Our guide on the best cocktails to try these holidays.
The holiday season is the perfect time to elevate your celebrations with festive cocktails that embody the warmth and cheer of the season.
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Tips for Holiday Cocktails
Prep Ahead: Batch cocktails like mulled wine or sangria can be made in advance to save time.
Garnish Generously: Use seasonal touches like cinnamon sticks, sugared cranberries, or rosemary sprigs to enhance presentation.
Offer Non-Alcoholic Versions: Use sparkling water, juices, or non-alcoholic spirits for guests who prefer mocktails.
Here’s a guide to some of the best holiday cocktails, complete with recipes, tips, and serving suggestions.
Best Cocktails To Try
1. Classic Eggnog
Why Try It:
A creamy and rich holiday staple that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum (optional)
Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
Whisk eggs and sugar until creamy.
Slowly add milk and cream while whisking.
Stir in bourbon or rum, if desired.
Chill for at least an hour.
Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Tips:
For a kid-friendly version, skip the alcohol. Make it a day ahead for deeper flavors.
2. Mulled Wine
Why Try It:
Warm and spiced, it’s ideal for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/4 cup brandy
1 orange, sliced
3–4 cinnamon sticks
4–6 cloves
3 tbsp honey or sugar
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a pot. Heat gently without boiling for 20 minutes. Strain and serve warm.
Tips:
Use a slow cooker to keep it warm for guests. Garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.
3. Peppermint White Russian
Why Try It:
A festive twist on the classic cocktail with a hint of mint.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
1 oz peppermint schnapps
2 oz heavy cream
Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
Top with cream and stir. Garnish with crushed candy canes.
Tips:
Chill the glass beforehand for a frosty effect. Adjust the peppermint schnapps to taste.
4. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Why Try It:
A tart and refreshing drink with a holiday twist.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup ginger beer
Lime wedges and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug with ice. Add vodka and cranberry juice.
Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.
Tips:
Use unsweetened cranberry juice for a tarter taste. Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch.
5. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Why Try It:
Creamy, chocolaty, and indulgent, this drink is perfect for dessert.
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 oz Baileys or peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
Heat milk and cream in a pot over medium heat. Stir in chocolate until melted.
Add Baileys or schnapps and stir. Top with whipped cream.
Tips:
Garnish with chocolate shavings or marshmallows. For kids, skip the alcohol and use flavored syrups.
6. Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
Why Try It:
Effervescent and elegant, perfect for holiday toasts.
Ingredients:
2 oz pomegranate juice
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Champagne or prosecco
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Pour pomegranate juice into a flute glass. Add a teaspoon of sugar if desired.
Top with champagne. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Tips:
Serve immediately to maintain bubbles. Swap pomegranate juice for cranberry juice for variety.
7. Winter Sangria
Why Try It:
A fruity and festive drink that serves a crowd.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier)
2 oranges, sliced
1 apple, chopped
1 cup cranberries
1 cup sparkling water
Instructions:
Combine wine, brandy, and orange liqueur in a pitcher. Add fruit and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Add sparkling water before serving.
Tips:
Use seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranates. Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
8. Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Why Try It:
A warming twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz apple cider
1 tsp maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, and bitters in a glass with ice.
Stir well. Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
Tips:
Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Lightly torch the orange peel for a smoky aroma.
9. Holiday Margarita
Why Try It:
A festive version of a favorite cocktail with cranberry and lime.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila
1 oz triple sec
1 oz cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice
Sugared cranberries and lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a glass with sugar. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into the glass. Garnish with sugared cranberries.
Tips:
Add a dash of orange bitters for depth. Use frozen cranberries to keep the drink cool.
10. Gingerbread Martini
Why Try It:
A dessert-like drink with the warm spices of gingerbread cookies.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz gingerbread syrup
1 oz cream
Crushed gingerbread cookies for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a glass with crushed gingerbread cookies. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or whipped cream.
Tips:
Make your own gingerbread syrup by simmering sugar, water, ginger, and cinnamon. Serve chilled or slightly warm.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.