43 Spirited Holiday Cocktails

November 14, 2008
Charles Walton IV; Styling: Buffy Hargett
We love raising a glass during the holidays–who doesn’t? But it can be difficult to sift through the tons of Christmas cocktail recipes out there to find the best holiday cocktail recipes that fit your holiday party needs. So this year, we’ve done the work for you, and collected our very favorite festive holiday cocktail recipes–the ones that guests will be begging you to show them how to make. From classics like our Holiday Milk Punch with fresh nutmeg to a spicy, impressive Gingerbread Martini, we’ve picked out the best of the best for your holiday cocktail entertaining needs. We’ve got holiday mocktails for festive toasts with little ones, and a big-batch Bloody Mary Punch (vodka optional) for your Christmas Day brunch cocktail needs. We’ve even got a Beer Cocktail for your hipster son, nephew, or cousin. With all of these options, you're sure to find some easy holiday cocktails to enjoy this season.
Start Slideshow

1 of 43

Retro Rum Punch

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Retro Rum Punch

This not-too-fruity cocktail is going to be a crowd pleaser.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 43

Spice Chocolate Stout Beer Cocktail

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Spice Chocolate Stout Beer Cocktail

Brandy, simple syrup, chocolate stout, and a cinnamon stick come together to form the beer-lover's new favorite cocktail.

3 of 43

Rosemary Collins

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Rosemary Collins

Have all the fixings for this easy cocktail on the bar cart this holiday season to ensure you're always ready for drop-in guests.

Advertisement

4 of 43

Peanut Whiskey and Cola

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Peanut Whiskey and Cola

A Southern childhood favorite gets a grown-up spin just in time for the holidays.

5 of 43

Southern Lemon Americano

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Southern Lemon Americano

This refreshing and refined cocktail is best served in a champagne flute.

6 of 43

Sparkling Rum Punch

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Sparkling Rum Punch

You'll see smiles all around when these signature cocktails are offered at your festive fete.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 43

Montgomery Punch

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Montgomery Punch

Julia found this recipe in a cookbook by the Junior League of Montgomery, Alabama, where the punch is a town staple.

8 of 43

Holiday Cosmopolitan

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Holiday Cosmopolitan

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

9 of 43

Cranberry Margaritas

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cranberry Margaritas

From the kitchen of Shawnda Horn, Houston, Texas, jasonandshawnda.com

"We love cranberry margaritas because they're beautiful and festive, and are a reminder that margaritas aren't just for summer."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 43

Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzer

Credit: Charles Walton IV; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzer

When you need a festive holiday cocktail, look no further than this easy spritzer made with orange juice, lemon-lime soft drink, cherry juice, and vodka. If you want a non-alcoholic beverage, just leave out the vodka and add more orange juice or soft drink.

Step-by-Step Video: The Drink that Keeps Rudolph's Nose So Red

11 of 43

Holiday Milk Punch

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Holiday Milk Punch

From the kitchen of Natalie Broulette, New York, New York, thesoho.blogspot.com

"It's unusual to find a cold drink that gives you that sense of holiday coziness, but this one does. Grate the nutmeg fresh. It makes a difference."

12 of 43

Ambrosia Cocktail

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Ambrosia Cocktail

From the kitchen of Amy Mikkelsen, Atlanta, Georgia, www.yoursouthernpeach.com"This cocktail was inspired by the Southern side dish that's popular during the holidays. Add some marshmallows and cherries for a festive garnish."

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    13 of 43

    Sparkling Charleston Cosmopolitan

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Sparkling Charleston Cosmopolitan

    Boost your spirits with a Sparkling Charleston Cosmopolitan. This peach, orange, and white cranberry "Southern" cosmopolitan is topped off with sparkling white wine.

    14 of 43

    Citrus Sangria

    Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

    Recipe: 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.

    15 of 43

    Pear-Basil Sipper

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Pear-Basil Sipper

    The refreshing combination of muddled fresh basil and sweet pear-flavored vodka and nectar can't be beat. Pear-Basil Sipper is the "pearfect" pick for holiday entertaining or even a summertime libation.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    16 of 43

    Hot Buttered Rye

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: 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.

    17 of 43

    Merry Berry Christmas, Sugar!

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Merry Berry Christmas, Sugar!

    Make the kids feel like a part of the festivities with this mint and berry "mocktail." With fresh raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, Merry Berry Christmas, Sugar! party beverage is great in the summertime as well, but its vibrant red color makes it ideal for Christmas.

    18 of 43

    Mississippi Bourbon Punch

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Mississippi Bourbon Punch

    Muscadine wine stars in this spirited concoction of grenadine, bourbon, and a variety of fruit juices and sodas.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    19 of 43

    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

    This is exceptional when made with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

    20 of 43

    Apple-Ale Wassail

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Apple-Ale Wassail

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

    21 of 43

    Capital Eggnog

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: Capital Eggnog

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

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    22 of 43

    Pecan "Milk" Punch

    Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

    Recipe: 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.

      23 of 43

      Gingerbread Martini

      Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

      Recipe: Gingerbread Martini

      Re-invent a favorite flavor of the holiday season into a tasty cocktail. Carry the flavor even further by dipping martini glasses in ginger liqueur and crushed gingersnaps.

      24 of 43

      Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

      Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

      Recipe: Orange-Cranberry Gin and Tonic

      Orange juice and cranberries lend a bit of festive flair to the classic gin and tonic.

      Advertisement
      Advertisement
      Advertisement

      25 of 43

      Cherry Frost

      Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

      Recipe: Cherry Frost

      This refreshing drink is composed of black cherry liqueur, brandy, crushed ice, and then topped off with sparkling white wine. Of course, no cocktail is complete without a maraschino cherry on top!

      26 of 43

      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.

      27 of 43

      Peach-Bourbon Sours

      Credit: Photo: Beau Gustafson

      Recipe: Peach-Bourbon Sours

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

      Advertisement
      Advertisement
      Advertisement

      28 of 43

      Champagne and Cranberries

      Credit: Photo: John O'Hagan

      Recipe: 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.

      29 of 43

      Jingle Juice

      Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

      Recipe: Jingle Juice

      Use candy canes as fun garnishes for this orange juice and vodka cocktail. Its red-orange color comes from the addition of maraschino cherry juice.

      30 of 43

      Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

      Credit: Photo: Charles Walton IV

      Recipe Link: Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

      A mojito traditionally uses rum; here we use tequila instead, hence the fun title. Dip rims of glasses in lime juice and a mixture of equal parts kosher salt and sugar for a twist on salt-rimmed glasses.

      Advertisement
      Advertisement
      Advertisement

      31 of 43

      Pineapple Wassail

      Recipe: Pineapple Wassail

      Bring the flavor of the tropics to your next winter gathering. This quick wassail will warm you to the toes and make your kitchen smell incredible at the same time. Strain the drink before serving to remove any remaining fruit or spice bits.

        32 of 43