Cocktail & Other Recipes Occasion Christmas

10 Festive Cocktails to Make This Holiday Season

Written by
Olivia French is writer and content creator based in Charlotte, N.C., whose experience spans cocktail trends, travel and lifestyle.
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Olivia French
Updated 05/18/20
Jingle Ball cocktail
Jingle Ball. Image:

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

The holidays are here, which means it’s officially party season. Every celebration—from big blowouts to small soirees—is made better with a well-mixed cocktail. And whether you like to toast to the season with traditional drinks or try new ones, we have the recipes that will keep you merry.

  • Uncle Angelo’s Eggnog

    Uncle Angelo's Eggnog

    Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

    This creamy classic will be the star of any holiday party. Eggs, sugar, whole milk and heavy cream form a rich base that’s brought to life with a couple splashes of bourbon and spiced rum. Serve this big batch drink in a punch bowl with tea cups and freshly grated nutmeg for serving.

    Get the recipe.

  • Cranberry Ginger Mimosa

    Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa

    Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

    This sparkling cocktail will add some festive flair to any holiday brunch. And with only three ingredients, it’s perfect for even the busiest party planners. Just combine ginger ale, cranberry juice and Champagne and garnish with skewered sugared cranberries.

    Get the recipe.

  • Aristocrat

    Aristocrat

     Liquor.com 

    As fancy as it looks, this wine-based tipple is easy to make. Red Burgundy, homemade strawberry syrup and Pimm’s are combined and chilled, then topped with Champagne and a lemon twirl for simply elegant presentation.

    Get the recipe.

  • Glögg

    Glogg
    Liquor.com

    This Scandinavian classic is ideal for warming up on chilly holiday nights. Plus, the big-batch recipe is perfect for larger get-togethers. Simply simmer red wine, port, vodka, fruit, spices and sugar, let stand so the flavors can meld, then reheat and serve in mugs with raisins and sliced blanched almonds.

    Get the recipe.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.

  • Muddled Pine

    Muddled Pine

    Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

    ’Tis the season for pine! The fresh needles make their way into your drink with this unique cocktail. Homemade pine syrup adds a wintery flavor to bitters, lemon juice, cranberries and your choice of gin or vodka for a drink that tastes like the holidays in a glass.

    Get the recipe.

  • Heated Affair

    Heated Affair

    Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

    Heat things up with this tequila and cider concoction. Mix añejo tequila and hot spiced apple cider in a warmed Irish Coffee glass, then top with a little heavy cream to add richness. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

    Get the recipe.

  • Coquito

    coquito

     Liquor.com 

    Rich, creamy and not too sweet, this Puerto Rican holiday cocktail is sure to please and could even work as a great gift. Just simmer sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, vanilla extract and spices, then cool and stir in some rum. Transfer to bottles with a cinnamon stick and store in the fridge.

    Get the recipe.

  • Trick Nog

    Trick Nog

    Liquor.com 

    Give Eggnog a modern twist with this recipe. Shake bourbon, orange juice, cream, brown sugar syrup, an egg and Cherry Heering with ice, then strain into two punch cups and garnish with cinnamon and an orange peel.

    Get the recipe.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.

  • Pear Tree Martini

    Pear Tree Martini

    Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

    This mix of pear vodka, St-Germain, fresh lime juice and Angostura bitters is a fruity reprieve from the richly spiced holiday recipes that dominate this time of year. But don’t worry—it still manages to stay festive enough for all of your celebrations.

    Get the recipe.

  • Jingle Ball

    Jingle Ball cocktail

    Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

    This cocktail takes all the fun of decorating a tree and brings it to the bar. Chilled pine-infused vodka stars when mixed with soda water and cranberry juice. But the truly stunning part of this drink is its presentation: an ice-nestled ornament garnished with fresh pine and cranberries.

    Get the recipe.