Cheers to the Season: 15 Festive Holiday Cocktails
The holiday season is perfect for gathering with loved ones, celebrating, and enjoying delicious festive Christmas drinks. A signature cocktail can elevate the occasion whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, a fun party, or a quiet evening at home. Here are some holiday-inspired cocktails that are as festive as they are flavorful!
It has been a while since we added fancy cocktails to our holiday to-do list. I love entertaining—actually, my husband and I do—so I thought we could add one or two to the list. It is a fun way to try something new, and if you don’t drink alcohol, there are many holiday cocktail recipes that you could make without it.
How to Set Up the Ultimate Holiday Cocktail Bar
- Choose Your Menu:Â To keep it manageable and festive, offer 2-3 signature cocktails. Include one non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Ahead:Â Pre-slice garnishes, pre-mix syrups, and arrange ingredients for easy access.
- Create Stations:Â Set up different stations for each cocktail with recipe cards, ingredients, and tools.
- Add Festive Decor:Â Decorate your bar area with a cute printable, fairy lights, fresh greenery, and holiday-themed drink stirrers.
- Include Snacks:Â Keep bowls of mixed nuts, pretzels, or holiday-themed snacks nearby to pair with cocktails.
- Premake Ice:Â Keep plenty of ice on hand, stored in a stylish ice bucket.
- Glassware Galore:Â For a professional touch, provide a variety of glassware (martini glasses, tumblers, champagne flutes).
In light of this, I created a Holiday Cocktail Bar Printable that can easily be framed in an 8×10 gold or black frame. It would look beautiful on a bar cart and add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.
If you’re inspired to create a bar cart, remember to grab my Bar Cart Essential Checklist! Both are available in my Freebie Library.
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15 of the Best Holiday Cocktails
There are endless holiday cocktail recipes, but this list has absolute favorites. Â The inspiration and opportunity to try something new may catch your eye. Â Whether you enjoy a date night at home, hanging out with friends, or looking to treat yourself to something special, let the celebrations begin!
01
Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzer
With the holiday season approaching, this spritzer recipe is a must-try for any gathering.
This Christmas cocktail recipe is simple and versatile, including a kid-friendly version so everyone can enjoy a refreshing drink. With just a few ingredients, this spritzer recipe is a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties.
02
Eggnog Martini
If you’re a fan of martinis and enjoy a good eggnog, you won’t miss out on this delicious and easy-to-make Christmas martini recipe served in a martini glass.
This eggnog martini will become a new holiday favorite, perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy nights.
03
Mistletoe Margarita
Margaritas are often associated with summer, but why limit yourself to just one season? With the holiday season fast approaching, you can add a festive twist to this classic cocktail using a cocktail shaker.
Using a shaker, you can perfectly mix the ingredients and create a smooth and refreshing drink that everyone will love.
04
Santa Clausmopolitans
If you’re looking for a festive and eye-catching cocktail to serve at your next holiday gathering, the Santa Clausmopolitan cocktail is an excellent choice.
It looks stunning with its vibrant red color and fresh cranberries for garnish, and the name itself will surely spark conversation among your holiday guests.
05
Jack Frost
Welcome winter with the refreshing and delightful Pina Colada.
The drink has a beautiful coconut rim that perfectly complements the tropical flavor and adds to its aesthetic appeal. Sipping on this fun cocktail will transport you to a tropical paradise, allowing you to forget the chilly weather outside! Maybe…
06
Peppermint Martini
This sweet martini is a deliciously creamy drink with a refreshing peppermint twist.
It’s the perfect drink to enjoy during the holiday season when candy canes are a favorite! The drink’s rich texture is perfectly complemented by the cool, minty flavor, making it a favorite among martini lovers!
07
White Christmas Margarita
Take out the cute glasses to enjoy this creamy cocktail that tastes like coconut.
Mix the white drink in a pitcher to be easily poured when your guests need their next refill!Â
08
Peppermint Pina Coladas
How sweet are these pina Coladas?
They’re frozen and taste like pina Coladas with a hint of mint. What a great holiday cocktail idea for Christmas Eve!Â
09
Gingerbread White Russian
If you want to add holiday cheer to your cocktail menu, why not make some Gingerbread White Russians?
This fun and festive twist on the classic cocktail combines the rich flavor of gingerbread with the creamy goodness of a White Russian. Serve over ice and garnish with a gingerbread cookie or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.
10
Cranberry Gin Fizz
A festive cocktail that looks so pretty! I’m thinking about a girl’s night with besties and these colorful cocktails at arms’ reach.
The candied cranberries and mint give it a gorgeous touch, don’t you think?
11
Sugar Cookie Martini
I love adding Baileys to holiday cocktails, and this sugar cookie martini is quite creative.
A rim topped with icing and sprinkles adds sweetness. It is such an interesting Christmas cocktail treat!
12
The Mistletoe Kiss
It’s a classic holiday cocktail with a kiss. It includes a mixture of vodka, club soda, lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
It sounds amazing and has a genuine holiday vibe! With its bright, refreshing flavor and holiday-inspired ingredients, this drink is the perfect way to toast to the season.
13
Peppermint Mocha Mudslide
The recipe says it tastes like Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, but let me tell you, I love anything peppermint mocha.
Once Silk or Starbucks stock of peppermint mocha creamer, my coffee also enjoys a mint chocolate blend!Â
14
Cranberry Mimosa
Cranberry juice and sparkling wine with a sugar rim will give this tart cocktail a fantastic flavor.Â
The color of Christmas with an icy-looking trim will make Christmas morning or your holiday brunch extra special.Â
15
Spiked Eggnog
This recipe is one of our favorite holiday cocktails. It gets me in the holiday spirit each and every time!
It’s a homemade classic eggnog recipe with additional ingredients to make it even more delicious! There’s nothing quite like the flavor of this traditional drink.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
- Cranberry Mimosa:Â Pair with light brunch items like mini quiches, fresh fruit, or smoked salmon.
- Peppermint Martini:Â Serve alongside decadent desserts like chocolate cake, brownies, or peppermint bark.
- Mistletoe Margarita:Â Complements savory appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates, spiced nuts, or charcuterie.
- Cranberry Gin Fizz:Â Perfect with a cheese board, stuffed mushrooms, or fig and goat cheese crostini.
- Gingerbread Martini: A delightful match for holiday cookies, gingerbread houses, or caramelized desserts like crème brûlée.
Holiday Cocktail Tips
- Serve in style:Â Make each cocktail beautiful with festive glasses, edible garnishes, and decorative drink stirrers.
- Non-alcoholic options:Â Adapt the recipes by swapping alcohol with sparkling water, juices, or flavored syrups.
- Batch it up:Â Make big batch versions of your cocktails for easy entertaining.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Are you considering trying something new from these festive Christmas cocktails this season?
Whether sipping a Peppermint White Russian by the fire or toasting with a Cranberry Mimosa, these holiday-inspired drinks will add sparkle to any gathering. Pair them with delicious appetizers, and set up a show-stopping cocktail bar to make your event unforgettable. Cheers to a season of joy, love, and good company!
Let me know in the comments if you try one of these festive holiday cocktails or if you have a signature drink to serve at your holiday party.
Hey there, I’m Cheryl
I’m a proud mom, wife, business professional, and Maritimer who loves decorating and organization. From daily essentials to interior design, join me as I share my next project, plan, or tutorial. Using simple planning and organization strategies, I love to help folks like you bring more beauty and harmony into your lives and living spaces.
What’s Next?
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year, and there’s nothing like the warmth and joy it brings! Christmas fills every corner with magic. Living Life Beautiful shares heartfelt ideas for creating a welcoming space your loved ones will cherish. Let’s dive in and make this holiday season one to remember!
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