The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a deliciously crafted cocktail? Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun and tasty drink to enjoy on your own, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of our favorite holiday cocktail recipes that are sure to bring cheer to your gathering.
From classic favorites like the Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg to creative twists like the Spiked Apple Cider with Bourbon, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a glass and let’s get started!
Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule
Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe
This refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule adds a burst of cranberry flavor and warm spices to make it perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka (such as Ketel One)
– 1 oz lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
3. Stir in the cranberry juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
5. Garnish with additional fresh cranberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Peppermint White Russian
Cool down with this refreshing twist on the classic White Russian cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 4 ounces heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Ice cubes
– Crushed candy canes or mint sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and sugar to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes or mint sprigs, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg
Experience the warmth of the holiday season with this indulgent martini, combining the creamy richness of eggnog with a hint of nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz eggnog
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 sugar rim (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka and eggnog.
2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Float a dollop of heavy cream on top (optional).
6. Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg over the cream.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Gingerbread Old Fashioned Recipe
Experience the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread in a unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon or whiskey, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the cocktail.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time:
– None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon
Revive the nostalgia of a traditional holiday gathering with this comforting and flavorful drink. Rich butter, sweet rum, and warm cinnamon come together to create a delightful treat for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup dark rum (at least 40% ABV)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the rum, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it warm for 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and salt.
5. Pour the hot buttered rum into mugs and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including prep time)
Pomegranate Champagne Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing and fruity punch perfect for holidays and celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 cup mixed fruit juice (such as pineapple, orange, and grapefruit)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– Slices of lime and orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, mixed fruit juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the champagne or sparkling wine to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add fresh lime juice to taste.
4. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with slices of lime and orange.
Cooking Time: None
Candy Cane Martini
Add some holiday cheer to your cocktail hour with this festive Candy Cane Martini. A sweet and creamy mix of peppermint, vodka, and Godiva white chocolate liqueur.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 oz heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream.
3. Add a few drops of peppermint extract (to taste).
4. Shake until chilled and well combined.
5. Strain into a martini glass.
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Mulled Wine with Citrus and Cloves
Warm Up with Spiced Mulled Wine and Citrus
As winter approaches, a warm and aromatic mulled wine is just what you need to cozy up by the fire or at your holiday gatherings. This recipe combines the classic spices of cloves and cinnamon with a burst of citrus flavor from oranges and lemons.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cloves
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the sliced orange and lemon.
2. Add the whole cloves and cinnamon stick to the pot.
3. Pour in the red wine, brown sugar, and water.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Strain the mulled wine into mugs or a serving pitcher.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiked Apple Cider with Bourbon
Elevate your fall gatherings with this warm and spicy apple cider infused with the rich flavor of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 1/2 cup bourbon (such as Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam)
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 6-8 whole cloves
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider and bourbon.
2. Add the broken cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the pot.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reaches a simmer (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini
Cozy up with this refreshing twist on the classic hot chocolate martini, infused with peppermint and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add in the white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour into a martini glass and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (including chilling time)
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Brighten up your brunch with this refreshing twist on the classic mimosa. The tartness of cranberries and sweetness of orange juice perfectly balance to create a festive drink for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
– Slices of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir to combine.
2. Add the champagne or sparkling wine and stir gently to avoid foaming.
3. Add the orange liqueur and stir again to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, pour the mimosa into glasses filled with ice.
6. Garnish each glass with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Eggnog Irish Coffee
Warm up with a rich and creamy twist on the classic Irish coffee, infused with the sweetness of eggnog.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup eggnog
– 1/2 ounce Irish whiskey (such as Jameson or Tullamore DEW)
– Heavy cream, whipped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of strong coffee and pour it into a warmed glass mug.
2. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until dissolved.
3. Pour in the eggnog, holding back the foam with a spoon.
4. Add the Irish whiskey, being careful not to stir too vigorously (you want to preserve the layers).
5. If desired, top with whipped heavy cream.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed – just assemble and serve.
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and spicy cocktail that combines the warmth of gingerbread with the richness of espresso.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz espresso liqueur
– 1 oz vodka
– 1 oz gingerbread syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– Dash of ground cinnamon, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add espresso liqueur, vodka, and gingerbread syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and garnish with a dash of ground cinnamon and fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail, perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Prosecco
– 1 cup pear puree (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1 cinnamon stick, cut into thin strips
– 6-8 whole cloves
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pear slices, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or jug, combine Prosecco, pear puree, orange juice, and honey syrup.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves to the mixture.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, fill glasses with ice and pour the cocktail over the ice.
5. Garnish with fresh pear slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink recipe!
Caramel Apple Sangria
A perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this Caramel Apple Sangria is a refreshing twist on the classic drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio work well)
– 1 cup of apple cider
– 1/2 cup of caramel syrup
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– Sliced apples and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, caramel syrup, brown sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Just before serving, add sliced apples and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher for garnish.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prep only)
Winter Spice Margarita
Winter Spice Margarita Recipe
As the winter season approaches, warm up with a twist on the classic margarita that combines the spices of the season with the sweetness of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt for rimming glass
– Lime wheel and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Bourbon Eggnog with Vanilla
A rich and creamy eggnog infused with the smooth flavors of bourbon and vanilla, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
4. Stir in bourbon whiskey (adjust to taste).
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, sprinkle with a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is served chilled.
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Cranberry Gin Fizz, perfect for the holiday season or any time you need a fruity twist on classic gin fizz.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup club soda
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Lime wheel, for garnish
• Fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, cranberry juice, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir briefly.
6. Add simple syrup to taste, stirring well.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few fresh or frozen cranberries.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just minutes.
Enjoy your Cranberry Gin Fizz!
Peppermint Mocha Martini
Experience the refreshing combination of peppermint and chocolate in this unique martini recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce Kahlúa liqueur
– 1/2 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, and white chocolate liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. In a small bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
6. Add peppermint extract and whip until combined.
7. Top the martini with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 seconds (shaking) + 2 minutes (whipping cream)
Holiday Spiced Rum Punch
Warm up your holiday gatherings with this festive and flavorful punch!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves or holly sprigs for added festive flair (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large punch bowl, combine the dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and grenadine syrup.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the simple syrup and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced citrus fruits and a sprig of fresh mint or holly (if using).
Cooking Time: None! This punch is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and festive Holiday Spiced Rum Punch!
