"Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering this year or simply attending one and want to bring something to share with the group, it never hurts to have a tasty drink recipe on hand to impress everyone in attendance. Instead of going for another bottle of wine, why not coax out your inner bartender by crafting the perfect holiday cocktail? Here, we’ve gathered 26 of the best holiday cocktail recipes to try this year. From classics like Moscow mules to uniquely-festive treats like sugar cookie martinis (yes, please!), there’s something for everyone. You may be dubbed the holiday bartender from here on out—but let’s be honest, that’s still easier than head chef! Read on for the most fun and festive holiday cocktail recipes for this holiday season.
The Best Holiday Cocktail Recipes
1. White Chocolate Eggnog Cocktail
Take the quintessential holiday drink and turn it up a notch with this boozy eggnog cocktail. Name something more festive—we’ll wait.
2. Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
Even when it’s chilly out, every now and then we need something refreshing. This pomegranate ginger Paloma is the perfect combination of some of the best winter flavors and one of the most refreshing drinks in existence.
3. Poinsettia Cocktail
The only thing better than a festive cocktail is a festive cocktail that’s easier to make than picking your favorite holiday movie. Now that’s cause for celebration.
4. Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail
It wouldn’t feel like the holidays without one too many pies on the table. Turn one of the tastiest pies into a delicious cocktail with this bourbon pecan pie drink recipe.
5. Cranberry Crush Cocktail
The perfect combination of sweet and tart can be found in this cranberry cocktail. What makes this recipe even better is that it’s unbelievably simple to make.
6. Cranberry Margarita
If margaritas are your go-to cocktail throughout the year, stay true to who you are but make them festive for the holidays by adding a cranberry spin.
7. Christmas Milkshake
A boozy milkshake with coffee? Leave this one out with the cookies for Santa!
8. Mulled Wine Sangria
This twist on a traditional holiday drink will leave even the pickiest person at your party fully satisfied.
9. Holiday Negroni
Although I’m a firm believer that a Negroni is a great go-to cocktail no matter the time of year, this recipe makes it holiday-ready by topping it with sparkling wine—the ultimate cheers-worthy drink.
10. Sugar Cookie Martini
This recipe is the only gift you’ll need this year: your favorite holiday cookie, not only turned into a drink, but a boozy drink. Best. Holiday. Ever.
11. Grasshopper Drink
The mint-chocolatey goodness of a grasshopper is the perfect way to end the year on a sweet note.
12. Homemade Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys is the perfect winter drink to warm you up when the temps drop—great for a mixed drink, but also easy enough to sip on its own. Throw on some holiday tunes and spend an hour in the kitchen making this homemade Baileys Irish Cream for the perfect December afternoon.
13. Best Moscow Mule
It would feel very unnatural for me and my family to gather for the holidays and not whip up a batch of Moscow mules to sip on together. Here’s the perfect recipe for this simple, tasty, and refreshing cocktail.
14. Peppermint Martini
It truly doesn’t get more festive than this! We’re sure this peppermint martini is what James Bond drinks at all of his holiday parties.
15. Raspberry Mule Holiday Cocktail
In my opinion, there’s no drink quite as refreshing as a mule, and adding raspberry is a great way to make it even better.
16. Slow Cooker Mulled Wine
A European favorite, mulled wine is a traditional holiday recipe that everyone can appreciate. Try it this year and get ready for requests to continue making it year after year.
17. Maple Ginger Hot Toddy
Nothing says winter quite like a hot toddy! Make them even more delicious by adding maple and ginger flavors.
18. Holiday Cranberry Mimosas
Let’s be honest, mimosas are always a great idea. If you want to make them festive, add some cranberry juice! Turn them into mocktails by using non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
19. Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mules
When your mules need to be kicked up a notch, try this concoction that replaces the vodka with bourbon and adds grapefruit.
20. Warm Tea, Whiskey, and Lemon Cordial Cocktail
It truly doesn’t get much cozier than this. Get ready to cuddle up on the couch and watch a cheesy holiday movie with one of these in hand.
21. Cranberry Apple Cider Orange Sangria
I never knew how great sangria could be outside of summertime until I found this recipe! Now I’ll never go back to only enjoying it at certain times of the year.
22. A Long Winter’s Nap Bourbon Cocktail
There are few liquors that feel cozier than bourbon, and this cocktail recipe will make you want to cuddle right up.
23. Festive Blackberry Fizz
This one’s not just a pretty face—it tastes as good as it looks and is the perfect drink to turn to. Make it a refreshing mocktail by omitting the vodka.
24. Pomegranate Mojito
I’ll never turn down a mojito—there’s just something so appealing about the minty flavor. Adding pomegranate lends a tart sweetness and some festive color.
25. Hugo Cocktail
Any cocktail that involves Prosecco gets my stamp of approval. Add some elderflower syrup and you’ve got the perfect refreshing cocktail.
26. Spiked Eggnog Cocktail
‘Tis the season for eggnog! We may as well take advantage of this creamy drink while we can and get creative with it. Add RumChata and cinnamon whiskey for the perfect sweater weather cocktail.
