10 Fun and Fabulous Holiday Cocktails
Christmas is a short time away. If you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to add a little sparkle to your evenings at home, holiday cocktails are the perfect way to elevate your festivities. I’ve gathered 10 fun and fabulous holiday cocktails to help make your celebrations from now to Christmas and New Years a joyous time.
Imagine clinking glasses filled with vibrant colors and delightful flavors, sharing with friends and family. From classic concoctions to innovative mixes, the world of holiday cocktails is as diverse as it is delightful.
Let’s explore some fabulous types of holiday cocktails and seasonal ingredients that will make your celebrations truly memorable!
Do you struggle with knowing what bar tools you need? I have a helpful checklist for you below. It also makes a great “gift-giving” list for the bartender in your life.
Types of Holiday Cocktails
There not be a better time to discover some new libations than the holiday season. Try something classic or a new twist on an old favorite. All these drinks can be served now to New Years Day.
You can never go wrong with one of these holiday beverages.
- Eggnog – A traditional favorite, rich and creamy eggnog is often spiced with nutmeg and can be made with rum, bourbon, or brandy.
- Mulled Wine – Warm and aromatic, mulled wine combines red wine with spices like cinnamon and cloves, plus citrus fruits for a cozy drink.
- Cranberry Mimosas – A festive twist on the classic mimosa, this bubbly drink mixes cranberry juice with sparkling wine for a refreshing toast.
- Peppermint Martini – This fun cocktail features vodka, peppermint schnapps, and a splash of cream, garnished with crushed candy canes for a sweet touch. How pretty!
- Spiked Hot Chocolate – Perfect for chilly nights after caroling, this indulgent drink blends hot chocolate with your choice of liqueur—think Irish cream or peppermint schnapps.
- Poinsettia Cocktail – A vibrant mix of cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Gingerbread White Russian
A seasonal spin on the classic White Russian with gingerbread syrup added for a festive flavor. Like dessert in a glass! - Winter Sangria
This fruity blend incorporates seasonal fruits like pomegranate and apple with red or white wine for a refreshing punch. I have a recipe for this one near the end of the post.
Essential Holiday Cocktail Ingredients
Certain seasonal ingredients add to the holiday flair. These ingredients can be used in the drink or as a garnish to add that special touch of festivity.
- Cranberries – Fresh or dried cranberries add a tartness and vibrant color to cocktails. Add sugar to them for an extra special look.
- Cinnamon Sticks – Perfect for infusing warmth into drinks, cinnamon sticks are a holiday staple.
- Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor profile of many holiday cocktails. Can be sprinkled on top to garnish a drink.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger or ginger syrup can provide a spicy kick to your drinks.
- Pomegranate Seeds – These jewel-like seeds add both flavor and colorful appeal to cocktails.
- Fresh Herbs – Mint, sage, and rosemary not only add color, but aroma to any drink.
- Fresh Citrus Fruits – Oranges, lemons, and limes brighten up any drink with their zesty flavors.
- Peppermint Extract or Candy Canes – For that quintessential holiday flavor, peppermint is a must-have ingredient.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla adds warmth and richness to many cocktails.
With these fun and fabulous holiday cocktails in your repertoire and the perfect seasonal ingredients at your fingertips, you’re all set to impress your guests (or treat yourself!) this festive season. Cheers to making many merry memories!
Welcome to Bluesky Browsing #167.
Why Did I Choose These Fabulous Holiday Cocktails?
As usual, I have a list of “must-haves” when I’m searching for a list to curate. Here are my criteria for the perfect list of fabulous holiday cocktails.
- are the ingredients easy to find or ones I have on hand?
- do the ingredients evoke the feeling of the holiday season?
- are the recipe instructions easy to follow?
- is the recipe attractive and appealing for the holidays?
- is it easy to make?
Enjoy this list. Pick your favorites and introduce them to family and guests. They may become a holiday tradition.
Celebrate the Holiday Season: 10 Holiday Beverages
White Christmas Margarita
This easy White Christmas Margarita is a delicious and refreshing cocktail for celebrating the holiday season! Not only is it simple to make and beautiful to serve, but the flavor combination of tequila, lime and coconut is a winner. Thanks to Kim of Charming Cocktails.
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Here is the perfect Christmas margarita to kick off the holidays, Frozen Cranberry Margaritas! Sharon of Grits and Pinecones explains that not only are they a beautiful rosy color, but they are delicious and this recipe is oh so easy to make. Aren’t those glasses cool!
Festive Pink Gin Spritz
This festive pink gin spritz is made with a splash of cranberry juice, for a lively refreshing drink! It’s a delicious drink for the holidays made with 3 simple ingredients. Andrea of How We Live shares a classic gin spritz cocktail with a festive flair! Isn’t that garnish amazing!
Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Five ingredients are all it takes to make this sweet and sour cranberry whiskey sour. Garnished with fresh cranberries and an orange slice for a gorgeous presentation value, Lisa of My Incredible Recipes shares a winner of a cocktail.
A Grinch Mimosa
Make yourself a Grinch Mimosa to celebrate the holiday season. Lauren of A Nerb Cooks shares a fun and easy way to jazz up a basic mimosa for Christmas.
Red, green, booze, and bubbles… Despite it’s curmudgeonly namesake, this drink is full of nothing but holiday cheer.
Spiced Margarita
Shake up the holiday spirit with a Spiced up Christmas Margarita! This festive twist on a classic margarita bursts with zesty citrus, sweet pomegranate, and cozy holiday spices, making it the ultimate winter cocktail from Timo of Cocktail Society.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
This bubbly Fig Prosecco Cocktail is a delicious cocktail recipe for a holiday event or party! Kim of Olive Tavern shares how sweet fig flavor is blended with the sparkling wine for a festive and beautiful drink.
Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
Christmas morning is not complete unless there is a little sparkle. This sugared cranberry Christmas mimosa from Jennifer of Brunch and Batter is an easy cocktail that dazzles and impresses. A perfect toast to start the day!
Negroni Spritzer
This Negroni Spritz is one of many Negroni variations. This variation takes the typical Negroni ratio and turns that into a spritz with Prosecco and soda water. Joanne of Ugly Duckling Bakery shares a classic cocktail with a twist wrapped up in a bow.
White Christmas Mojito
This refreshing twist on the classic mojito with a creamy and festive touch makes it perfect for the holiday season. John of Tasty Tales combines the flavors of coconut, lime, and mint for a tropical escape, even during the holidays. It’s not only tasty but also looks beautiful with its snowy white appearance and green mint leaves.
Don’t forget to get your Bar Essentials Checklist. It will be a handy tool for now and future occasions.
More Christmas Cocktail Ideas? Here are some of my favorites.
- Pretty Pom Pom Christmas Cocktail – my most recent
- Pretty Sangria for the Holidays
- 12 Fabulous Christmas Cocktails
Visit my Pinterest Boards – Christmas Cocktails and Beverages and Cocktails and follow for more holiday beverage ideas.
I’m sure that you found several holiday cocktails that you’d love to make to celebrate the season. Which ones were your favorites? I hope you PIN this post, and then PIN your favorites.
I’d love to know what subjects you are most curious about. Let me know in the comments and I’ll search browse for them. Be sure to PIN to keep these ideas handy.
