32 Spirited Holiday Cocktails

Sparkling Charleston Cosmopolitan

This peach, orange, and white cranberry cosmopolitan is topped off with sparkling white wine for a fizzy cocktail that will surely boost your spirits.

• Recipe: Sparkling Charleston Cosmopolitan

Citrus Sangria

A big-batch party punch, like our refreshing Citrus Sangria, is great for entertaining large crowds. It's easy to make and serve and will definitely keep the party going.

• Recipe: Citrus Sangria

Pear-Basil Sipper

You can't beat the refreshing combination of muddled fresh basil and sweet pear-flavored vodka and nectar. Great for holiday entertaining or even a summertime libation.

• Recipe: Pear-Basil Sipper

Hot Buttered Rye

This warm whiskey cocktail will keep you cozy on cold nights. Topped with a maple-cream mixture and fresh nutmeg, it may taste more like a dessert than a cocktail.

• Recipe: Hot Buttered Rye

Merry Berry Christmas Sugar!

This mint and berry "mocktail" is great for making the kids feel like a part of the festivities. It's great in the summertime as well, but its vibrant red color makes it ideal for Christmas.

• Recipe: Merry Berry Christmas Sugar!

Mississippi Bourbon Punch

Muscadine wine and bourbon pack a punch in this fruity cocktail. A garnish of orange slices and muscadine halves adds a festive touch.

• Recipe: Mississippi Bourbon Punch

Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

Dress up classic lemonade with vanilla beans and fresh rosemary for an exceptionally refreshing drink.

• Recipe: Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

Apple-Ale Wassail

Cozy up by the fire with a warm apple-ale flavored with allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

• Recipe: Apple-Ale Wassail

Capital Eggnog

Trim the tree and get in the holiday spirit with a cup of homemade eggnog.

• Recipe:  Capital Eggnog

Pecan "Milk" Punch

Toasted pecans, cream of coconut, cinnamon, and sweetened whipped cream make it hard to tell if this bourbon concoction is a cocktail or dessert.

• Recipe: Pecan "Milk" Punch

Gingerbread Martini

Enjoy the flavors of gingerbread cookies in a spirited cocktail. Dipping the rims in orange liqueur and crushed gingersnaps makes for a great presentation and delicious first sip.

• Recipe: Gingerbread Martini

Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Give a bit of festive flair to your classic gin and tonic with orange juice and cranberries.

• Recipe: Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

Cherry Frost

Brandy and black cherry liqueur are a perfect combination for a cocktail. Top it off with sparkling white wine for a festive holiday libation.

• Recipe: Cherry Frost

Pomegranate Mimosas

Pomegranate juice adds a festive -- and healthy -- splash of red to your holiday cocktails. Make our mimosas "leaded or unleaded" by mixing to taste with Champagne, sparkling water, or a lemon-lime soft drink such as Sprite. 

Peach-Bourbon Sours

Celebrate in style with this holiday beverage. Peach preserves (like you would spread on biscuits) are the secret ingredient in Peach-Bourbon Sours. Cheers!

• Recipe: Peach-Bourbon Sours

Champagne and Cranberries

Cranberries are an easy and festive way to dress up Champagne. Your guests will love watching the cranberries dance in the glass.

• Recipe: Champagne and Cranberries

Jingle Juice

Jingle Juice is just the thing for a crowd; it can be made in large batches and chilled the night before your get-together.

Recipe Link: Jingle Juice

Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

The secret ingredient in Frozen Cranberry Margaritos is the Mojito mix. Look for it in the freezer section near the frozen orange juice concentrate.

Recipe Link: Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

Pineapple Wassail

Your house will fill with aromas of cinnamon and clove while the Pineapple Wassail warms on the stove.

• Recipe: Pineapple Wassail

Bloody Mary Punch

Brunch is not complete without serving our staff's favorite Bloody Mary Punch.

Recipe Link: Bloody Mary Punch

Wayne's French 75

Brandy, orange liqueur, and bubbly combine to make this lightly sweet and potent cocktail.

Recipe Link: Wayne's French 75

Ultimate Alexander

Your family will flip for this addictive Ultimate Alexander―part coffee, part cocktail, and part dessert.

Recipe Link: Ultimate Alexander

Margarita Sunrise

Margaritas aren't just for summertime. Pair Margarita Sunrise with a big bowl of spicy chili.

Recipe Link: Margarita Sunrise

Aunt Kat's Creamy Eggnog

Aunt Kat's Creamy Eggnog can be prepared and chilled up to two days ahead

Recipe Link: Aunt Kat's Creamy Eggnog

Cranberry Mojito

Introduce the tart fall flavor of cranberries to your favorite minty cocktail.

• Recipe: Cranberry Mojito

Hot Cider Nog

Apple cider gives a lovely twist to Hot Cider Nog; it's a holiday must.

• Recipe: Hot Cider Nog

Blushing Mimosas

Make this classic brunch drink non-alcoholic by substituting ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for the Champagne.

• Recipe: Blushing Mimosas

Kane's Peppery Bloody Mary

Pickled okra, rather than celery, makes a tangy stir stick for Kane’s Peppery Bloody Mary. The key ingredient is lemon juice, and lots of it.

• Recipe: Kane’s Peppery Bloody Mary

Holiday Cosmopolitan

This ritzy cocktail has a zesty zing from orange liqueur, a cranberry reduction, and fresh lemon juice.

• Recipe: Holiday Cosmopolitan

Pepper Jelly Margaritas

Make a couple of batches of this Southern-style margarita and serve in your favorite punch bowl with lime slices as garnish.

• Recipe: Pepper Jelly Margaritas

Sparkling Rum Punch

During the holidays, wine aficionados reach for Crémant, a typically high-quality sparkling white wine made in several French wine regions. Expect to pay $15 to $30, about half that of Champagne. Grab some bottles and use it in this festive drink.

• Recipe: Sparkling Rum Punch

Black Currant Champagne

Celebrate with this simple and sophisticated cocktail. Fill a Champagne flute or tall glass with equal parts chilled Champagne or sparkling wine and black currant nectar. Other nectars—such as peach, mango, tropical, or pear—will also work well, and garnish with fresh fruit.

• Recipe: Black Currant Champagne