Food & Drink

20 Holiday Cocktail Recipes That’ll Make Your Spirits Bright

written by JESSICA FRIEDHOFF
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Source: Hunger Thirst Play
Source: Hunger Thirst Play

I’m a firm believer that every good party needs a signature cocktail, and holiday gatherings are no exception. Sure, stocking a bar cart for a build-your-own-cocktail station works too, but serving up a specially chosen, seasonally appropriate beverage can make the evening feel a bit more elevated. For example, my family always serves a pomegranate gin fizz cocktail on Christmas Eve (I’ve included a similar recipe below!), and something about that sparkling red drink with its fragrant rosemary garnish just screams holiday cheer to me. Whether you like your drinks fizzy and fruity or rich and spicy, there are tons of holiday cocktail recipes to suit any palate.

If you’re ready to serve up your own signature seasonal sip, look no further. These holiday cocktail recipes are perfect to serve as a Christmas Eve nightcap, to sip on while opening presents, or as a festive accompaniment to your holiday dinner

1. Gingerbread White Russian

Source: Hunger Thirst Play

2. Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash

Source: Half Baked Harvest

3. Poinsettia Christmas Champagne Cocktail

Source: Basil and Bubbly

4. Mulled Wine

Source: Erin Clarke of Well Plated

5. Gingerbread Espresso Martini

Source: Hunger Thirst Play

6. Hot Buttered Rum Cider

Source: Brooklyn Supper

7. Thyme Apple Cider Spritz

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

8. Naughty & Nice Holiday Punch

Source: Ambitious Kitchen

9. Sugar Cookie Martini

Source: Grandbaby Cakes

10. Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mule

Source: Host the Toast

11. Dirty Chai Cocktail

Source: Half-Baked Harvest

12. Pomegranate Gin Fizz

Source: A Couple Cooks

13. Hot Buttered Rum

Source: Grandbaby Cakes

14. Christmas Punch

Source: Cooking Classy

15. Peppermint White Russian

Source: With Salt and Wit

16. Champagne Spritzer

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking

17. Pomegranate and Persimmon Winter Sangria

Source: Salt & Lavender

18. Hot Toddy

Source: Love and Lemons

19. Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma

Source: Half-Baked Harvest

20. Eggnog Martini Cocktail

Source: Wholefully