11 Cocktails to Make for the Holidays

Candy Cane Mimosa — Image:
Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

This time of year, everything seems a little bit more sparkly, a little bit happier and a little bit more magical. With drinks ranging from upgraded eggnogs to festive Mimosas, these 11 cocktails are just what you need to make your holiday season perfect.

Tom & Jerry

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Indulge in the rich flavors of the season while you get warmed from the inside out with this classic hot drink. Homemade batter, made with eggs, sugar, rum and vanilla, adds richness to cognac, rum and hot milk. Serve in a warmed Tom & Jerry cup (or coffee mug) garnished with freshly ground nutmeg, clove and allspice.

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The Spice Is Right

Mackenzie Dawes

Eggnog is a holiday staple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment a little with it. This take on the classic adds spiciness to give it a whole new spin. Rye, allspice dram, cinnamon syrup and ancho chile liqueur create a spicy backbone that’s tamed by a glug of pineapple rum. Shake it all with Eggnog and strain over ice, then top it with freshly grated nutmeg.

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Pear Tree Martini

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

You’ve sung the song a million times, but we’ll bet you haven’t yet had a cocktail inspired by it—until now. Though a partridge isn’t included, the combination of spiced pear vodka, St-Germain, freshly squeezed lime juice and Angostura bitters will have you singing the classic tune as you mix and sip your way through the party.

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Jägermeister Old Fashioned

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Get the party started with this new take on the Old Fashioned. Jägermeister is essentially a German amaro, and it’s surprisingly easy to work into classic cocktails. The spirit blends beautifully with rye whiskey, maple syrup and pimento bitters.

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Continue to 5 of 11 below.
Reggae Rum Punch

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Even if it’s snowing outside, you can mentally escape to the tropics with this bright punch. Jamaican overproof rum’s flavors meld with orange, pineapple and lime juices plus strawberry syrup to make a drink that’s boldly refreshing.

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Tea & Krampus

Martin Cate

Have you been naughty or nice? Whichever your answer, you can reward yourself with this cocktail from Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove. Named for St. Nick’s dark mythical companion, the combination of rum, blackberry liqueur and allspice dram gets a hit of bright flavor from lime and pineapple juices. A splash of vanilla syrup and a dash of bitters rounds it all out into an impishly delicious drink.

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Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Start your day with this holiday version of the quintessential brunch cocktail. As you’d expect, Champagne stars in this bubbly drink, while ginger beer and cranberry juice add seasonal flavors. Don’t forget to garnish with sugared cranberries for extra-festive flair.

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Figurati

Kara Stokes

Even if you’re more of a wine type of person, you can still partake in cocktail fun. Case in point: the Figurati. Lambrusco serves as the base in this sparkling drink, combined with chilled Cappelletti aperitivo and Peychaud’s bitters. The mix is effervescent yet deeply flavorful, perfect for sipping by the fire after a long day of merriment.

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Continue to 9 of 11 below.
Spiced Eggnog

Jeffrey Morgenthaler

What’s a holiday season without a glass or two of Eggnog? This take on the classic recipe elevates it into a rich culinary experience that you’ll want to return to every year. To make it, blend eggs until fluffy, then add in sugar, brandy, rum, milk and cream. When it’s all mixed, chill and let the flavors combine, then serve topped with grated nutmeg.

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Hit Me Baby One More Glühwein

Jordan Hughes

This large-format mulled wine riff is a cold-weather crowd pleaser, not least for its ease. Just throw everything into a slow cooker for an hour. Syrah, alpine liqueur and cream sherry form a boozy base that gets a hint of sweetness (without becoming syrupy) from orange and honey. Serve garnished with orange twists and winter spices of your choice.

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Candy Cane Mimosa

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Candy canes are as ubiquitous as twinkling lights this time of year, and this recipe helps to put the abundance to good use. Make your Mimosa by adding white créme de menthe and chocolate bitters to sparkling wine and serve in a chocolate- and crushed-candy-cane-rimmed glass, then throw in a whole candy cane for good measure.

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