You can also garnish with a mini candy cane or peppermint stick for stirring.
This indulgent yet refreshing drink is great for cozy winter nights. The peppermint adds a cool, seasonal touch to the traditional White Russian recipe.
7. Holiday Sangria
Holiday sangria brings festive cheer to your winter gatherings. This fruity wine punch is perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at parties.
Mix red wine with cranberry juice for a tart twist on classic sangria. Add sliced oranges, pears, and pomegranate seeds for color and flavor.
Spice things up with cinnamon sticks and star anise. A splash of brandy or orange liqueur gives extra warmth. Let the flavors mingle in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Pour over ice and top with sparkling wine or club soda for a bubbly finish. Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a merry look.
8. Spiced Rum Punch
Spiced rum punch is a festive crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday gatherings. This tasty drink combines dark rum with fruit juices and warm spices for a cozy winter flavor.
To make it, mix rum with orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
Serve the punch chilled over ice in a large bowl. Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a pretty presentation.
This versatile punch can be adjusted to your taste. Try adding ginger beer for extra spice or coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by leaving out the rum.
9. Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll love how the maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to the traditional recipe.
To make this drink, you’ll need bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Mix these ingredients in a glass with ice and stir well.
For extra flavor, try adding a cinnamon stick or orange peel. This cocktail is perfect for cozy winter evenings or holiday gatherings.
The Maple Old Fashioned offers a smooth, warm taste that’s sure to please whiskey lovers. It’s an easy-to-make drink that will impress your guests.
10. Cider Bourbon Cocktail
This festive drink combines the warmth of bourbon with the crisp sweetness of apple cider. It’s perfect for chilly winter nights and holiday gatherings.
To make it, mix bourbon and apple cider in a glass with ice. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Stir well and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
You can spice it up by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. For extra warmth, serve it hot instead of over ice. This cocktail is easy to make in large batches for parties.
11. Winter Wonderland
This frosty cocktail brings the magic of a snowy landscape to your glass. You’ll need white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and cream.
Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with coconut flakes.
Top with a sprinkle of edible silver glitter for a shimmering effect. Garnish with a small candy cane or peppermint stick.
The Winter Wonderland tastes creamy and sweet with hints of mint. It’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace on a cold night.
Try serving it at holiday parties for a festive touch. Your guests will love this enchanting winter-themed drink.
12. Cranberry Moscow Mule
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is a festive twist on the classic cocktail. It adds a tart, fruity flavor that’s perfect for holiday parties.
To make one, you’ll need vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and lime juice. Mix these in a copper mug filled with ice.
Garnish your drink with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel. For extra flair, add a sprig of rosemary.
This cocktail is easy to make and looks beautiful. The red color and copper mug make it ideal for Christmas gatherings.
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less cranberry juice. For a non-alcoholic version, just leave out the vodka.
13. Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy winter drink that’ll warm you right up. You mix butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a mug. Then pour in some dark rum and hot water.
Stir until everything combines into a rich, creamy cocktail. The butter melts and creates a silky texture. The spices give it a festive flavor perfect for cold nights.
You can garnish your drink with a cinnamon stick for extra flair. It’s an easy cocktail to make at home that’ll impress your holiday guests. Hot Buttered Rum is sure to become one of your favorite winter sippers.
14. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink perfect for cold winter nights. You can easily make it at home with red wine and aromatic spices.
Start by heating red wine in a pot. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for flavor. Sweeten the mix with sugar or honey to taste.
For extra depth, try adding orange slices and a splash of brandy. Let everything simmer gently to blend the flavors.
Serve your mulled wine hot in mugs. It’s great for holiday parties or cozy evenings by the fire. The warm spices and fruity wine will help you feel festive and relaxed.
15. Christmas Cosmopolitan
The Christmas Cosmopolitan puts a festive spin on the classic cocktail. You’ll love this holiday version with its bright cranberry flavor and seasonal twist.
To make it, mix vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra holiday flair, you can rim the glass with red sugar. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries or a twist of orange peel.
This drink is perfect for holiday parties. You can mix a big batch ahead of time and keep it chilled until ready to serve. Just shake with ice before pouring for each guest.
Essential Spirits And Mixers
For holiday cocktails, stock up on versatile spirits like vodka, rum, whiskey, and gin. These form the base of many festive drinks.
Don’t forget liqueurs like Irish cream, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps for added flavor.
Key mixers include cranberry juice, apple cider, and eggnog. Fresh citrus juices like lemon and lime are must-haves.
Ginger beer adds a spicy kick to many winter drinks.
For sweeteners, keep simple syrup, honey, and maple syrup on hand. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can add warmth to your cocktails.
Unique Garnishes
Eye-catching garnishes make holiday cocktails special.
Try sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
Rim glasses with crushed candy canes for minty drinks.
Use cinnamon sticks as stirrers in warm cocktails.
Float star anise or orange slices on top of punches.
Candied ginger adds a spicy-sweet element.
For a snowy effect, dust cocktails with powdered sugar.
Skewer small gingerbread cookies as edible decorations.
Don’t forget classic options like cocktail cherries and citrus twists.
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make aromatic garnishes.
For a final touch, add a sprinkle of edible glitter to make drinks sparkle.