Guide to Holiday Cocktails
Easy holiday cocktails and winter drinks to make at home.
Holiday cocktails are one of the easiest ways to bring a little seasonal cheer into your home. Some are creamy and cozy, others are warm and spiced, and a few bring seasonal fruit to the glass. Whether you like something simple, sweet, or citrusy, winter cocktails fit almost every celebration and gathering.
You can keep things effortless with dessert cocktails, hot toddies, or citrus drinks with a festive twist. Most of these recipes use everyday ingredients and come together quickly, so you can enjoy your night instead of spending it mixing at the bar. If you lean toward holiday flavors, winter cocktails are a fun way to play with chocolate, cinnamon, cranberry, ginger, or citrus while keeping things easy and relaxed.
Whether you are decorating the tree, hosting a holiday party, or planning a quiet winter night at home, festive cocktails are an easy way to bring warmth and a little holiday spirit to the moment. Pick one recipe, make a small batch, or serve a few options at once. However you enjoy them, these drinks keep the holidays feeling cozy, celebratory and delicious.
If you love holiday food and drinks, explore our Winter Markets guide for seasonal recipes and festive travel inspiration.
The North Pole
Recipe:
2 ounces vodka
1 ounces Kahlua
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.5 teaspoons molasses
0.06 teaspoon ground ginger
0.25 cup whole milk
Whipped cream and gingerbread cookies, for garnish
Directions:
Cranberry Margarita
Recipe:
3 ounces cranberry juice
1 1/2 ounces tequila blanco
Juice from a lime
1/2 ounce Cointreau or your choice of orange liquor
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Directions:
Christmas Spritz
Recipe:
3 ounces Aperol
3 ounces Prosecco
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 orange wedge
1 cinnamon stick for garnish
Directions:
Add in an orange wedge and cinnamon stick for garnish.
Spicy Hot Toddy
Recipe:
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon honey
2 cinnamon sticks, using one for garnish
4 orange slices, using one for garnish
1–2 ounces bourbon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Directions:
Pour the toddy into a heat proof glass. Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.
Smart Cookie
Recipe:
Vanilla frosting and sprinkles for rimming the glass
1 ½ ounce vanilla vodka
1 ½ ounces Irish cream
2 ounces whole milk
1 ounce amaretto
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla vodka, Irish cream, milk, amaretto, and ice. Close lid and shake for at least 15 seconds to mix and chill.
Pour into the prepared glass.
Spicy Mule
Recipe:
2 ounces vodka
Juice from 1/2 lime
1/3 cup pomegranate juice
1–2 jalapeno slices
Ginger beer
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Directions:
Combine the vodka, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and jalapeños in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake until combined. Strain into your prepared glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
There’s no one way to make a great holiday cocktail. Some lean creamy and cozy, others are warm and spiced, and a few bring bright citrus or seasonal fruit to the glass. Whether you’re hosting friends, decorating the tree, or watching a quiet snowfall, there’s a drink that fits the moment.
Here’s to good company, festive glassware, and something delicious in your hand.
Holiday Cocktail Essentials
The right glassware and a few simple tools make at-home cocktails feel special. Here’s a handpicked collection of bar essentials to elevate your holiday hosting. Click to explore and shop your favorites.
More Cocktail Guides from The Getawayz
Dreaming of a warm summer trip? Check out our Guide to Italian Spritz Cocktails for 9 warm-weather drinks worth knowing.
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