As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to spread joy and warmth than by indulging in delightful holiday cocktails. Whether you're hosting a Christmas Eve gathering or simply looking to have some holiday cheer, these 30 cocktail recipes are guaranteed to add a touch of merriment to your festivities. From classic favorites with a twist to creative concoctions that capture the spirit of the season, let's dive into the world of holiday mixology!
Classic Holiday Cocktails with a Twist
The classic cocktails of the holiday season get a delightful twist with these inventive recipes. Elevate your festive gatherings with these unique and flavorful concoctions. From the Cranberry Cinnamon Bellini that infuses the tartness of cranberries with a hint of cinnamon to the Frosted Candy Cane Martini that brings the magic of candy canes to your glass, these cocktails are designed to impress. Let's dive into the recipes:
Cranberry Cinnamon Bellini
Recipe:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 bottle of chilled Prosecco or Champagne
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, mix cranberry juice and orange juice.
- Pour the juice mixture into Champagne flutes, filling each glass about 1/3 full.
- Slowly top each glass with chilled Prosecco or Champagne.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Mistletoe Margarita
Recipe:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Sugared cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with sugared cranberries.
- In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, pomegranate juice, and lime juice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a skewer of sugared cranberries.
Frosted Candy Cane Martini
Recipe:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- Crushed candy canes, for rim
Instructions:
- Rim the martini glass with crushed candy canes by wetting the rim and dipping it in the crushed candy.
- In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a small candy cane.
Gingerbread Eggnog Punch
Recipe:
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1/2 cup spiced rum
- 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup
- Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a punch bowl, combine eggnog, spiced rum, and gingerbread syrup.
- Stir well to mix the flavors.
- Ladle into glasses and top with freshly grated nutmeg.
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
Recipe:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Orange slice and cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine whiskey, cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a few cranberries.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and garnish.
Winter Wonderland White Russian
Recipe:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Star anise, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Add vodka and coffee liqueur, then gently pour in the heavy cream to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with a star anise on top.
- Stir before sipping to combine the flavors and creaminess.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Recipe:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine bourbon, cranberry juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Sparkling Marvels
Raise a toast to the holiday season with these sparkling delights. These cocktails are designed to add an extra layer of celebration to your gatherings and pair perfectly with your holiday tablescape. From the elegant Cranberry Champagne Punch to the zesty Citrus Spice Mule, each recipe is crafted to bring a bubbly touch to your festivities. Let's dive into the recipes:
Cranberry Champagne Punch
Recipe:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 bottle of chilled Champagne or Prosecco
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled Champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
Pomegranate Prosecco Spritz
Recipe:
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- Chilled Prosecco
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine pomegranate juice and orange liqueur.
- Add ice and top with chilled Prosecco.
- Stir gently and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Frosty Berry Bellini
Recipe:
- 1/2 cup mixed berry puree (blueberry, raspberry, strawberry)
- Chilled Prosecco or Champagne
Instructions:
- In a glass, pour the mixed berry puree.
- Slowly top with chilled Prosecco or Champagne.
- Stir gently to create a swirling effect.
Cranberry Mimosa
Recipe:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Chilled Champagne or Prosecco
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a flute glass, pour cranberry juice.
- Top with chilled Champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with a few fresh cranberries.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Recipe:
- 2 oz spiced apple cider
- Chilled Champagne or Prosecco
- Apple slice, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a flute glass, pour spiced apple cider.
- Top with chilled Champagne or Prosecco.
- Garnish with a thin apple slice.
Citrus Spice Mule
Recipe:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Orange slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
- Pour in vodka, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Cozy and Comforting Drinks
Cozy up by the fire and embrace the warmth of the holiday season with these inviting warm drinks. These cocktails are crafted to make your winter gatherings memorable and heartwarming. From the Spiced Hot Apple Toddy that combines spiced apple cider with whiskey to the Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate that's a minty delight, each drink is a celebration of coziness. Let's explore the recipes:
Spiced Hot Apple Toddy
Recipe:
- 1 cup spiced apple cider
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- Lemon wedge and cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the spiced apple cider until warm but not boiling.
- In a mug, combine warm cider, whiskey, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves.
- Squeeze the lemon wedge into the mug and drop it in.
- Stir gently and garnish with an additional cinnamon stick.
Caramel Irish Coffee
Recipe:
- 1 cup hot coffee
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz caramel vodka
- Whipped cream and caramel drizzle, for topping
Instructions:
- Brew hot coffee and pour it into a mug.
- Add Irish cream liqueur and caramel vodka.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate
Recipe:
- 1 cup hot chocolate
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- Whipped cream and crushed peppermint, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare hot chocolate according to your preference.
- Stir in peppermint schnapps.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.
Vanilla Spiced White Hot Chocolate
Recipe:
- 1 cup white hot chocolate
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare white hot chocolate according to your preference.
- Stir in vanilla vodka.
- Top with freshly grated nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Recipe:
- 1 cup hot chocolate
- 1 oz whipped cream vodka
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare hot chocolate according to your preference.
- Stir in whipped cream vodka.
- Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Whimsical, Wintery Wonders
Embrace the whimsy of the holiday season with these enchanting and imaginative cocktails. These drinks strike a balance between creativity and flavor. From the Frosted Cranberry Fizz to the Chocolate Orange Martini, each cocktail is a delightful journey into a world of wintery wonder. Let's explore the recipes:
Frosted Cranberry Fizz
Recipe:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Soda water
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, vodka, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and gently stir.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries.
- Sip and enjoy the playful and refreshing fizz.
Snowflake Sour
Recipe:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Blue Curacao liqueur
- Edible silver or pearl dust, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Slowly drizzle in a touch of Blue Curacao liqueur for a swirling effect.
- Dust the top with edible silver or pearl dust for a snowy touch.
- Sip and experience the frosty magic.
Candy Cane Swirl
Recipe:
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- Crushed candy canes, for rim and garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with crushed candy canes by wetting the rim and dipping it in the crushed candy.
- In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a small candy cane.
Magical Eggnog Martini
Recipe:
- 2 oz eggnog
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 1/2 oz amaretto liqueur
- Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine eggnog, vanilla vodka, and amaretto liqueur with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
Star Anise Mulled Cider
Recipe:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 star anise
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- Orange slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine apple cider, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Strain into mugs and garnish with orange slices.
Chocolate Orange Martini
Recipe:
- 2 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine chocolate liqueur, orange liqueur, and vodka with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and garnish.
Mocktail Magic
Elevate your holiday celebrations with these non-alcoholic mocktails that are as delightful as they are refreshing. Perfect to add to your New Year’s Eve tablescape, These mocktails bring a sense of joy and inclusivity to your gatherings. From the Virgin Apple Pie to the Mulled Wine Magic, each sip is a celebration of flavor.
Virgin Apple Pie
Recipe:
- 1 cup apple juice or cider
- 1/2 oz caramel syrup
- Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine apple juice or cider and caramel syrup.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Caramel Pear Sparkler
Recipe:
- 1/2 cup pear juice
- 1/4 oz caramel syrup
- Chilled sparkling water
- Fresh pear slice, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine pear juice and caramel syrup.
- Top with chilled sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a fresh pear slice.
Sparkling Berry Mocktail
Recipe:
- 1/4 cup mixed berry puree (blueberry, raspberry, strawberry)
- Chilled sparkling water
- Fresh berries, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, pour the mixed berry puree.
- Top with chilled sparkling water.
- Stir gently to create a swirling effect.
- Garnish with fresh berries.
Winter Spice Mocktail
Recipe:
- 1/2 cup apple juice or cider
- 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup
- 1/4 oz ginger syrup
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine apple juice or cider, cinnamon syrup, and ginger syrup.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink and garnish.
Pomegranate Ginger Fizz
Recipe:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 oz ginger syrup
- Chilled sparkling water
- Pomegranate seeds and crystallized ginger, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, combine pomegranate juice and ginger syrup.
- Top with chilled sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and crystallized ginger.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
When crafting these holiday cocktails, don't forget to create an ambiance that matches the merriment of the occasion. Elevate your drink presentation with dinnerware with holiday china patterns or stylish drinkware, such as the Tuscany Classics Stackables by Lenox Corporation. These elegant glasses not only enhance the visual appeal of your cocktails but also add a touch of sophistication to your holiday celebrations.
To What Are You Toasting This Season?
As the holiday season approaches, let us raise a glass to joy, togetherness, and the spirit of celebration. Share your favorite cocktails and mocktails with us on social media, especially if they're served in your favorite Lenox drinkware! Tag us @Lenox so we can join in the festivities.
With these 30 holiday cocktail recipes, your celebrations are bound to be infused with flavor, creativity, and the joy of the season. Cheers to happy holidays and unforgettable moments shared with loved ones!
