The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and toasting to the year that was—and nothing sets the mood quite like a well-crafted cocktail. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, having a cozy night by the fireplace, or ringing in the New Year with friends, a signature drink can elevate any moment from ordinary to unforgettable. From classic favorites with a twist to new, exciting flavor combinations, these holiday cocktails are designed to impress.
Holiday cocktails are more than just beverages—they’re conversation starters, mood setters, and little bursts of joy in a glass. Think warming spices, seasonal fruits, sparkling bubbles, and deep, rich liqueurs that pair perfectly with festive foods and chilly nights. In this recipe guide, you’ll find ten cocktail recipes that are easy to make at home but feel like something you’d find in a top-tier bar.
Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or bold and boozy, there’s a cocktail on this list to match every vibe of the season. These drinks are guaranteed to bring warmth, fun, and flair to your holiday celebrations—and they might just become new seasonal traditions in your household.
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Tips for Holiday Cocktails
Prep Ahead: Batch cocktails like mulled wine or sangria can be made in advance to save time.
Garnish Generously: Use seasonal touches like cinnamon sticks, sugared cranberries, or rosemary sprigs to enhance presentation.
Offer Non-Alcoholic Versions: Use sparkling water, juices, or non-alcoholic spirits for guests who prefer mocktails.
Here’s a guide to some of the best holiday cocktails, complete with recipes, tips, and serving suggestions.
Best Time to Enjoy & What to Pair With Holiday Cocktails
These cocktails are perfect for holiday evenings, Christmas parties, or New Year’s Eve countdowns, but they’re also great for casual get-togethers, brunches, or even cozy movie nights. Prepare a batch for a holiday aperitif or serve them as a fun DIY cocktail bar option where guests can mix their own.
To pair, serve with charcuterie boards, mini quiches, bacon-wrapped dates, or holiday cookies—depending on whether you’re leaning savory or sweet. For warm cocktails like mulled wine or hot buttered rum, consider pairing with spiced nuts, gingerbread, or cheese platters.
With these festive cocktails on hand, you’ll be more than ready to raise your glass and celebrate the holidays in delicious style.
The holidays are synonymous with festive drinks, and for many people, that means sticking to the same tried-and-true classics year after year. While there’s nothing wrong with a traditional eggnog or hot toddy, a growing number of cocktail lovers are moving away from predictable recipes and experimenting with bolder, more creative flavors. This shift is stirring up a quiet debate among hosts and guests alike.
Traditionalists argue that classic holiday drinks are timeless for a reason. They evoke nostalgia, bring comfort, and create an atmosphere that feels familiar. For them, reinventing these recipes risks losing the magic of the season. A warm, spiced cocktail or a simple sparkling drink is part of what makes the holidays feel like the holidays.
But on the other side are those who believe the season should be about discovery, not repetition. They see the holidays as the perfect time to showcase creativity, mixing flavors like pomegranate, rosemary, ginger, and even unexpected infusions. This clash isn’t really about drinks—it’s about how people choose to celebrate: honoring tradition or rewriting it.
Best Cocktails To Try
1. Classic Eggnog
Why Try It:
A creamy and rich holiday staple that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum (optional)
Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
Whisk eggs and sugar until creamy.
Slowly add milk and cream while whisking.
Stir in bourbon or rum, if desired.
Chill for at least an hour.
Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Tips:
For a kid-friendly version, skip the alcohol. Make it a day ahead for deeper flavors.
2. Mulled Wine
Why Try It:
Warm and spiced, it’s ideal for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/4 cup brandy
1 orange, sliced
3–4 cinnamon sticks
4–6 cloves
3 tbsp honey or sugar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a pot. Heat gently without boiling for 20 minutes. Strain and serve warm.
Tips:
Use a slow cooker to keep it warm for guests. Garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
3. Peppermint White Russian
Why Try It:
A festive twist on the classic cocktail with a hint of mint.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
1 oz peppermint schnapps
2 oz heavy cream
Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
Top with cream and stir. Garnish with crushed candy canes.
Tips:
Chill the glass beforehand for a frosty effect. Adjust the peppermint schnapps to taste.
4. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Why Try It:
A tart and refreshing drink with a holiday twist.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup ginger beer
Lime wedges and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka and cranberry juice.
Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.
Tips:
Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tarter taste. Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch.
5. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Why Try It:
Creamy, chocolaty, and indulgent, this drink is perfect for dessert.
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 oz Baileys or peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
Heat milk and cream in a pot over medium heat. Stir in chocolate until melted.
Add Baileys or schnapps and stir. Top with whipped cream.
Tips:
Garnish with chocolate shavings or marshmallows. For kids, skip the alcohol and use flavored syrups.
6. Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
Why Try It:
Effervescent and elegant, perfect for holiday toasts.
Ingredients:
2 oz pomegranate juice
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Champagne or prosecco
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Pour pomegranate juice into a flute glass. Add a teaspoon of sugar if desired.
Top with champagne. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Tips:
Serve immediately to maintain bubbles. Swap pomegranate juice for cranberry juice for variety.
7. Winter Sangria
Why Try It:
A fruity and festive drink that serves a crowd.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier)
2 oranges, sliced
1 apple, chopped
1 cup cranberries
1 cup sparkling water
Instructions:
Combine wine, brandy, and orange liqueur in a pitcher. Add fruit and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Add sparkling water before serving.
Tips:
Use seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranates. Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
8. Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Why Try It:
A warming twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz apple cider
1 tsp maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters in a glass with ice.
Stir well. Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
Tips:
Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Lightly torch the orange peel for a smoky aroma.
9. Holiday Margarita
Why Try It:
A festive version of a favorite cocktail with cranberry and lime.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice
Sugared cranberries and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a glass with sugar. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into the glass. Garnish with sugared cranberries.
Tips:
Add a dash of orange bitters for depth. Use frozen cranberries to keep the drink cool.
10. Gingerbread Martini
Why Try It:
A dessert-like drink with the warm spices of gingerbread cookies.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz gingerbread syrup
1 oz cream
Crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a glass with crushed gingerbread cookies. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or whipped cream.
Tips:
Make your own gingerbread syrup by simmering sugar, water, ginger, and cinnamon. Serve chilled or slightly warm.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key when it comes to holiday cocktails. The right details can turn a good drink into a great experience.
Use festive glassware: Elegant coupes, rocks glasses, or flutes make a statement.
Garnish with intention: Fresh herbs, sugared rims, or citrus twists add a visual and aromatic touch.
Serve chilled or warmed appropriately: Temperature plays a big role in the drink’s overall effect.
The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new flavors, embrace creativity, and toast to everything worth celebrating. Whether classic or experimental, a good cocktail can set the tone for unforgettable moments.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of holiday cocktails is that they can reflect the kind of celebration you want to create. Whether you prefer the comfort of a mulled wine or the surprise of a rosemary-gin fizz, the point is to bring people together over something delicious. There’s no right or wrong way to toast the season.
Stepping outside your usual drink choices can breathe new life into familiar gatherings. A unique cocktail can spark conversation, set the mood, and turn a simple evening into a memory. It’s about creating an experience, not just mixing a drink.
In the end, whether you’re a loyalist to tradition or an experimental mixologist at heart, holiday cocktails are a reminder of what this season is truly about: connection, joy, and raising a glass to the moment.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.