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20+ Tasty Holiday Cocktails Sure to Get You in the Festive Spirit

20+ Tasty Holiday Cocktails Sure to Get You in the Festive Spirit

By Betty Gold

Updated November 19, 2020

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Credit: Getty Images

‘Tis the season to enjoy festive traditions, and what's a better way to celebrate than by making a creative cocktail? Whether you’re attending an Ugly Christmas Sweater party over Zoom or hosting Chanukah dinner at home with your intimate family, these delicious drinks will be sure to get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit(s). What's better, playing bartender has never been easier. You can whip up a batch of many of these delicious drinks in two shakes.

No matter what you’re celebrating, you'll love our range of recipe offerings here. Craving the warming wallop of a hot toddy? Or maybe the tart, sophisticated tickle of a champagne cocktail? We've got you. These 23 holiday cocktails will keep the party going all winter long.

If you're looking for more great drinks to fill your glass, check out our apple cider cocktails, coffee cocktails, classic cocktails, and decadent hot chocolate upgrades (yum).

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Pear and Rosemary Sangria

Credit: Greg DuPree

Who says sangria should only be enjoyed in the summer? If you want to serve something festive but also refreshing, this recipe for pear and rosemary sangria is a must. The best part: You can make it up to two days in advance, which is perfect for party planning.

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Holiday Punch

Credit: Jennifer Causey

Your guests will appreciate the different mix of flavors and elements in this delicious holiday punch: There’s sweet pineapple juice, sour lime juice, and three (!) kinds of alcohol. Dark rum plays off the simple syrup, Campari adds a bitter touch for balance, and Prosecco supplies a fun fizz.

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Spicy Mulled Wine

Credit: Greg DuPree

There is nothing quite as comforting as drinking mulled wine on a chilly winter night. A mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise are sure to awaken your senses while also warming up your belly. I have a feeling this will be your new favorite cocktail to sip by the fire with friends.

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Boozy Apple Cider Slushie

Credit: J MUCKLE; STYLING: REBEKAH PEPPLER

Want to know how to win the holidays? Make boozy apple cider slushies. These delightful frozen cocktails taste like nothing you’ve ever had before. If you want to get super fancy, garnish each drink with an apple slice and cinnamon stick. Your friends will be begging you to make these all year round.

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White Russian

Credit: Getty Images

This deliciously indulgent cocktail is made for happy holidays. Why? Because White Russians are a simple combination of just three ingredients: vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream. To make it even more festive, swap the heavy cream for eggnog and sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon on top.

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White Negroni Punch

Credit: J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

I’m dreaming of a white… negroni. No seriously, this cocktail is so good you’ll want to make it all year round—and you definitely can. It’s refreshing and elegant, but don’t be fooled. It will knock your Christmas socks off!

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Spiced Apple Kombucha

Credit: Stephen DeVries

Wow your guests with this cocktail containing kombucha, spiced rum, and classic winter spices. Make it a few days ahead of your event to let the flavors really come together. Then, serve it up in a highball glass with ice and an apple to garnish.

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Holiday Negroni

Credit: Brie Passano

If you fancy yourself a negroni fan, this deliciously spiced rendition is about to be your favorite holiday cocktail. You'll start by infusing your Campari with toasted cinnamon, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, and orange zest. After resting overnight, mix with gin and sweet vermouth.

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Molasses-Spiced Spiked Cider

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Hosting a holiday happy hour or dinner? Welcome your guests with this decadent spike cider. The molasses add a deep, rich flavor and color, and the spices add a lovely dimension.

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Minty Moscow Mule Punch

Credit: J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler

Who knew a Moscow Mule could be so refreshing? A combination of vodka, ginger beer, and a homemade ginger-mint simple syrup is sure to be hit among friends and family. And to make hosting a little easier, you can pre-batch these mules into mugs so guests can help themselves.

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Bourbon and Blood Orange Blast

Credit: Francesco Lagnese

If you fancy yourself some bourbon, try creating a classic bourbon cocktail with the added tartness of fresh blood orange juice. Another bonus: this may be the easiest cocktail to make ever.

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Clementine and Ginger Old-Fashioned

Credit: Danny Kim

If your go-to cocktail is an old-fashioned, you may want to consider trying this eclectic alternative. This recipe calls for fresh ginger and clementine—and man is it good. Grab your favorite bourbon and bitters along with a maraschino cherry to garnish—you’re set.

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Classic Mimosa

Credit: J Muckle

Mimosas are perfect to enjoy at a holiday brunch or on Christmas morning. For a little extra holiday sparkle, use pear nectar instead of orange juice—it’s an easy and unexpected way to enhance a crowd favorite. Just don’t forget the splash of lime!

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Rum and Grapefruit Spritzer

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

This sweet but tart spritzer is incredibly delicious, and easy to make. The fresh grapefruit juice pairs so well with the light rum—plus, the combination of the two creates a beautiful pink colored cocktail.

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Easy Blender Eggnog

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Traditional eggnog is delicious, but why not spice it up with some brandy and nutmeg? Enjoy this easy-to-make eggnog with a slice of pumpkin pie or your favorite Christmas cookie.

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Mulled Wine With Cranberries

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Cranberry juice cocktail and fresh cranberries give this favorite winter warmer a tart kick.

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Pomegranate Martinis

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

This pretty red-hued cocktail, fortified with Cointreau and sweetened with simple syrup, is perfect for the holidays.

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Apple Brandy Cordials

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Garnish each glass with apple slices to add an extra hint of fruitiness.

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Rosemary, Grape and Gin Cocktails

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Rosemary-infused simple syrup lends a delicate herbal note that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

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Lemony Gin Punch

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Honey helps balance out the acidic lemon juice in this light, refreshing drink.

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Orange-Mango Fizzes

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Sparkling wine provides the fizz in these elegant cocktails—try a Cava from Spain or a Prosecco from Italy for two inexpensive options.

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Chili-Spiced Bloody Marys

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Stir in habanero hot sauce and garnish with pickled jalapeños to give this classic drink an added dose of heat.

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Chartreuse and Lime Cocktails

Credit: Tom Schierlitz

Green Chartreuse is a spicy-sweet herb-infused liqueur made by monks in the French Alps. Because it has an assertive flavor, just a little goes a long way.

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By Betty Gold