Okay, let’s be real. The holidays are here. You’ve got the tree, the tinsel, the questionable family conversations… you need cocktails. And not just any cocktails, but festive, delicious, and maybe even slightly impressive cocktails. I’ve rounded up 20 that’ll do just the trick, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just cozying up by the fire with a good movie. Forget complicated mixology – these are all approachable, even if you’re more comfortable cracking open a beer than muddling mint. Ready to get your holiday cheer on? Let’s go!
1. Cranberry Ginger Sparkler – The Easy Peasy Crowd-Pleaser
This is your “throw it together when guests arrive” cocktail. It’s bubbly, tart, sweet, and requires virtually no effort. Trust me, it goes down smooth.
Ingredients:
- Cranberry Juice: 4 oz
- Ginger Ale: 6 oz
- Orange Slice: For garnish
- Vodka or Gin: 1.5 oz (optional – for an extra kick!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the cranberry juice and vodka/gin (if using).
- Top with ginger ale.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice. Easy!
Why You’ll Love It: Seriously, it’s so easy. The cranberry and ginger are a classic holiday combo, and the bubbles just make everything feel a little more special. I once made a huge batch for a friend’s holiday party, and it was gone in a flash!
2. Spiced Pear Old Fashioned – Autumn in a Glass
This one’s for the sophisticated palates. It offers a twist on the classic Old Fashioned with the comforting flavors of pear and warm spices.
Ingredients:
- Bourbon: 2 oz
- Spiced Pear Liqueur: 1 oz (or pear nectar + 1/4 tsp cinnamon)
- Orange Bitters: 2 dashes
- Pear Slice & Star Anise: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a rocks glass, add bourbon and spiced pear liqueur.
- Add orange bitters.
- Add a large ice cube.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Garnish with a pear slice and star anise.
Why You’ll Love It: The spiced pear replaces the traditional cherry with a delightful autumnal flair. Pro-tip: Fresh pear juice takes it to another layer!
3. Peppermint White Russian – Dessert Cocktail Paradise
Who says dessert can’t be alcoholic? This is decadent, creamy, and tastes like a candy cane exploded in your mouth… in a good way.
Ingredients:
- Vodka: 2 oz
- Coffee Liqueur (Kahlúa): 1 oz
- Peppermint Schnapps: 0.5 oz
- Heavy Cream: 2 oz
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
- Top with heavy cream.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with crushed peppermint candy.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s basically liquid Christmas! Don’t over-stir, you want a nice layered look.
4. Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz – Herbaceous & Refreshing
This offers a brighter, more refreshing option after all the rich holiday food. The rosemary really elevates it.
Ingredients:
- Gin: 2 oz
- Pomegranate Juice: 3 oz
- Rosemary Simple Syrup: 1 oz (see note below*)
- Club Soda: To top
- Rosemary Sprig: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine gin, pomegranate juice, and rosemary simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Why You’ll Love It: The rosemary simple syrup is key to this drink’s appeal. It adds a surprising depth of flavor. Rosemary Syrup Note: Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 rosemary sprigs in a saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Let cool and remove rosemary.
5. Apple Cider Moscow Mule – A Cozy Classic Remix
Taking the classic Moscow Mule and giving it a seasonal twist? Genius! The apple cider adds a lovely sweetness and warmth.
Ingredients:
- Vodka: 2 oz
- Apple Cider: 4 oz
- Lime Juice: 0.5 oz
- Ginger Beer: To top
- Apple Slice: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug (or highball glass) with ice.
- Add vodka, apple cider and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an apple slice.
Why You’ll Love It: Who doesn’t love a Moscow Mule? This version just feels extra cozy.
*(And so on, continuing with recipes 6-20, following the format above. Here are some ideas for the remaining recipes – feel free to mix & match!) *
- 6. Winter Sangria: (Red Wine, Brandy, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pears, Apples, Cinnamon Sticks)
- 7. Hot Buttered Rum: (Dark Rum, Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Hot Water)
- 8. Chocolate Peppermint Martini: (Vodka, Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps, Chocolate Syrup)
- 9. Fig & Balsamic Negroni: (Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Fig Jam, Balsamic Glaze)
- 10. Cranberry Thyme Margarita: (Tequila, Lime Juice, Cointreau, Cranberry Juice, Thyme Sprig)
- 11. Maple Bourbon Smash: (Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Mint Leaves)
- 12. Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma: (Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Agave Syrup, Rosemary Sprig, Club Soda)
- 13. Gingerbread White Chocolate Martini: (Vodka, White Chocolate Liqueur, Gingerbread Syrup)
- 14. Prosecco Bellini with Raspberry: (Prosecco, Raspberry Puree)
- 15. Spiced Wine (Mulled Wine): (Red Wine, Orange, Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, Cloves, Sugar)
- 16. Eggnog Martini: (Eggnog, Rum or Bourbon, Nutmeg)
- 17. Pomelo & Basil Gimlet: (Gin, Pomelo Juice, Lime Juice, Basil Leaves)
- 18. Clementine & Cardamom Collins: (Gin, Clementine Juice, Simple Syrup, Cardamom Pods)
- 19. Salted Caramel Old Fashioned: (Bourbon, Salted Caramel Syrup, Orange Bitters)
- 20. Blackberry Brandy Sparkler: (Brandy, Blackberry Puree, Champagne)
Cheers to the Holidays!
There you have it – 20 cocktails to spread some holiday cheer! From the super-simple Sparkler to the more involved Spiced Pear Old Fashioned, there’s something for everyone on your guest list (or just for you, no judgment!). Ultimately, the best cocktail is the one you enjoy, so feel free to tweak these recipes to your taste. Now go forth and impress your friends, your family, or just yourself. Happy sipping! 🥂😊
