Cheers to the holidays! I’ve rounded up my favorite holiday cocktails for you. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or looking for a festive drink to enjoy by the fire, you’ll find plenty of fun options below. Don’t miss this not-too-sweet holiday punch, or the mulled wine that makes your home smell like Christmas, or the fresh cranberry margaritas.
Looking for non-alcoholic options? Check out my hot chocolate, ginger tea (add a cinnamon stick) and hibiscus mocktail.
Before I go, here are some simple snacks and treats to round out your evening:
- Coconut Macaroons
- Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Easy Chocolate Bark
- Festive Cheese Board
- Naturally Sweetened Candied Pecans
- Perfect Stovetop Popcorn
- Sesame Caramel Corn
- Sweet & Spicy Roasted Party Nuts
1) Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch
Reposado tequila or bourbon
“Made it tonight for our Christmas eve family time and a virgin version for my kids. So wonderful! Sent a jar to a neighbor friend and got rave reviews. Will be making this for years to come. I did sub in bourbon because that’s what I had. Such a beautiful drink either way. Thank you!!” – Malia
2) Maple New York Sour
Whiskey and red wine
“These cocktails were perfect for game night. The flavors were well balanced and the wine float presentation just adds that extra something. Our friends mistakenly thought we knew something about cocktails! Thanks, Kate!” – Leigh
3) Classic Mulled Wine
Red wine and brandy
“Made this last night to drink by the campfire, we all loved it! And the house smelled like Christmas, can’t wait to make it again, I have a feeling I’ll be drinking mulled wine all winter long. It feels like such a special treat but is so quick and easy” – Brooke
4) Best Irish Coffee
Irish whiskey
“Wow- my husband and I loved this recipe. Tasted just like the Irish coffees we had in Ireland. We used Paddy’s Irish Whiskey and Peet’s Holiday Blend.” – Jessica
5) Manhattan Cocktail
Bourbon or rye and sweet vermouth
“Excellent and easy! Perfect for a cold winter evening.” – Caroline
6) French 75 Cocktail
Gin and Champagne
“Light, fresh and perfect. I added rosemary for garnish. Thank you!” – Brittany
7) Moscow Mule
Vodka
“Best drink I’ve had in a long time. Used your recommendation and my mule turned out fantastic. I loved it. Fever tree ginger beer and Tito’s vodka make for a winner in my bar. Thank you” – Doris
8) Hot Toddy
Whiskey
“This is really good! I liked it because the flavors all blend well, and the whiskey doesn’t bite back! Right now my husband is also declaring this to be, “Nice drink! Hits the spot. Insides nice and warm!” LOL” – Barbara
9) Dairy-Free White Russian
Vodka and coffee liqueur
“What a treat! I soaked the cashews this morning and we toasted Christmas Eve with White Russians tonight. So delicious. I decided to make a thicker cashew cream and didn’t add the second cup of water. Added a few grains of salt that mine seemed to need. It was heavenly. Thank you, Kate!” – Janie
10) Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Whiskey
“Amazing & simple new classic cocktail. It was a smashing success this Thanksgiving at small family gathering. Used High West Prairie Bourbon, no ground cinnamon but garnished with cinnamon bark and it was amazing. Making again for big Christmas party.” – Jeremiah
11) Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria
Sparkling rosé and brandy
“I made this today and it was so delicious! I found I didn’t need any simple syrup-using a sparkling rose and brandy (both from Trader Joe’s) made it just sweet enough. Thanks for the great recipe!” – Jen
12) Classic Martini
Gin or vodka and vermouth
This classic martini features a two-to-one ratio of gin to vermouth. Try it and leave a comment to let me know how it turns out for you!
13) The New Old Fashioned Cocktail
Bourbon or rye
“I shared this with my husband because I am not a big fan of the brown liquors. I told him that everything I cook from your website and cookbook are always a hit with our family. I’m happy to report that he said this was amazing!! And so much easier because he didn’t need to make simple syrup. Thanks for adding a new cocktail to the lineup.” – Erica
14) Spiced Apple Margaritas
Reposado tequila
“I just got back from Austin where I had margaritas every night… but it is a week before thanksgiving, so I was also craving something with “fall flavors”. I searched google and this recipe came up. I made it tonight with Unfiltered Honeycrisp Apple Cider from Trader Joe’s. I left the sugar out of the rim garnish (just salt and cinnamon) and OMG it was sooooooo good! I plan to bring these as my contribution to the family Thanksgiving meal. So yummy!!” – Ina
15) Ruby Red and Rosemary Honey Cocktail
Vodka or gin
“This cocktail is perfect. Simple to make with easy to find ingredients. It is eloquent and sophisticated in flavour with the perfect hint of honey. Will be making this at our next holiday party. Thank you for sharing.” – Averie
16) Fresh Cranberry Margaritas
Tequila
“My husband and I made these tonight. What a treat! We both loved them. Thank you” – Mae
17) Homemade Wassail
Bourbon
“We hunted and tested recipes for wassail and yours won – Last week we served up gallons of your recipe at our wassailing party and it was a huge hit!” – Cricket
18) The Best Mimosa (Plus Tips & Variations!)
Prosecco or Cava
“I served these today for Mother’s Day brunch. Thanks for the recipe, especially the recommendation for Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava, which was readily available for less than $10.” – Carole
Enjoy responsibly. Wishing you a merry and safe holiday season!
