66 Festive Cocktails To Make All Holiday Season Long
All winter long, you can find us dreaming about kicking back by the fire with a deliciously festive holiday cocktail, especially after all the frantic holiday baking, gift shopping, and travel on the schedule. But why not make that dream real (and really easy)? Whether you're in the mood for classic eggnog, a warming hot toddy, a caramel snickerdoodle martini, or even a Scrooge sour, you'll find that we've got a fun, super simple cocktail here for everyone. Let's just say, your Christmas tree, Kwanzaa kinara, and Hanukkah menorah aren't the only things getting lit this season.
Holiday parties deserve a fun signature cocktail, and our recipes for Christmosas, Jingle Juice, Grinch punch, and our Christmas punch more than do the trick. The secret? They're beyond easy to make in big batches, which means you don't have to play bartender all night.
Hoping Santa will restock your home bar for Christmas? We've got you too Whether you're looking for the best bottles of bubbly, vodka, rum, or tequila to get or to give, we've reviewed all the best liquors around to help you refine everyone's home bartending skills in the new year to make some Rum Rum Rudolphs.
For even more Christmas party cocktail ideas, try these classic cocktails every home bartender should know, our best holiday punch recipes, and our favorite hot cocktails. And don't forget—if you're serving cocktails, snacks will absolutely be required to keep the party going! Check out our best last-minute appetizers, our top make-ahead appetizers, or our fave puff pastry appetizers (if you're feeling fancy), too.
Rum Rum Rudolph
This Christmas version of a rum and coke is inspired by Rudolph the reindeer’s bright red nose. To get the vibrant hue, we use tart cherry juice. The juice, aside from being a beloved ingredient in a sleepy girl mocktail, also imparts a mild tartness that balances the sweetness of the soda.
Get the Rum Rum Rudolph recipe.
Partridge In A Pear Tree
Here at Delish, we love a seasonal cocktail. Taking a creative cue from the carol, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” we created a Partridge in a Pear Tree cocktail to make this holiday season. With warming bourbon and whisky, a bit of bubbles, a punch of pear brandy, and spiced syrup, this drink is one you'll want multiples of.
Get the Partridge In A Pear Tree recipe.
Yule Mule
This Christmas cocktail is just as refreshing and bright as the traditional version, but makes a few festive swaps that make it perfect for the holidays. Instead of lime juice, we opt for the classic winter combination of cranberry and orange. We also give the mule a holiday twist by using rosemary instead of mint. There’s also a sprig used as a garnish, so you get a whiff of the festive holiday fragrance with every sip.
Get the Yule Mule recipe.
Eggnog
Rich, creamy, and, well, egg-y, we'd go as far as to say no Christmas celebration is complete without a glass of this festive drink. If this winter cocktail is also a must at your holiday gatherings, follow our top tips to make yours perfect every time.
Get the Eggnog recipe.
White Cranberry Cosmo
With nostalgic foods and drinks on the rise, the Cosmo is in the perfect place to shine again after its Sex And The City moment. Keeping much of the same vein as the classic, this cocktail gets a boost from white cranberry juice and an aroma of fresh rosemary. The candied cranberries are totally optional, but are a fun way to really drive home the holiday spirit.
Get the White Cranberry Cosmo recipe.
Fireside Negroni
Move over, hot toddy—there's a new hot drink in town, and the name is fireside negroni. We dressed up the tried and true negroni with Earl Grey tea and a touch of maple syrup. The tea adds notes of bergamot and citrus, and the maple syrup gives a touch of rich sweetness that welcomes another sip, and another sip, and another, until it’s time to put the kettle back on for another cocktail.
Get the Fireside Negroni recipe.
Gingerbread Martini
Not only does this adorable cocktail look the part, but if you close your eyes, it also tastes just like gingerbread cookies, thanks to a homemade spiced simple syrup. Top these with store-bought (or homemade!) cookies to take the cute factor over the top.
Get the Gingerbread Martini recipe.
Cranberry Paloma
The holidays usually usher in seasonal cocktails with cozy spices to stay warm in the winter, but we think bright, refreshing beverages should be enjoyed all year long. If you love sipping on margaritas and palomas but want a more festive recipe to enjoy during the holiday season, meet the cranberry paloma.
Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.
Figgy Spritz
In this fall rendition of everyone's favorite summer spritz, we included a woodsy rosemary sprig and fig syrup to welcome fall’s rich earthy flavors and make the easiest large format cocktail that will impress everyone at your holiday table. Thanksgiving’s aperitivo hour just got a delicious upgrade.
Get the Figgy Spritz recipe.
Eggnog Espresso Martini
The creamy texture, sweetness, and gentle warming-spice notes of homemade eggnog make it a versatile base for many cocktail flavor pairings. Use it to replace the cream or milk in any of your favorite dairy-based cocktails—like matcha or chai martinis—to add a taste of the holidays. Whatever you choose, once you add this to your holiday cocktail rotation, it’s not coming out.
Get the Eggnog Espresso Martini recipe.
Hot Claus
Baby, it’s cold outside! What’s better than to experience it with a bourbon-filled, warm embrace in the form of this twist on a winter classic: a hot toddy? Infused with the flavors of tart hibiscus, maple syrup, bitter Campari, and warm spices, this deep red drink is ready to elevate your winter evenings in one quick stir. It’s not only perfect for a cozy evening on the couch or a quiet night by the fire, but also plays well with the seasonality of ingredients such as cranberry and citrus.
Get the Hot Claus recipe.
Not-So-Naughty Jack Frosties
Winter is the perfect time for steaming mugs of spiced, warm apple cider and marshmallow-laden hot chocolate, but just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean a chilled, blended drink doesn’t hit the spot too. These vibrantly blue not-so-naughty Jack Frosties are a refreshing departure from the hearty flavors of the holiday season. We went for a non-alcoholic version here for kids, non-drinkers, or people just wanting a break for the night.
Get the Not-So-Naughty Jack Frosties recipe.
(Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes
Looking for a quick way to level up your holiday punch bowl or cocktails without the hassle? These stunning ice cubes are an incredibly easy solution—and they’ll make you look super-classy too! These ice cubes use pomegranate juice instead of water, adding both flavor and a vibrant red hue to what would otherwise be plain ice.
Get the (Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes recipe.
Milk & Cookies Shots
Let's just say, if you leave these for Santa on Christmas Eve, you'll definitely be on the nice list. We love the ease of using store-bought cookie dough, but if you've got the time, making chocolate chip cookies from scratch is even better!
Get the Milk & Cookies Shots recipe.
Wassail
Wassail is a warm, spiced punch that’s traditionally served when celebrating the ancient English Yuletide tradition of the same name. Historically, gatherers would sing and hand out mugs of mulled cider, ale, or wine in exchange for gifts. It's festive and delicious!
Get the Wassail recipe.
Cherry-Lime Margarita
The margarita is a seasonal drink…right? We think so! Especially this cherry-lime margarita, which is right on theme for a tropical Christmas. We used both cherry concentrate and the syrup from a maraschino cherry jar to achieve the perfect balance of tart and sweet. If you’re looking for an elevated twist on a classic margarita, look no further.
Get the Cherry-Lime Margarita recipe.
Coquito
No Christmas celebration in Puerto Rico is complete without a cup of coquito. Often compared to eggnog, this rum-spiked coconut drink is an iconic holiday cocktail that packs a flavorful punch.
Get the Coquito recipe.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a forever fave, but sometimes we want something with a little more oomph. Enter, this boozy version, that's got just the right amount of whiskey to keep you warm over Christmas.
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
Lambrusco Smash
While a glass of Lambrusco is always good served on its own, it’s also a fantastic starting point for a cocktail. The smoky mezcal, bright orange citrus, and spice from the ginger beer here tie together beautifully, giving you a zingy, sweet-ish, refreshing, and original cocktail.
Get the Lambrusco Smash recipe.
Sugarplum Spritz
Half the fun of hosting over the holidays is putting out a spread of cute treats with even more adorable names, right? That’s why we created this sugarplum spritz. It's a light, refreshing, and wintery take on everyone's fave summer beverage that belongs at any and every holiday party.
Get the Sugarplum Spritz recipe.
North Pole-adas
Is the weather outside frightful, and you've got no place to go? These wintery twists on a piña colada will have you feeling like you're on a beach in no time.
Get the North Pole-adas recipe.
White Christmas Mojito
Apparently only 25% of Americans are able to get a white Christmas, which, in our opinion, is totally unfair. If you're in that remaining 75%, we’ve got you covered with this mojito. With this cocktail in hand, you won't even need to pay attention to the forecast.
Get the White Christmas Mojito recipe.
Scrooge Sour
Scrooge may have been sour-hearted, but a sip of this warming (yet chilled) winter cocktail would’ve been just the trick to turn his frown upside-down. To make it, we take inspiration the holiday classic, mulled wine, to make a simple syrup that takes this sour cocktail to new festive heights.
Get the Scrooge Sour recipe.
Peppermint White Russian
Everyone’s favorite boozy coffee drink just got a holiday makeover. With a simple combo of Kahlúa, vodka, and heavy cream, the White Russian is already the king of creamy after-dinner cocktails, but adding a splash of peppermint schnapps makes it perfect for a seasonal celebration.
Get the Peppermint White Russian recipe.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini
Turn your favorite wintery treat of frozen hot chocolate into a martini. The frozen hot chocolate is simple and uses a pre-made hot chocolate mix, and everything gets blended together for a quick festive cocktail that would be a hit as an after dinner nightcap!
Get the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini recipe.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Cranberry adds a festive, blood-red twist to your favorite cocktail, the Aperol spritz. If you don't want it to be too sweet, you can swap the cranberry juice cocktail for 100% cranberry juice.
Get the Cranberry Aperol Spritz recipe.
Christmas Punch
This Christmas punch forgoes all the added sugar and instead derives its natural sweetness from apple cider. Add some spice from ginger beer and tartness from unsweetened cranberry juice, and you have a sophisticated, festive punch for your next holiday party.
Get the Christmas Punch recipe.
Glögg
Forget making your home look like Christmas; let it smell like Christmas instead. Glögg, pronounced ‘glu-guh,’ is essentially Sweden's less-sweet answer to mulled wine. The ginger and white rum curtail the sweetness, packing a spicy punch and dose of warmth to this festive drink.
Get the Glögg recipe.
Caramel Snickerdoodle Martini
Simple cocktails are the best cocktails, and this martini is proof. It has all the flavor of a snickerdoodle, without any of the work of baking Christmas cookies. 😍
Get the Caramel Snickerdoodle Martini recipe.
Tiramisu White Russians
Somewhere between cocktail and dessert, this Italian-influenced White Russian is hard to resist. Looking for a festive upgrade? A dash of orange bitters, a pinch of ground cinnamon, or some fresh nutmeg shavings add another dimension to this decadent, tiramisu-inspired drink.
Get the Tiramisu White Russians recipe.
Mistletoe Martini
With tart cranberry juice as well as notes of flower-power elderflower liqueur and sage, this is the perfect festive cocktail to drink while you hope for a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe. Even if you don’t get one, you’ll still have this cocktail to keep you company.
Get the Mistletoe Martini recipe.
Hot Toddy
A fire might be delightful when the weather outside is frightful—but the only way we want to warm up on a cold night is with a hot toddy. There’s no need to break out your cocktail shaker set, either; this hot cocktail comes together in just one mug.
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour
This wintery version of a whiskey sour features punchy ginger flavor and tangy cranberry juice. Though it requires minimal ingredients, it’s full of strong, bright flavors that perfectly complement rich holiday hors d'oeuvres like baked brie and bacon-wrapped dates.
Get the Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour recipe.
Santa’s Hat Cocktail
This deep red drink is an ode to a dirty Shirley, with added fun decorations like sweetened coconut (to mimic some Christmastime snow) and a peppermint stick that'll will get you from Christmas blues to feeling jolly in no time.
Get the Santa’s Hat Cocktail recipe.
Jingle Juice
We love a punch at the holidays as it cuts down on bartending time and they're maybe a little too easy to mix up! You'll be hearing jingle bells in no time with this sweet-tart big-batch version.
Get the Jingle Juice recipe.
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
We crave cranberry cocktails all season long, and this is our go-to one during the holiday season. It's warm and spicy from the whiskey and ginger beer, but refreshing and tart from the cranberry and citrus.
Get the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour recipe.
Dirty Snowmen
These festive takes on our classic spiked hot chocolate are super cute, but actually very easy to make. Think of them like a boozy affogato, just with hot cocoa instead of coffee (though now we think of it, a cup of joe would probably be amazing too!).
Get the Dirty Snowmen recipe.
Mrs. "Claws" Cocktail
Looking to class things up a little during the holidays while still using your go-to party drink? Turn to this Mrs. "Claws" cocktail. You’ll be the hit of the party when you arrive with all the makings of a delicious and festive cocktail using everyone's favorite hard seltzer.
Get the Mrs. "Claws" Cocktail recipe.
Cranberry Apple Sangria
Apple cider is THE go-to when it comes to taking summery sangria into colder weather, but it can be a little sweet. Pair it with cranberry juice to keep it tart, though, and you can drink this all fall and winter long.
Get the Cranberry Apple Sangria recipe.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
When the weather outside gets frightful, we can all agree that there’s nothing nicer than curling our hands around a piping hot mug some mulled wine…that is, unless you’re not drinking alcohol. Rather than simply skip that sip of pure coziness, make this non-alcoholic mulled wine instead!
Get the Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine recipe.
Peppermint Bark Shots
We look forward to peppermint bark season all year long. These shots taste a lot like the real thing, only way more boozy. Sweet, minty, and creamy, be warned: These go down easy, but they’re just as strong as your average shot.
Get the Peppermint Bark Shots recipe.
Campfire Mules
Staying faithful to our inspiration, the Moscow mule, we’ve replaced the vodka with some smoked bourbon or whiskey, added some maple syrup for a touch of wintery magic, kept our lemon juice and ginger beer as our old-time residents, and included an optional roasted marshmallow to garnish (campfire → roasted marshmallow… get it? 😉).
Get the Campfire Mules recipe.
Sugar Cookie Martinis
Our version of this festive favorite features Baileys and whole milk to give it that rich creaminess, along with vanilla vodka and Amaretto for that sugar cookie vibe. The best part? A tiny candy cane-shaped sugar cookie hanging off the rim.
Get the Sugar Cookie Martinis recipe.
Boozy Butterbeer Punch
Harry Potter fans, get ready! This butterbeer punch is the perfect drink to serve at your movie nights. Even if you're not a fan of the franchise, this cream soda, vanilla vodka, and butterscotch syrup cocktail deserves a place on your winter holiday drink menu.
Get the Boozy Butterbeer Punch recipe.
Eggnog Jell-O Shots
It's not the holidays until the eggnog shows up, and this year we're switching it up by shooting instead of sipping it. Rumchata and brandy ensure these jell-o shots will make the holidays so much fun.
Get the Eggnog Jell-O Shots recipe.
Pomegranate Martini
More like a cosmopolitan than a classic martini, this recipe replaces the cosmo’s traditional cranberry juice with pomegranate. Garnish with a sugar rim and a fresh rosemary sprig for the perfect drink to serve at all your fall and winter gatherings.
Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.
Mistletoe Margaritas
We'd gladly get caught with one of these under the mistletoe. If you prefer your margaritas on the rocks, feel free to skip the blender step. And if you love a wintry marg, try our White Christmas margaritas next!
Get the Mistletoe Margaritas recipe.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
Oaky and sweet, with a hint of citrus on the finish, the classic whiskey Old Fashioned is truly a bourbon lover's drink. You only need a few ingredients to make this classic cocktail too—sugar, bitters, and a large ice cube.
Get the Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe.
Peppermint Martini
Peppermint bark fans, meet your match. If you're feeling EXTRA, pair it with our other favorite holiday treat, pretzel peppermint bark. We won't judge.
Get the Peppermint Martinis recipe.
Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria
Sangria without the wine? Yes, please. The fruit is the real star here—use whatever’s in season and get creative with the combination (think cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary for the holidays and mixed berries and mint for summer).
Get the Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria recipe.
Limoncello
Homemade limoncello is sweet and strong with a lasting, delightful lemon flavor. It's the basis for one of our favorite cocktails—the lemon drop martini—and is perfect for gifting during the holidays.
Get the Limoncello recipe.
White Christmas Margaritas
Here, we give the classic margarita a festive, "snowy" twist that'll have you cheersing to the season all winter long. Complete with a sugar rim and cranberry garnish, these margs are the perfect excuse to enjoy a white Christmas in the comfort of your own home, no winter coat required. 😉
Get the White Christmas Margaritas recipe.
Christmosas
Packed with all our favorite winter fruits, these bubbly mimosas are the only thing you need in your hand while you open presents. Hot tip: they're also great for a late-night Christmas Eve party too.
Get the Christmosas recipe.
Cranberry Mimosas
While the classic combo of four parts Champagne and one part fresh orange juice can certainly hold its own, this recipe adds a fun holiday twist by swapping the orange juice with fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, rosemary, and a hint of lime.
Get the Cranberry Mimosas recipe.
Amaretto Sour
For cocktail lovers who like a whiskey sour but want something a bit nuttier, this is the perfect drink. Amaretto Sour is also the ideal cocktail for anyone who loves tiramisu, since the classic Italian dessert often includes amaretto.
Get the Amaretto Sour recipe.
Mulled Wine
Making this mulled wine couldn't be easier: Combine a bottle of red wine with some orange slices, warm spices, honey, and brandy, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. THAT'S IT.
Get the Mulled Wine recipe.
White Russian
This three-ingredient cocktail couldn’t be easier to make—if you have Kahlúa, vodka, and heavy cream, you’re practically there! Once you've got it down, feel free to change it up too. Take inspiration from our tiramisu White Russians and our peppermint White Russians, then get creative.
Get the White Russian recipe.
Gold Rush Cocktail
Fans of the whiskey sour to the front, please! The Gold Rush cocktail is the whiskey drink you’re already in love with, with just a few changes. 1) It calls for honey instead of simple syrup, and doesn't call for any egg whites (keep those for your Christmas cookies).
Get the Gold Rush Cocktail recipe.
Espresso Martini
Popular with coffee lovers and tired pre-gamers alike, this classic cocktail was born in the 1980s but saw a resurgence in popularity in the last few years (and we totally see why).
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Whiskey Ginger
Is there any whiskey cocktail more iconic and simple than a whiskey ginger? It’s just two ingredients, but it’s truly one of the best bubbly/spirit combinations out there. Bonus: it goes SO well with a holiday ham.
Get the Whiskey Ginger recipe.
Mistletoe Shots
These holiday Jell-O shots are just the thing to get a party started. Make a big batch for a party and watch the holiday magic happen.
Get the Mistletoe Shots recipe.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is essentially the OG butterbeer. They both are golden, richly sweet and have that beautiful head that will give you a silly mustache when you drink it. Add in rum, butter, sugar, ice cream, and healthy dose of cinnamon, and you've got heartwarming wintertime magic in a glass.
Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe.
Jack Frosties
This blended vodka, sparkling wine, Blue Curaçao, and lemonade cocktail will definitely perk up your winter, though it's delicious all year round as far as we're concerned. Want more slushies? Check out all of our top frozen drinks.
Get the Jack Frosties recipe.
Boozy Grinch Punch
If the holidays stress you out a little too much, then Grinch Punch was made for you. As simple as mixing everything in a punch bowl and ladling into glasses, it's an easy, no-fuss Christmas punch perfect for your next party; even your crankiest of guests will love it!
Get the Boozy Grinch Punch recipe.
Cranberry Jell-O Shots
Cranberry sauce? We thought you said "cranberry shots." We love these tart-sweet Jell-O shots, especially the sugar-coated cranberries. They're optional but highly encouraged—they make for a great chaser after you've downed the shot.
Get the Cranberry Jell-O Shots recipe.
Peppermint Bark Mimosas
These mimosas are just the thing to get you in the holiday spirit (and use up that giant bottle of peppermint schnapps!). Wanna double up on holiday cheer? Serve with our classic gingerbread for full-on holiday vibes.
Get the Peppermint Bark Mimosa recipe.
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