14+ Ideas for Holiday Cocktail Recipes

The holiday season is the perfect time to spice things up with some creative cocktails. With the right mix of flavors and a bit of festive cheer, you can create drinks that are as delightful as they are delicious.

Spiced Cranberry Mule

Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule

Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule from Half Baked Harvest

Rating: 4.9 (36 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Spiced Cranberry Mule

Spiced Cranberry Mule from The Good Hearted Woman

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe by Tasty

Spiced Cranberry Mule Recipe by Tasty from Tasty

Rating: 4.8 (14 reviews). Total Time: 24 h 2 min.

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This cocktail combines the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of ginger and a hint of cinnamon, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and cozy. The main ingredients include cranberry juice, ginger beer, vodka, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

The Spiced Cranberry Mule stands out because it brings together traditional holiday flavors in a new and exciting way. The ginger beer adds a fizzy kick, while the cinnamon gives it that extra holiday warmth. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something both comforting and invigorating.

Eggnog Martini

Eggnog Martini

Eggnog Martini from The Spruce Eats

Rating: 4.3 (31 reviews). Total Time: 3 min.

Eggnog Martini

Eggnog Martini from Nutmeg Nanny

Rating: 4.4 (67 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Espresso eggnog martini

Espresso eggnog martini from BBC Good Food

Total Time: 5 min.

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If you love eggnog, this cocktail will be your new favorite. It features classic eggnog, vanilla vodka, and a dash of nutmeg, creating a smooth and creamy drink that’s perfect for the holiday season.

The Eggnog Martini is special because it transforms the classic eggnog into a sophisticated cocktail, perfect for holiday parties. The vanilla vodka enhances the creamy flavors of the eggnog, while the nutmeg adds a touch of spice, making every sip feel like a holiday treat. It’s great for impressing guests with something both familiar and new.

One of the best parts about the Eggnog Martini is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a mixologist to get this just right. Simply shake the ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and enjoy a taste of the holidays with each sip.

Peppermint White Russian

Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not)

Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not) from Sugar and Soul

Rating: 5 (683 reviews).

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This twist on the classic White Russian adds a festive touch with the addition of peppermint schnapps. With vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, and peppermint schnapps, it’s like sipping on a candy cane in liquid form.

The Peppermint White Russian is a holiday favorite because it combines the rich, velvety texture of the original with the refreshing taste of peppermint. The result is a creamy, minty cocktail that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and holiday cheer.

Mulled Wine Sangria

Mulled Wine Christmas Sangria

Mulled Wine Christmas Sangria from She Keeps a Lovely Home

Rating: 4.9 (14 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 25 min.

Mulled sangria recipe

Mulled sangria recipe from Taste

Total Time: 35 min.

Mulled wine sangria

Mulled wine sangria from Tesco Recipes

Total Time: 15 min.

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Mulled Wine Sangria is where traditional mulled wine meets fruity sangria, bringing together the best of both worlds. It includes red wine, brandy, orange juice, sliced fruits, and spices like cloves and cinnamon.

This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser because it combines the warming spices of mulled wine with the bright, fruity notes of sangria. It’s perfect for a holiday gathering because you can make a big batch and let your guests serve themselves. The aroma of the spices and fruits will fill your home, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite fruits or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re a sangria lover or a mulled wine enthusiast, this cocktail will satisfy your holiday cravings.

Gingerbread Hot Toddy

Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail

Cranberry Orange Old Fashioned Cocktail from A Girl Defloured

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 15 min.

Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not)

Christmas Punch (Alcoholic or Not) from Sugar and Soul

Rating: 5 (683 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Jingle Juice Holiday Punch

Jingle Juice Holiday Punch from Inspired By Charm

Rating: 4.6 (28 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

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This cocktail takes the traditional hot toddy and gives it a gingerbread twist, perfect for cold winter nights. The main ingredients are whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and gingerbread syrup, creating a warm and spicy drink.

The Gingerbread Hot Toddy is special because it captures the essence of gingerbread cookies in a cozy, comforting drink. The combination of whiskey and gingerbread syrup creates a rich flavor that’s both soothing and nostalgic, making it ideal for sipping by the fire.

What makes this cocktail truly irresistible is its ability to warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect drink for relaxing after a long day of holiday activities, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. Add a lemon slice or cinnamon stick for garnish, and you’ve got a holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Holiday Cocktails

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Experiment with Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Fresh herbs, citrus peels, or even festive candies can elevate your cocktail’s presentation and flavor. Have fun experimenting to see what combinations you enjoy most.

Balance the Flavors

Make sure to balance sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy elements in your cocktails. A well-balanced drink is more satisfying and keeps your guests coming back for more. Taste as you go and adjust the ingredients as needed.

Chill Your Glasses

For cold cocktails, chilling your glassware can make a huge difference. Place your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep your drinks nice and cold, enhancing the overall experience.