Get ready to toast the season with these 18 festive holiday cocktail recipes! As the snowflakes start falling and the fireplace crackles, there’s nothing like gathering with loved ones over a warm, cheer-filled drink. From classic spins on old favorites to innovative twists on timeless traditions, we’ve got you covered with a menu of merry mixers that will make your holiday celebrations even brighter.
First up: Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule, a twist on the classic cocktail that adds a hint of spice and a pop of color to any party. Next, Peppermint White Russian, a creamy treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. And don’t miss our Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg, a rich and velvety delight that’s perfect for sipping by the tree…
Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mule
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring the flavors of spiced cranberries and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka (such as Smirnoff)
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 4-6 oz ginger beer
– 1/4 cup spiced cranberry syrup (see below for recipe)
– Lime wedges, for garnish
– Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Spiced Cranberry Syrup:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has thickened.
2. Add cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids.
4. To make the cocktail:
– Fill a copper mug with ice.
– Add vodka, lime juice, and spiced cranberry syrup.
– Top with ginger beer.
– Stir gently to combine.
– Garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the cranberry syrup)
Peppermint White Russian
This holiday season, give your taste buds a festive treat with this refreshing take on the classic White Russian cocktail. The peppermint adds a cool and creamy dimension that’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace or at your next winter gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa liqueur
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Add the peppermint extract and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Eggnog Martini with Nutmeg
Warm up with this creamy and nutty twist on the classic martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce eggnog
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 sugar cube (optional)
– Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, eggnog, and heavy cream to the shaker.
3. Sprinkle the ground nutmeg over the mixture and shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
5. If desired, place a sugar cube in the glass and crush it gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon to dissolve.
6. Garnish with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so no cooking time needed.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and delicious twist on the classic Old Fashioned. The addition of gingerbread syrup adds a sweet and spicy depth to the drink, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Gingerbread Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 cinnamon stick
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
Instructions:
1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, gingerbread syrup, simple syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon
Warm up with this delicious Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon recipe!
Ingredients:
• 1 shot of dark rum (1.5 oz)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 cup of hot water
• Optional: brown sugar, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for topping
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and stir until well combined.
3. Pour in the shot of dark rum and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the hot water to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Pour into a mug and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Optional: If desired, add brown sugar to taste, then top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra-special treat.
Enjoy your warm and cozy Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon!
Candy Cane Martini
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your cocktail party with this sweet and festive Candy Cane Martini. Made with peppermint schnapps, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and crushed candy canes, this martini is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce vodka
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Ice
– Martini glass
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add peppermint schnapps, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and vodka.
3. Shake until chilled.
4. Strain into a martini glass.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the martini.
6. Drizzle heavy cream over the candy canes to create a festive design.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Candy Cane Martini!
Mulled Wine with Citrus and Cloves
As the winter chill sets in, a warm cup of mulled wine is just what you need to cozy up by the fire or share with friends and family. This citrusy take on the classic recipe adds a bright and refreshing twist to the traditional spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cloves
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the sliced orange and lemon.
2. Add the wine, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Stir in the brown sugar and water until dissolved.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional citrus slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pomegranate Champagne Punch
Elevate your party with this refreshing Pomegranate Champagne Punch, perfect for warm weather gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of champagne (750ml)
– 2 cups of pomegranate juice
– 1 cup of lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of lime and sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, lemon-lime soda, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
2. Add the simple syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add the champagne and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with lime slices and fresh mint sprigs.
Cooking Time: None! This punch is ready to serve immediately after chilling.
Yield: Serves 8-10 people
Cranberry Orange Bourbon Smash
This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange and the warmth of bourbon, perfect for a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Splash of soda water
– Orange slice and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cranberries with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their juice.
2. Add the bourbon, orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Spiked Apple Cider with Caramel
Warm up with this deliciously spiced apple cider infused with caramel and a hint of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1/4 cup caramel syrup
– 1 shot (1.5 oz) bourbon whiskey
– 1 cinnamon stick, crushed
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and caramel syrup.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm (about 5 minutes).
3. Add bourbon whiskey and stir to combine.
4. Add crushed cinnamon stick and ground nutmeg; stir to combine.
5. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Strain cider into mugs or a serving pitcher before serving.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes (plus 30-minute steeping time)
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini
Escape the ordinary with this refreshing twist on hot chocolate, infused with peppermint and a hint of sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
– 1 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz Godiva Peppermint Schnapps
– 1/2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine white chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and Baileys Irish Cream.
2. Add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick to prepare and serves immediately.
Winter Spice Margarita
Warm up with a twist on the classic margarita. This Winter Spice Margarita combines the bold flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the tanginess of lime juice and tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (infused with cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves)
– Salt for rimming the glass
– Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Eggnog White Russian
A creamy and indulgent twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, this Eggnog White Russian combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the smoothness of vodka and coffee liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
– 4 ounces eggnog
– Ice
– Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka and coffee liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Pour in the eggnog and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 2 minutes
– Total time: 5 minutes
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
Elevate your holiday season with this unique and delicious Gingerbread Espresso Martini, combining the warmth of gingerbread with the richness of espresso.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz Kahlúa liqueur
• 1/2 oz Godiva white chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 oz freshly brewed espresso
• 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
• Grated nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, white chocolate liqueur, and espresso.
3. Add gingerbread syrup to taste (start with 1/4 cup).
4. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Top with whipped heavy cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Enjoy your Gingerbread Espresso Martini!
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Cranberry Gin Fizz, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup ginger ale
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin and lime juice.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with cranberry juice and ginger ale.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cranberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of cranberry juice to your taste, depending on how strong you like the flavor.
– For an extra festive touch, rim the glass with sugar or salt before serving.
Enjoy your Cranberry Gin Fizz!
Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with this autumnal delight, perfect for the fall season. This Spiced Pear Prosecco Cocktail combines the sweetness of pears and caramelized sugar with the warmth of spices, all tied together with a glass of crisp Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1 bottle Prosecco, chilled
– 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced pears and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and the liquid has thickened into a caramel-like syrup (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
3. Strain the pear mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug, discarding the solids.
4. Add the chilled Prosecco to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
5. If desired, add the orange liqueur and stir to combine.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with a slice of pear and a sprig of rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hot Toddy with Honey and Lemon
Warm up on a chilly day with this soothing and sweet Hot Toddy, infused with the brightness of lemon and the comfort of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (your preferred type)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 cup hot water
– Lemon slice or wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a preheated mug, add the whiskey and honey.
2. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Add the hot water to the mug, stirring gently to combine.
4. Stir again to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Let the warm and comforting flavors meld together as you sip this Hot Toddy on a cozy day.
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Combine the richness of chocolate with the invigorating zing of peppermint for a refreshing twist on the classic martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with heavy cream.
6. Garnish with crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just shake, pour, and enjoy.
Summary
Get ready to spice up your holiday gatherings with these 18 festive cocktail recipes! From classic eggnog martinis and mulled wine to creative concoctions like Spiced Cranberry Moscow Mules and Candy Cane Martinis, there’s something for every taste. These cozy drinks are sure to bring cheer to your seasonal celebrations. Try the Gingerbread Old Fashioned or the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Martini for a sweet treat, or opt for the Winter Spice Margarita for a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Whatever your holiday style, these recipes have got you covered!
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