The countdown has begun which means there’s only so much more time to experiment with festive holiday cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party this weekend or could use a little company while you wrap the last of the gifts, there’s no shortage of festive libations to indulge in this time of year. We’ve seen so many creative cocktails floating around our feeds, not to mention shared many a recipe of our own in holidays past, that we figured it was about time to round up the best of the best. Sip, sip, hooray!
Holiday Cocktail Recipes with Cranberry
First up are our favorite cranberry cocktail recipes, starting with the Mrs. Claus Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail which features a simple mix of cranberry, cinnamon, and rosemary to Christmas-ify your favorite whiskey.
You could also try a Cranberry Paloma for a festive take on the classic tequila drink. This recipe features a little sweetness, a little spice, and a bit of bubbly for the ultimate celebratory sip.
Mojitos in December? Yes, please! These Blood Orange Ginger Cranberry Mojitos make it perfectly acceptable to break out your favorite summer drink all the way up till New Years.
Recreate this festive Rosemary Cranberry Fizz with 2 ounces vodka, .75 ounce grenadine, seltzer water, cranberries, star anise, and ice, garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Holiday Cocktail Recipes with Bourbon
Nothing warms you up during the holidays like bourbon, right? Try this Queen Mary bourbon holiday cocktail by Barçon featuring a tasty rosemary simple syrup and burnt lemon peel.
Fancy an Old Fashioned with a holiday twist? Try this Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Pear Bourbon Cocktail, along with more cocktail party inspo for all you hostesses.
To make this Winter Smash Holiday Cocktail by Please & Thank You Liquor Bar, add 1oz bourbon, 1oz apple brandy, .75oz lemon, .75oz strawberry syrup and 3-4 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into glass with crushed ice. Garnish with strawberry and mint. Bonus points for custom drink stirrers and presentation this pretty.
Gin Cocktail Recipes
No surprise that gin is a popular ingredient in holiday cocktail recipes, with its juniper flavor and botanical accents. This Festive Gin Smash may be a lot of steps, but you can’t beat the pairing of gin with lychee, strawberries, maple syrup, and mint.
Gin lovers don’t have to forgo a delicate floral taste when winter rolls round. Try this Cherry Blossom Gin cocktail recipe featuring flower water and blackberry.
A traditional gimlet features gin and lime juice, but this Winter Gimlet recipe takes it to a whole new level with a little cucumber and festive garnish.
Sparkling Cocktails & Holiday Punch Recipes
Batch cocktails are easy, fun ways to please guests at a casual holiday party. Try Sugar & Charm’s Spiced Apple Sparkling Holiday Punch which features vodka and sparkling wine.
Hosting a holiday brunch this year? Enter, peppermint mimosas! This pretty pink batch cocktail is easy to beautify with a crushed peppermint rim and candy cane garnish.
Pomegranate Sparkler (and some Christmas party ideas, too!)
Cakies, we have TONS more holiday cocktail recipes in the ol’ archives. Trust us, they never go out of style. Scroll on through and find your fave!
