As the winter months approach, there’s nothing like gathering with friends and family over a festive holiday cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas party or ringing in the New Year with a bang, these 20 delectable drinks are sure to impress your guests and put them in the holiday spirit.
From classic eggnog martinis to creative concoctions featuring gingerbread, peppermint, and cranberry, this list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for inspiration for your next holiday gathering, we’ve got you covered with these tried-and-true recipes.
So go ahead, grab your favorite festive attire (ugly sweaters encouraged!), and get ready to shake (not stir!) things up this holiday season.
Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and delicious Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka (Moscow Mule style)
– 4 oz Ginger Beer
– 1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
– 1/4 cup Lime Juice
– 1/4 cup Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
– Lime wedges and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a copper mug or highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few cranberries.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Peppermint White Russian
A refreshing twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, this Peppermint White Russian combines the creamy sweetness of Kahlúa with the invigorating zing of peppermint.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream.
3. Add peppermint extract and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so it’s ready in just a few minutes.
Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg
A luxurious twist on the classic martini, this Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg combines the richness of eggnog and nutmeg with the sophistication of a well-crafted cocktail.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce eggnog liqueur
• 1/2 ounce heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Ice
• Martini glass
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, eggnog liqueur, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Sprinkle the ground nutmeg over the ingredients in the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the mixture.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
A twist on the classic cocktail, this Gingerbread Old Fashioned combines the warmth of ginger and spices with the smoothness of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Bourbon whiskey
– 1/2 oz Ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup
– 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir for approximately 20-25 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Add three dashes of Angostura bitters on top.
5. Garnish with an orange peel, twisted or curled to release its oils.
Cooking Time:
– None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking recipe.
Candy Cane Martini
Get ready to make your holiday party brighter with this festive Candy Cane Martini recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream.
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just minutes!
Hot Buttered Rum
Elevate your winter nights with this classic cocktail that combines the richness of butter, the warmth of rum, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Brown sugar to taste
• Whipped cream and sprinkles of nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg; whisk until well combined.
3. Pour in the rum and heavy cream; whisk until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Taste and add brown sugar as needed.
6. Strain into a mug or heatproof glass.
7. Garnish with whipped cream and nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Enjoy your warm and cozy Hot Buttered Rum!
Pomegranate Champagne Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing Pomegranate Champagne Punch, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup triple sec (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
– Fresh pomegranate arils (optional) for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine champagne, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, triple sec, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir the punch again and adjust sweetness or flavor to taste.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with slices of citrus fruits and pomegranate arils (if using).
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a refreshing drink that’s ready in minutes.
Mulled Wine with Citrus and Spices
Warm up this winter with a fragrant and flavorful mulled wine recipe, infused with the sweetness of citrus and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the flavors have melded together (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Add the brown sugar and water to the pot, stirring to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the wine has reached your desired level of warmth.
5. Remove from heat and strain into mugs or cups.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
A refreshing twist on the classic smash cocktail, this Apple Cider Bourbon Smash combines the warmth of bourbon with the crispness of apple cider and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3 dashes cinnamon bitters
– Ice
– Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add cinnamon bitters and stir gently.
6. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini
Escape the ordinary with this refreshing twist on a classic hot chocolate. This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini combines rich, creamy hot chocolate with the invigorating flavor of peppermint and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 oz vanilla-flavored vodka
– 1 cup hot chocolate mix (prepared according to package instructions)
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine white chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and vanilla-flavored vodka.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass filled with hot chocolate.
4. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles.
Cooking Time: None (just chill and serve!)
Cranberry Orange Sangria
Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday parties, this Cranberry Orange Sangria is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic Spanish drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 orange, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– Sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, cranberries, and orange slices.
2. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, add the triple sec and stir gently.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice.
6. Top each glass off with sparkling water and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is served chilled, so simply refrigerate until ready to serve.
Spiked Eggnog Latte
Warm up with a creamy, boozy twist on the classic eggnog latte. This recipe combines rich eggnog flavor with a hint of rum and topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 shots espresso or strong brewed coffee
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 ounce dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– Whipped cream and nutmeg for topping
Instructions:
1. Brew two shots of espresso or make two cups of strong coffee.
2. In a large mug, combine the espresso, eggnog, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the dark rum and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Holiday Espresso Martini
Holiday Espresso Martini Recipe
A festive twist on the classic martini, this Holiday Espresso Martini is perfect for sipping by the fireplace or serving at your holiday party.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce Kahlúa coffee liqueur
• 1/2 ounce espresso syrup (or strong brewed coffee)
• 1/2 ounce heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Coffee beans or crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, espresso syrup, and heavy cream.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Drizzle a small amount of vanilla extract around the rim of the glass (optional).
6. Garnish with coffee beans or crushed candy canes.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Gingerbread White Russian
A twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, this recipe combines gingerbread-flavored liqueur with vodka and cream for a unique and delicious holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gingerbread-flavored liqueur
– 3/4 ounce vodka
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gingerbread-flavored liqueur, vodka, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, add a pinch of sugar on top of the cocktail and stir until dissolved.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– 5-7 minutes to prepare
– No cooking required
Sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz
Add a touch of festive cheer to your cocktail game with this Sparkling Cranberry Gin Fizz recipe! This refreshing drink combines the tartness of cranberries, the crispness of gin, and the effervescence of sparkling water.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of lime and orange for garnish
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top off with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with slices of lime and orange.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Caramel Apple Hot Toddy
Warm up with this autumnal twist on the classic hot toddy, featuring sweet caramel and crisp apple flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup caramel syrup (or dulce de leche)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon honey
– Sliced apple, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the apple cider over medium heat.
2. Add the caramel syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the apple cider. Stir until dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and add the bourbon or whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. Stir until combined.
4. Pour into mugs and garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Winter Spice Margarita
Winter Spice Margarita Recipe
Warm up with a twist on the classic margarita, infused with the cozy flavors of winter spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic martini. Rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint come together to create a unique and delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 oz crème de menthe
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, white chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and crème de menthe.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sticks.
Cooking Time: None! Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Martini immediately.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Escape into a fall-inspired twist on the classic White Russian cocktail with this Pumpkin Spice White Russian recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Kahlúa
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 oz pumpkin puree
– 1/4 oz maple syrup
– Pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg
– Ice cubes
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg on top (optional).
6. Garnish with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Festive Prosecco Punch
Celebrate any occasion with this refreshing and bubbly punch, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 bottles of Prosecco (1L each)
– 1 cup of pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup of cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– 1/4 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur.
2. Stir in the simple syrup until fully dissolved.
3. Chill the punch in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir the punch gently to re-activate the bubbles.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with slices of orange, lemon, and lime.
Cooking Time: None required!
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these festive cocktail recipes! From classic favorites like Hot Buttered Rum and Mulled Wine to creative twists like Peppermint White Russian and Gingerbread Old Fashioned, there’s something for everyone. Try Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule for a refreshing twist on the original, or go sweet with Candy Cane Martini and Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini. Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties, these 20 delicious recipes are sure to bring cheer and joy to your festive celebrations.
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