Cocktail & Other Recipes Occasion Christmas

11 Cocktails to Make for the Holidays

They’ll bring the holiday spirit(s).

Written by
Olivia French
Updated 12/02/20
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

    Tom & Jerry cocktail

    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. 

    Get the recipe.



  • The Spice Is Right

    The Spice is Right cocktail
    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.

    Get the recipe.



  • Pear Tree Martini

    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.

    Get the recipe.



  • Jägermeister Old Fashioned

    Jagermeister 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.

    Get the recipe.



    Continue to 5 of 11 below.

  • Reggae Rum Punch

    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. 

    Get the recipe.



  • Tea & Krampus

    Tea & Krampus cocktail

    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.

    Get the recipe.



  • Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa

    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.

    Get the recipe.



  • Figurati

    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.

    Get the recipe.



    Continue to 9 of 11 below.

  • Spiced Eggnog

    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. 

    Get the recipe.



  • Hit Me Baby One More Glühwein

    Hit Me Baby One More Glühwein cocktail
    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.

    Get the recipe.



  • Candy Cane Mimosa

    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. 

    Get the recipe.