A string of lights says the season’s started, and you can match it with a tray of festive cocktails that set the mood. You’ll find warm sippers like spiced apple cider hot toddies and mulled red wine, bright bubbly options like cranberry orange sparklers, and rich choices like peppermint white Russians and chocolate cherry flips. Follow the simple recipes and garnishes to serve drinks that look and taste seasonal—here’s how to get the party going.
Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Warm up your hands and heart with a cozy Spiced Apple Cider Hot Toddy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 slice fresh ginger (about 1/4 inch)
- 1–2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
- 2 oz bourbon, dark rum, or whiskey per serving (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (per serving)
- Apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish
How to Make:
- Pour the apple cider and water into a small saucepan.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
- Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup until dissolved.
- Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes to let the spices infuse.
- Remove from heat and strain out the spices.
- Stir in the lemon juice and add bourbon, rum, or whiskey if using.
- Pour into warmed mugs, garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately and sip slowly to enjoy the cozy flavors.
Curl up with this one for instant festive comfort!
Cranberry Orange Sparkler
Bright, fizzy and festive — this Cranberry Orange Sparkler brings holiday cheer in every sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1–2 tbsp simple syrup or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 cup chilled sparkling water or club soda (or Champagne for a boozy version)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices or twists for garnish
- Optional: a sprig of rosemary for garnish
How to Make:
- Fill a cocktail shaker or large glass with ice.
- Pour in the cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup if using.
- Shake or stir gently to chill and combine.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water or Champagne and give a gentle stir.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, an orange slice or twist, and a rosemary sprig if you like.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday sparkle!
Cheers — sip something merry and bright!
Peppermint White Russian
Peppermint White Russian — a creamy, minty twist on the classic that’s perfect for cozy holiday sipping.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps (or 3/4 oz for less mint)
- 2–3 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- Ice cubes
- Crushed peppermint candy or candy cane, for rimming (optional)
- Mini candy cane or whole candy for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- If you like, rim a rocks glass with a little simple syrup and dip into crushed peppermint candy; set aside.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Add the peppermint schnapps over the spirits.
- Gently pour the cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top, or simply pour and stir for a blended drink.
- Stir lightly to combine or leave layered for a prettier look.
- Garnish with a mini candy cane or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.
Enjoy your Peppermint White Russian — rich, minty, and utterly festive!
Rosemary Gin Fizz
Bright, herbaceous, and bubbly — a festive gin fizz with rosemary for holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for froth)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (one for muddling, one for garnish)
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or twist, for garnish
How to Make:
- Lightly clap one rosemary sprig between your hands to release oils and set aside for garnish.
- In a shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the other rosemary sprig; gently muddle the rosemary once or twice to release flavor.
- Add the egg white if using, then dry-shake (no ice) for about 15 seconds to build foam.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake hard for another 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Collins glass over fresh ice.
- Top gently with club soda to fill and give a light stir to combine.
- Garnish with the reserved rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel or twist.
Enjoy the bright, herby fizz — cheers to a sparkling holiday!
Mulled Red Wine With Star Anise
A warm, aromatic mulled red wine spiced with star anise — cozy in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 lemon peel (optional, for brightness)
- 1 tsp whole allspice (optional)
- 1/4 cup brandy or dark rum (optional, for a boozy kick)
How to Make:
- Pour the red wine and water into a large saucepan or pot.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, orange slices, and lemon peel.
- Heat the mixture over low to medium-low heat until just below a simmer — don’t boil — about 10–15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and let the wine gently steep for 20–30 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Taste and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter; stir until dissolved.
- If using, stir in the brandy or rum and warm for another 2 minutes without boiling.
- Strain the mulled wine through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher to remove spices and fruit.
- Serve hot in mugs or heatproof glasses, garnished with an orange slice and a star anise for flair.
Cozy up and enjoy a steaming mug of spiced holiday cheer!
Pomegranate Vodka Smash
Bright, festive sips that sparkle with tart pomegranate and a cool vodka kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils (for muddling and garnish)
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
- Splash of club soda (optional, for fizz)
- Lime wheel and extra mint sprig for garnish
How to Make:
- In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves, a tablespoon of pomegranate arils, and the simple syrup.
- Gently muddle the mint and arils to release aroma and juice—don’t overwork the mint.
- Add vodka, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice (or pour over ice cubes) to catch the muddled bits.
- Top with a splash of club soda if you want a lighter, fizzy drink.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, a mint sprig, and a few pomegranate arils on top.
Enjoy a bright, holiday-ready cocktail that sparkles in every sip!
Eggnog With Rum and Nutmeg
Creamy, boozy eggnog topped with a grating of nutmeg — cozy in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 to 1 cup dark rum (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: cinnamon sticks for serving
How to Make:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, rum, vanilla, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture until light and frothy.
- Chill the eggnog in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld (or serve immediately if impatient).
- Pour into glasses, garnish with a light grating of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if using.
Cheers — serve cold and enjoy a cozy, festive sip!
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Warm up the holidays with a cozy twist on a classic — the Gingerbread Old Fashioned.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup (see note)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
- Orange peel, for garnish
- Candied ginger or a cinnamon stick, for garnish
- Ice
How to Make:
- Add the bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass or rocks glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Stir gently for about 20–30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube (or keep in the same glass if you mixed there).
- Express an orange peel over the drink, rub the rim with the peel, then drop it in.
- Garnish with candied ginger or a cinnamon stick.
Enjoy a spiced, cozy sip — perfect for fireside toasts.
Note: To make gingerbread syrup, simmer equal parts water and brown sugar with a couple crushed ginger cookies (or 1–2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves) until sugar dissolves; cool and strain.
Hot Buttered Bourbon
Warm up your winter nights with the cozy, spiced comfort of Hot Buttered Bourbon.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch ground nutmeg
- A pinch ground cloves (optional)
- 6 oz (180 ml) hot water
- Orange peel or cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Place the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a heatproof mug.
- Pour the bourbon into the mug and stir briefly to combine with the butter and spices.
- Pour in the hot water and stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
- Garnish with an orange peel or a cinnamon stick if you like.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, buttery goodness.
Cheers to a toasty, festive treat!
Sparkling Pear and Prosecco Punch
Sparkling Pear and Prosecco Punch — bright, bubbly, and perfect for holiday toasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine
- 2 cups pear nectar or pear juice
- 1 cup pear vodka or plain vodka (optional for a boozy punch)
- 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur (e.g., St-Germain) or honey syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice
- Optional: sparkling water or club soda to taste for a lighter punch
How to Make:
- Chill all liquid ingredients ahead so the punch stays cold and fizzy.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine pear nectar, pear vodka (if using), elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Stir gently.
- Add the chilled Prosecco just before serving to preserve bubbles, stirring once lightly to combine.
- Taste and, if you prefer a lighter drink, top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
- Add ice to the bowl or fill individual glasses with ice, then pour the punch over.
- Float pear slices and tuck rosemary sprigs into the punch or glasses for a festive look and aroma.
- Serve immediately so every glass is bright and bubbly — cheers to a sparkling holiday!
Candy Cane Margarita
Candy Cane Margarita — a festive, minty twist on the classic margarita that looks like a holiday ornament in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz silver (blanco) tequila
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps (or 1/2 oz peppermint + 1/2 oz triple sec for less sweetness)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice
- Crushed candy canes (for rimming)
- Lime wheel or mini candy cane for garnish
- Optional: splash of club soda for a lighter fizz
How to Make:
- Crush candy canes finely and spread on a small plate.
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita or rocks glass, then dip the rim into the crushed candy canes to coat.
- Fill a shaker with ice, then add tequila, peppermint schnapps, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Optionally top with a splash of club soda for a little sparkle.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or hook a mini candy cane on the rim.
Cheers — sip this bright, minty margarita and enjoy a merry, invigorating twist on holiday cheer!
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour — a cozy, spiced twist on the classic whiskey sour that tastes like holiday cheer in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup (or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon stirred into syrup)
- 1 egg white (optional, for froth)
- Ice
- Lemon twist or thin apple slice, for garnish
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick, for garnish
How to Make:
- If using egg white, dry-shake (no ice) the egg white with whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon syrup for 10–15 seconds.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy, about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or into a chilled coupe if serving without ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or apple slice and a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the warm, spiced holiday flavors — cheers!
Chocolate Cherry Brandy Flip
A cozy, boozy holiday sip that tastes like chocolate-covered cherries in a velvet hug.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cherry brandy (or cherry liqueur)
- 1 oz dark crème de cacao (or chocolate liqueur)
- 1 whole egg
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 dashes chocolate bitters (optional)
- Ice for shaking
- Grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry or fresh cherry, for garnish
How to Make:
- Add the cherry brandy, crème de cacao, egg, simple syrup, and bitters into a cocktail shaker.
- Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg.
- Add a handful of ice and shake hard again for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa and drop in a cherry on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the silky, chocolate-cherry goodness.
Winter Sangria With Citrus and Cranberries
Bright, festive sangria bursting with citrus, cranberries, and warming spices — perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot or Tempranillo work well)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100% juice)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2–3 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Ice for serving
How to Make:
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.
- Add the orange, lemon, apple slices, and the fresh cranberries to the pitcher.
- Tuck in the cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
- Stir gently to mix flavors, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, taste and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if needed.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour sangria, and top each glass with a splash of sparkling water if you like a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a few cranberries or a slice of citrus.
Serve cold and enjoy a merry, cozy sip!
Conclusion
You’ve got 14 easy drinks to try this season, each with simple steps and clear flavors to match different tastes. Pick a few, gather the ingredients, and make them one at a time so nothing gets messy. Serve warm drinks in heatproof mugs and chilled ones over fresh ice. Fun fact: holiday gatherings increase alcohol sales by about 30%, so plan portions and nonalcoholic options. Enjoy responsibly and clean up as you go.