21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (2024)

Enjoying winter co*cktails is a sure way to get into the spirit of the season. They warm us from our heads to our toes and include a bunch of different festive elements that definitely put us in a jolly mood. With a variety of ingredients and garnishes, these 18 holiday alcoholic drink recipes are certain to make your nights merry and bright, no matter which kinds of co*cktailsyou enjoy! We've got quite the assortment of concoctions perfect for holiday parties and quiet nights surrounded by your Christmas decorations. Cheers!

Brit + Co Holiday co*cktail Recipes

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (1)

Chai Hot Toddy

With some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk, chai tea becomes one of the holiday co*cktails — and one that you'll never want to put down! Add a shot of espresso for an extra kick or keep it as-is. (via Brit + Co)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (2)

"Naughty and Nice" Holiday co*cktail Recipe

With a few ingredients — including grenadine, citrus fruits, and whiskey — you can take your classic Coca-Cola to a whole new level. These fun holiday drinks are so flavorful that you can leave out the alcohol for the kids without sacrificing any of the flavor! (via Brit + Co)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (3)

Coffee Holiday co*cktail

This funny holiday co*cktail recipe combines beer and coffee for a drink like you've never had before! You'll be able to unwind and get a little caffeine kick at the same time. (via Brit + Co)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (4)

Candy Cane Martini

Combine the best parts of the holiday — peppermint and vanilla vodka — to make this pleasing candy cane martini. Glasses up! (via Brit + Co)

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Peppermint White Russian

This fan-favorite drink just got an upgrade thanks to the festive peppermint along the rim. You'll enjoy the juxtaposition between the crunchy mint and the smooth taste of vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. (via Brit + Co)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (6)

Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus co*cktail

We know a good mid-morning drink when we see one and this citrus co*cktail looks mighty tasty! If you plan to sleep in, serve it with your Christmas brunch meal as a fab precursor to opening gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cranberry Holiday co*cktail Recipes

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Cranberry Orange Bourbon co*cktail

All the flavors shaken together here are certainly tempting, but we're especially taken by the brandied cranberrygarnish. Talk about a seasonally appropriate alternative to cherry recipes. (via The Little Epicurean)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (8)

Cranberry-Ginger co*cktail

The usual vodkacran gets a holiday makeover, thanks to a double dose of ginger-flavored additions and a few dashes of bittersfor balance. (via Jelly Toast Blog)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (9)

Cranberry Bourbon Negroni

Turn the typical negronion its head with this festive holiday co*cktail. Bourbon replaces gin, and a splash of cranberry soda gets thrown in. The latter creates a seasonal spin that tempers the trademark bitterness of ruby red Campari juuuust enough. (via Climbing Grier Mountain)

Warm & Spicy Holiday co*cktail Recipes

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (10)

Glögg Holiday Drink (Swedish Mulled Wine)

If Scandinavian Long Island iced tea meets mulled wine sounds good to you, well, you need a little Glögg in your life. Save the top shelf stuff for another time, because all the spices that go into this easy holiday co*cktail mask any unsavory elements. (via Hapa Nom)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (11)

Hot Buttered Rum

This classic couldn't be easier. The butter, sugar and spice mix keeps well for ages (and can even be spread on your morning toast). Just stir it together with a shot of hot rum when you're ready for a little indulgence and voilà. A must-have warm holiday co*cktail. (via I'm Bored, Let's Go)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (12)

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Have you heard? There's a hot new trend in holiday co*cktails this year: slow cooker sips. This spiced wine sure knows how to take the chill out of your bones. (via The Law Student's Wife)

Brandy & Whiskey Holiday co*cktail Recipes

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (13)

Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour

No cloying, neon sour mix here. This sip's sweetness comes naturally via apple cider, simple syrup and a cinnamon-sugar rim. The wreath-like apple slice floating on top and sprig of rosemary is just an added bonus in this holiday drink with alcohol. (via She Eats)

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Brandy Old Fashioned

Mix up a batch of brandy old fashioneds as a sweeter, holiday mixed drink alternative to the usual whiskey-based recipe. (And if you love those glasses, we have another gilded suggestion that you're sure to adore.) (via House of Hipsters)

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Brandy Alexander Holiday Drink Recipe

If you’re looking for an adult hot chocolate equivalent in classic co*cktail form, this sweet, creamy concoction is just what the doctor bartender ordered. (via The Drink Blog)

More Delicious Holiday co*cktail Recipes

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (16)

Frosted Gingerbread Martini

Don't those gingerbread boys look like they're up to no good? Featuring four parts of well-balanced booziness to one part cream, shake up one of these classic holiday drinks and you just may join them. (via Freutcake)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (17)

Charred Lemon Rosemary Sparkler

Together, rosemaryand gin are quire the recipe for a festive holiday drink. You'll love how caramelizing the lemons lends each sip a richer, sweeter flavor. It's the perfect punch to satisfy a thirsty crowd. (via Serious Eats)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (18)

Gelt Chaser

Break out the Manischewitz — you're about to mix up a delicious holiday alternative to the rusty nail. You don't even need to celebrate Hanukkah to enjoy this holiday drink idea. (via Thrillist)

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Evergreen Swizzle

It may take you some time to gather up all the specialty spirits required, but it really doesn't get much more Christmassy than this easy holiday drink. It features gin, pine liqueur and a handful of other well-thought-out additions and we highly recommend sipping on this while you trim the tree. (via Tempered Spirits)

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Oy Vey Iz Kir

Use Manischewitz instead of creme de cassis for a playful twist on the usual kir royale. Champagne's involved in this simple holiday co*cktail — what's not to love about that? (via Bon Appétit)

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (21)

Raspberry Mojito

Dressed up in red and green, this summery sip calls to mind warmer days in a holiday-worthy way. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Which of these holiday drink recipes are you going to try? (All of them!)

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This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.

Lead image via Freutcake

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Heather Sage

Heather Sage is a gluten-free recipe developer and freelance writer living in Orlando by way of the Silicon Valley. When she isn’t playing around with alternative flours in the kitchen, she can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or exploring her neighborhood. Check out her gluten-free recipe blog, A Sage Amalgam.

21 Holiday co*cktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright (2024)

FAQs

What is the most Christmassy drink? ›

Classic Winter Drinks and co*cktails
  • Traditional Wassail. For centuries, going back to Anglo-Saxon times, holiday revelers have wished each other, “Wes ha!”—Be Whole! ...
  • Light Wassail. ...
  • Mulled Wine. ...
  • Cranberry Punch. ...
  • Mulled Cider. ...
  • George Washington's Christmas Eggnog. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Eggnog. ...
  • Ho, Ho, Ho co*cktail.
Nov 6, 2023

What is a classic Christmas co*cktail? ›

Scroll through this list for timeless holiday classics like Eggnog and Hot Buttered Rum; boozy versions of hot chocolate; and new riffs on classics like our Cranberry Ginger Mimosa and a Negroni that tastes like a Christmas tree.

How do you make a Dolly Parton co*cktail? ›

Ingredients
  1. Coffee liqueur.
  2. Dark rum.
  3. Milk. 90ml.
  4. Cherry Brandy.
  5. Whipped Cream. Top up.

How do you brighten a co*cktail? ›

5 Simple Tips to Lighten Up Your Favorite co*cktails
  1. Tip #1: Use Sparkling Water.
  2. Tip #2: Make Your Own Mixers.
  3. Tip #3- Maximize Fresh Fruits.
  4. Tip #4: Take It Easy on Simple Syrup.
  5. Tip #5: Add a Pinch of Salt.
Feb 28, 2020

What is the most popular alcohol at Christmas? ›

Top ten Christmas drinks
  • Beer. ...
  • co*cktails. ...
  • Eggnog. ...
  • Gin. ...
  • Mulled wine. ...
  • Rum. ...
  • Hot chocolate. ...
  • Whisky. Rich, warming, and high on the list of festive favourites, whisky is enjoyed all year round, but it really comes into its own at Christmas.
Nov 13, 2023

What do you serve at a Christmas co*cktail party? ›

Christmas co*cktail party appetizers
  • Chili Lime Baked Shrimp Cups. ...
  • Mushroom Bruschetta with Gruyere. ...
  • The Ultimate Appetizer: Olive Cheese Bread - Home in the Finger Lakes. ...
  • Goat Cheese Jalapeno Poppers with Honey and Bacon Recipe. ...
  • Short Rib Crostini with Cambozola Cheese and Cherry Jam. ...
  • mintjulepsmagnoliasamppearls.com.

What is an American Christmas drink? ›

Throughout Canada, the United States and some European countries, eggnog is traditionally consumed over the Christmas season, from late October until the end of the holiday season.

What is a Judy Garland co*cktail? ›

3 oz Three Olives(R) cherry vodka. 10 oz Sprite(R) soda. 1 oz grenadine syrup. Pour together the vodka and Sprite and stir. Right before drinking, drop in a sufficient amount of grenedine.

What was the Frank Sinatra co*cktail? ›

And one drink Sinatra and his contemporaries would often be seen sipping is the Rusty Nail, a co*cktail made of just two ingredients: Scotch and Drambuie. And while the Rusty Nail hasn't really been in fashion since the Rat Pack ran Hollywood, you never know when an old trend might resurface.

What is the Tennessee Signature co*cktail? ›

The classic signature drink for Tennessee is Jack and co*ke. Just grab a glass, fill it with ice, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, and some Classic co*ke.

How to make a glowing co*cktail? ›

The magic glowing ingredients are riboflavin and quinine. You can find them in vitamin B2 pills and tonic water. You can make pretty much any clear or light coloured drink glow by adding either B2 or tonic water, so choose ingredients that suit your tastes. To get them to glow you will need a black light.

How do you jazz up a co*cktail? ›

10 easy co*cktail garnish ideas
  1. Cinnamon stick. ...
  2. Dried orange slice. ...
  3. co*cktail cherry. ...
  4. Fresh fruit. ...
  5. Fruit ribbons. ...
  6. Herbs. ...
  7. Edible flowers.

What are Santa's favorite drinks? ›

Everyone knows that Santa's favorite way to wash down his plate of cookies is with a big glass of eggnog. This tradition has been around for decades, but have you ever asked yourself why? When did drinking this egg and milk concoction become a holiday tradition?

What is the Christmas drink called? ›

eggnog, a drink thought to have originated in the British Isles, composed of beaten eggs, sugar, and cream or milk and typically served during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

What drink do you give Santa? ›

But the tradition is sherry. Many families have their own traditions as well, and some even leave out a non-alcoholic snack, especially milk. But the common thread is a short thimbleful of thick, gorgeous liquid, whether it is beer, fortified wine, or a single malt.

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