Cocktail – Family Feast

You can plan a simple, festive drinks menu that suits any holiday crowd and skill level. Follow clear recipes for classics like a Cranberry Champagne Cocktail and cozy choices like a Spiced Apple Cider Mule, then add a few punches and mocktails for variety. Measure spirits and mixers, chill glassware, and prep garnishes ahead to save time. Pick a few recipes to try now and keep the rest ready for the next gathering. Classic Cranberry Champagne Cocktail Sparkling tartness for your holiday toast. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka (or gin, if you prefer) 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100%) 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, to taste) 3–4 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine Fresh cranberries and a lime twist or rosemary sprig for garnish Ice How to Make: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka (or gin), cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup if using. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a chilled champagne flute or coupe. Top gently with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime twist or a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy the bubbly, festive flavor! Spiced Apple Cider Mule Spiced Apple Cider Mule — a cozy, fizzy twist on the classic that’s perfect for chilly nights. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 4 oz spiced apple cider (warm or chilled) 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 3 oz ginger beer 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) Ice Apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish Lime wheel for garnish How to Make: Fill a mule mug or a glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and fresh lime juice. Add the spiced apple cider and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon if using. Top with ginger beer and give it a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with an apple slice, a cinnamon stick, and a lime wheel. Sip and enjoy the warm-spiced, ginger fizz. Cheers — this one’s ready to warm hands and hearts. Pomegranate Gin Fizz Sparkling pomegranate cheer in a glass — tart, bright, and festive. Ingredients: 2 oz gin 1 oz pomegranate juice 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon) 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste) 1 egg white (optional, for froth) Club soda or sparkling water, to top Ice Pomegranate seeds and lemon twist or rosemary sprig, for garnish How to Make: Add gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) into a shaker. Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to build froth if you used egg white. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled, about 10–15 seconds. Strain into a chilled highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Top gently with club soda or sparkling water to your preferred fizziness. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist or a sprig of rosemary. Cheers — enjoy the bright, fizzy holiday kick! Peppermint White Russian A creamy, minty twist on a classic — the Peppermint White Russian is a festive sipper that tastes like liquid candy canes. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) 1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version) 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps (adjust to taste) Crushed candy cane or crushed peppermint candy for rimming (optional) Ice cubes Mini candy cane or whole candy cane for garnish (optional) Freshly grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings (optional garnish) How to Make: If you like a festive rim, rub the glass edge with a little cream or simple syrup, then dip into crushed candy cane to coat; set aside. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice. Add the peppermint schnapps. Gently pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top, or pour and stir lightly for a blended drink. Garnish with a mini candy cane and/or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Give it a gentle stir before sipping to mix the flavors. Cheers — enjoy this creamy, minty holiday treat! Blood Orange Negroni Bright, bittersweet and brilliantly hued — the Blood Orange Negroni puts a sunny twist on a classic. Ingredients: 1 oz gin 1 oz Campari 1 oz sweet vermouth 1 oz fresh blood orange juice (about 1 medium blood orange) Blood orange wheel or twist, for garnish Ice How to Make: Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and fresh blood orange juice. Stir well for about 20–30 seconds until nicely chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or into a chilled coupe, per your preference. Garnish with a blood orange wheel or a twist to release the oils. Sip slowly and enjoy the beautiful balance of bitter, sweet, and citrus. Cheers — a vibrant classic with a citrusy sunset in every sip. Hot Buttered Rum Toddy Hot Buttered Rum Toddy — a cozy, boozy hug in a mug that’s perfect for chilly nights. Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz dark rum 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1 tsp brown sugar (more to taste) 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch ground nutmeg Pinch ground cloves (optional) 6 oz hot water Lemon wheel or twist, for garnish Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional) How to Make: Warm your mug with hot water, then discard the water. Add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the warm mug. Pour in the rum. Fill the mug with hot (but not boiling) water and stir until the butter and sugar melt and combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if desired. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist and a cinnamon stick. Sip slowly and enjoy the cozy, buttery warmth. Cheers — this toddy is like a firelit blanket for your insides. Sparkling Pear and Rosemary Punch Sparkling Pear and Rosemary Punch — festive, fizzy, and perfectly fragrant for holiday gatherings. Ingredients: 4 cups pear nectar or pear juice 2 cups chilled prosecco or dry sparkling wine (substitute sparkling water for nonalcoholic) 1 cup pear vodka or light vodka (optional) 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste) 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced 4–6 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus extra for garnish Ice (large cubes or a block recommended) Optional: pomegranate arils or cranberries for color How to Make: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the pear nectar, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir to blend. Add the pear vodka if using, and gently stir again. Add the sliced pears and 4 rosemary sprigs to the mixture; let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld. Just before serving, pour in the chilled prosecco or sparkling water and gently stir to combine without losing fizz. Fill glasses with ice, ladle the punch over the ice, and garnish each glass with a rosemary sprig and a few pomegranate arils or cranberries if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the bubbles at their best. Cheers — enjoy a sparkling, fragrant punch that tastes like holiday cheer in a glass! Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned A cozy, smoky-sweet twist on the classic Old Fashioned that’s perfect for chilly nights and holiday gatherings. Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon 1/2 oz pure maple syrup (Grade A) 2 dashes Angostura bitters Orange peel (for garnish) Cinnamon stick (optional garnish) Ice (large cube or several large chunks) How to Make: Add the maple syrup and bitters to a mixing glass or lowball. Pour in the bourbon. Stir gently with ice for about 20–30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube or a few large chunks. Express an orange peel over the drink, rub it on the rim, and drop it in. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish if you like a spiced aroma. Enjoy a warm, festive sip that’s both smooth and seasonally sweet. Ginger Pear Prosecco Spritz Sparkling, warm-spiced, and perfectly festive — the Ginger Pear Prosecco Spritz is holiday cheer in a glass. Ingredients: 2 oz pear vodka (or pear nectar for a lighter version) 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (or 1/2 oz fresh ginger syrup) 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice 3–4 oz chilled Prosecco (or other dry sparkling wine) 1/4 oz simple syrup (optional, if you like it sweeter) Ice Pear slice and/or candied ginger for garnish Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig (optional, for a festive touch) How to Make: Fill a large wine glass or coupe with ice. Pour in the pear vodka (or pear nectar), ginger liqueur (or ginger syrup), and lemon juice. Add simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink, and gently stir to combine. Top with chilled Prosecco and stir once gently to mix without flattening the bubbles. Garnish with a pear slice and a piece of candied ginger; tuck in a thyme or rosemary sprig for aroma. Serve immediately while sparkling and enjoy. Cheers — a fizzy, gingery pear toast to the holidays! Chocolate Salted Espresso Martini A decadent, slightly edgy twist on the classic espresso martini—rich chocolate, bold espresso, and a kiss of sea salt. Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (hot or cooled) 1/2 oz chocolate liqueur or crème de cacao 1/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste) Pinch of flaky sea salt (plus extra for rim) Ice Cocoa powder or shaved chocolate (optional, for garnish) Coffee beans (optional, for garnish) How to Make: Rim a chilled martini glass with a little chocolate syrup and dip into flaky sea salt; set aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, chocolate liqueur, simple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to create a frothy top. Strain into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa, shaved chocolate, or three coffee beans; finish with a tiny extra pinch of flaky sea salt if you like. Sip and enjoy the luscious balance of bitter espresso, sweet chocolate, and salty finish. Cheers—this one’s dangerously drinkable and perfect for dessert o’clock. Citrus Winter Margarita Bright, zesty, and cozy—this Citrus Winter Margarita brings sunshine to chilly nights. Ingredients: 2 oz blanco tequila 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime) 1 oz fresh orange juice (about 1/2 large orange) 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (optional, for extra tang) 1/2 oz agave syrup (adjust to taste) 1/4 oz mezcal (optional, for a smoky note) Pinch of sea salt Ice Orange or lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary for garnish Coarse salt or sugar for rim (optional) How to Make: If rimming, rub a lime wedge around the glass rim and dip into coarse salt or sugar; set glass aside. Fill a shaker with ice. Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice (if using), agave, mezcal (if using), and a pinch of sea salt to the shaker. Shake vigorously about 15 seconds until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange or lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary for a wintery aroma. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus if needed. Cheers to a bright, cozy sip that feels like a sunny winter day! Mulled Red Wine Sangria Mulled Red Wine Sangria: cozy, spiced, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Ingredients: 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (e.g., Rioja or Merlot) 1/2 cup brandy 1/4 cup orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec) 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste) 1 orange, thinly sliced 1 lemon, thinly sliced 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced 2 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 2 star anise (optional) 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 tsp vanilla extract) 1 cup apple cider or orange juice Sparkling water or club soda, to taste for serving Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional) How to Make: In a large pot, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and apple cider or orange juice. Add the honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved. Toss in the orange, lemon, and apple slices. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and the split vanilla bean. Warm the mixture over low heat — don’t boil — until fragrant and steaming, about 15–20 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then remove from heat and let steep for 15–30 minutes to deepen flavors. Strain out the spices and fruit if you prefer a clearer sangria, or leave fruit in for rustic presentation. To serve, pour into mugs or heatproof glasses; top each serving with a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz. Garnish with fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds and an extra cinnamon stick if desired. Warm up, sip slowly, and enjoy the festive cheer in every spiced, fruity glass! Nonalcoholic Holiday Spice Sparkler Bright, fizzy holiday cheer—no booze required! Ingredients: 1 cup apple cider, chilled 1/2 cup pear nectar or pear juice, chilled 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick per glass Sparkling water or club soda, chilled (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups) Ice cubes Pomegranate arils, apple or pear slices, and/or cinnamon sticks for garnish Optional: a few whole cloves or star anise for garnish How to Make: In a pitcher, combine the chilled apple cider, pear nectar, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir until the sweetener is dissolved. If using ground cinnamon, whisk it into the mixture now; if using cinnamon sticks, add them to steep briefly. Fill glasses with ice and divide the fruit juice mixture among them, filling about two-thirds full. Top each glass with sparkling water or club soda and give a gentle stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity with more maple syrup or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with pomegranate arils, a slice of apple or pear, and a cinnamon stick (or a clove/star anise for extra aroma). Serve immediately so the sparkler stays fizzy. Cheers to a sparkling, cozy holiday sip everyone can enjoy! Vanilla-Cardamom Eggnog Mocktail Smooth Vanilla-Cardamom Eggnog Mocktail — cozy, creamy, and lightly spiced for festive sipping. Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version) 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (or 3-4 crushed green cardamom pods) 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish Pinch of salt 2 large egg yolks (for a cooked-style rich texture) OR 1/2 cup pasteurized liquid egg substitute (for no-raw-egg option) Whipped cream, for topping (optional) Freshly grated nutmeg or extra cinnamon, for garnish How to Make: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to steam — don’t boil. If using egg yolks: whisk the yolks in a small bowl. Temper them by slowly whisking 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue to cook gently, stirring constantly, for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Don’t let it boil. If using pasteurized egg substitute: simply whisk it into the warm milk mixture off the heat and stir until smooth. Remove the pan from heat and let the eggnog cool for a few minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any cardamom bits or cooked bits of egg. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or serve warm if you prefer. To serve, pour into glasses, top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of cinnamon. Enjoy your cozy, spiced mocktail — perfect for holiday toasts without the alcohol! Conclusion You’ve got bright, festive drinks and cozy, warming sips to choose from, so pick what fits your crowd. Mix the fizzy and the spiced, chill the creamy and heat the mulled, then garnish simply and taste as you go. Prep any nonalcoholic options first, keep ice on hand, and label pitchers for guests. Serve with small pours so people can try more. Enjoy the party and clean up as you go.