You’ll find 12 easy holiday drinks that are perfect for cozy nights and parties, from warm mulled wine to an alcohol-free toasted almond nog. Follow simple steps for each recipe, gather common ingredients like citrus, spices, and spirits, and use basic tools like a saucepan or shaker. You’ll learn quick garnishes and timing tips to get each drink right, so keep going to pick the ones that fit your gathering.
Mulled Wine
Warm Spice Mulled Wine — cozy sips for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet work well)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, for a boozy kick)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 6 whole cloves
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise pods
- 4-6 whole allspice berries or 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (optional, for warmth)
- 1 vanilla pod split lengthwise or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
How to Make:
- Pour the wine into a large saucepan or slow cooker on low heat.
- Add brandy, honey or maple syrup, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice, ginger, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Warm gently over low heat — don’t boil — for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld; if using a slow cooker, keep on low for 1–2 hours.
- Taste and sweeten more if desired.
- Strain out the spices and orange slices into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs.
- Serve hot, garnished with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the cozy, spiced comfort.
Cheers to warming hands and festive flavors!
Classic Eggnog
Creamy, spiced eggnog that’s cozy, boozy (optional), and perfect for holiday toasts.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 to 1 cup bourbon or dark rum (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- Pinch of salt
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 1/4 cup sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until combined.
- If you’re adding alcohol, stir in the bourbon or rum now and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form; gradually add the remaining 1/12 cup (about 2 tablespoons) sugar and beat to medium peaks.
- Fold a few spoonfuls of the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites until just combined.
- Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and the mixture thicken slightly.
- Before serving, give the eggnog a gentle stir, pour into glasses, and sprinkle with extra grated nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon.
- Serve cold and enjoy the rich, festive flavor — cheers to cozy holiday sips!
Note: For a cooked version (safer for those avoiding raw eggs), heat the milk and cream until hot but not boiling, slowly temper the yolk-sugar mixture into the hot liquid, cook gently until slightly thickened (160°F/71°C), cool, then fold in whipped egg whites or whipped cream and proceed as above.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Creamy peppermint hot chocolate — cozy, minty, and perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (start small — it’s strong)
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping
- Crushed candy cane or peppermint stick for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk constantly until the mixture is warm and cocoa and sugar are dissolved, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add the chopped chocolate and continue stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract—taste and add a little more if you like a stronger mint flavor.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and sprinkle with crushed candy cane if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, minty goodness!
Treat yourself to a steaming mug and savor the holiday cheer.
Spiced Apple Cider
Warm up your holiday gatherings with cozy Spiced Apple Cider that smells like Christmas in a mug.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup apple brandy or rum (optional per serving)
- Apple slices and extra cinnamon sticks for garnish
How to Make:
- Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or slow cooker.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sliced ginger.
- Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup until dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
- Let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes on the stove (or 2 hours on low in a slow cooker) to let flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, then remove from heat.
- Strain out spices and fruit, and ladle the cider into mugs.
- If using, add a splash of apple brandy or rum to each mug.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Serve warm and enjoy — this spiced cider is guaranteed to make spirits bright!
Cranberry Mimosa
A bright, bubbly Cranberry Mimosa that tastes like holiday cheer in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz cranberry juice (preferably 100% or cranberry-pomegranate blend)
- 3 oz chilled Champagne or other dry sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava work)
- 1/2 oz orange liqueur (optional, e.g., triple sec or Cointreau)
- Fresh orange slice or twist for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Ice (optional, if you prefer)
How to Make:
- Chill your cranberry juice and sparkling wine well before mixing.
- If using, pour the orange liqueur into a chilled flute or coupe.
- Add the cranberry juice to the glass.
- Slowly top with the chilled sparkling wine to preserve the bubbles.
- Gently stir once to marry the flavors—don’t stir vigorously or you’ll lose effervescence.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist and a few fresh cranberries on a pick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the festive sparkle.
Cheers to a bright, bubbly holiday sip!
Gingerbread Latte
A cozy gingerbread latte that tastes like a warm hug in a mug.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot espresso
- 1–2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or frothed milk, for topping (optional)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or gingerbread crumbs for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Brew strong coffee or pull an espresso shot and set it aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine milk, molasses, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking frequently until it’s hot and the sugar and molasses dissolve (don’t boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Froth the spiced milk with a milk frother or whisk vigorously until foamy.
- Pour the coffee or espresso into a mug, then gently pour the frothed spiced milk on top.
- Top with whipped cream or extra foam and sprinkle with cinnamon or ginger crumbs if you like.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the cozy gingerbread flavor.
Cheers — enjoy your festive, comforting gingerbread latte!
Irish Coffee
Warm up your holidays with a classic Irish Coffee — rich coffee, a kick of whiskey, and a cloud of cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot freshly brewed strong coffee
- 1½ oz (45 ml) Irish whiskey
- 1–2 tsp brown sugar (to taste)
- Freshly whipped cream (lightly whipped so it’s pourable), about 2–3 tbsp
- Optional: grated nutmeg or cocoa for garnish
How to Make:
- Preheat a heatproof glass or mug by filling it with hot water for a minute, then discard the water.
- Add the brown sugar to the warmed glass.
- Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Stir in the Irish whiskey.
- Gently pour the lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the coffee.
- Don’t stir—sip the coffee through the cream for the classic experience.
- Sprinkle a pinch of grated nutmeg or cocoa on the cream if you like.
Enjoy the cozy, boozy comfort in every creamy sip!
Hot Buttered Rum
Warm up your holidays with a cozy mug of rich, spiced Hot Buttered Rum.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 2 ounces dark rum (per serving)
- 6 ounces boiling water (per serving)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
How to Make:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Mash together until smooth and well blended.
- Spoon the butter mixture into the bottom of a warmed mug.
- Pour the rum over the butter mixture in the mug.
- Carefully add the boiling water and stir until the butter mixture is fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice by adding a bit more brown sugar or a pinch more cinnamon if you like.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of nutmeg, and add a cinnamon stick for stirring if desired.
Cheers — sip slowly and enjoy the buttery, spiced comfort of this classic winter drink!
Pomegranate Moscow Mule
A festive, fizzy mule that balances tart pomegranate with zesty lime and spicy ginger beer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 4–6 oz ginger beer, chilled
- Ice cubes
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Lime wedge or wheel for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, pomegranate juice, and fresh lime juice.
- Add the simple syrup if you like it a touch sweeter.
- Top with ginger beer and gently stir once to combine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or lime as needed.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds, a lime wedge, and a mint sprig.
Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday sparkle in every sip!
White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
A festive, creamy martini that mixes sweet white chocolate with bright peppermint for a holiday sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz crème de cacao (white if available)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur or melted white chocolate blended with 1/2 oz cream
- 1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream (adjust for desired richness)
- Ice
- Crushed candy canes or crushed peppermint for rimming
- White chocolate shavings or a mini candy cane for garnish
How to Make:
- Rub a lemon or lime wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass, then dip the rim into crushed candy canes to coat.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps, white chocolate liqueur (or white chocolate + cream), and half-and-half to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with white chocolate shavings or hang a mini candy cane on the rim.
- Sip slowly and enjoy the peppermint-white chocolate holiday bliss!
Toasted Almond Nog (Alcohol-Free)
Warm, cozy, and nutty — meet your new favorite holiday nog, all the comfort with zero alcohol.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk (or plant milk of choice for dairy-free)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup toasted almond milk (see note) or 1/2 cup almond paste diluted in 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of salt
- Toasted sliced almonds for garnish
How to Make:
- If you don’t have toasted almond milk, lightly toast 1/2 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, then blend with 2 cups warm water and strain to make quick toasted almond milk; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and toasted almond milk; warm over medium heat until just steaming — don’t boil.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the brown sugar until smooth and slightly pale.
- Temper the yolks by slowly whisking about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan while stirring constantly.
- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Don’t let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Let the nog cool a bit, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour for best flavor, or serve warm if you prefer.
- Pour into mugs or glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of extra nutmeg and a handful of toasted sliced almonds.
Sip and enjoy — this toasted almond nog is like a warm holiday hug in a glass.
Sparkling Pear Punch
Sparkling Pear Punch — light, fizzy, and festively fruity for sharing with friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe Bartlett pears (or Bosc), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup pear nectar or pear juice
- 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine or prosecco (or use sparkling water for a nonalcoholic version)
- 1 cup chilled club soda or ginger ale (optional for extra fizz)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh pear slices and sprigs of rosemary or mint for garnish
How to Make:
- Add the chopped pears, sugar, lemon juice, and 2 cups cold water to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp (press to extract as much liquid as you like).
- Stir in the pear nectar or juice and chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled sparkling wine (or sparkling water) and the club soda or ginger ale if using.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the punch over, and garnish with pear slices and a sprig of rosemary or mint.
Enjoy the bright, bubbly pear flavors — cheers to a sparkling celebration!
Conclusion
You’ve got a dozen easy recipes to try, so pick a few that match your time and taste. If you worry they’re too fussy, note most use simple ingredients and one pot or shaker. Follow the steps, taste as you go, and adjust sweetness or spice. Serve warm drinks in heat-safe mugs and cold drinks over ice. Invite friends, label any boozy options, and enjoy sharing these festive sips.