16 Tasty Holiday Cocktails Sure to Get You in the Festive Spirit

If you're a cocktail novice, try #11 first. (It's delicious—and the easiest to make.)

Christmas-Cocktails
Photo: 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).

01 of 16

Ponche Crema

ponche-crema-recipe
Getty Images

This Venezuelan alternative to your usual eggnog is decadently rich and delicious and gets its buzz from dark rum.

02 of 16

Holiday Punch

Halloween Punch Recipe
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.

03 of 16

Spicy Mulled Wine

Spicy Mulled Wine
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.

04 of 16

Boozy Apple Cider Slushie

Apple cider cocktails - Boozy Apple Cider Slushie
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.

05 of 16

White Russian

white-russian-recipe
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.

06 of 16

White Negroni Punch

White Negroni Punch
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!

07 of 16

Spiced Apple Kombucha

Spiced Apple Kombucha Cocktail
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.

08 of 16

Holiday Negroni

Holiday Negroni
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.

09 of 16

Molasses-Spiced Spiked Cider

Molasses-Spiced Spiked Cider
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.

10 of 16

Minty Moscow Mule Punch

Minty Moscow Mule Punch
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.

11 of 16

Coffee Old Fashioned

Coffee old fashioned being poured into a glass.
Getty Images

This classic drink gets a boost from strong coffee. It's as smooth and sophisticated as the original cocktail, but the Coffee Old Fashioned will give you a kick when you're starting to lag at that holiday party.

12 of 16

Gingerbread Beer-Tini

gingerbread-beer-tini
Tavour

This seasonal cocktail is all about the sweet presentation, with its glass rim dipped in crushed ginger cookie and brown sugar.

13 of 16

Campari and Cranberry Jello Shots

Cranberry Campari Jell-O shots
Brie Passano

A grown-up version of jello shots? Yes, please! These Campari and cranberry shots bring the festive spirit to a whole new level.

14 of 16

Cranberry-Lemon Spritz

cranberry-lemon-spritz-1219foo
Greg DuPree

Not too sweet, not too tart. This refreshing cocktail is a perfectly balanced way to celebrate the holidays.

15 of 16

Easy Blender Eggnog

Easy Blender Eggnog
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.

16 of 16

Mulled Wine With Cranberries

Mulled Wine With Cranberries
Tom Schierlitz

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

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