Ah, the holidays. Twinkly lights, kids wired on sugar, and at least one relative ready to dive into politics before the appetizers hit the table (in our house, it’s usually just us – because we barely talk to the rest). If you need some festive cocktails that are not only delicious, but strong enough to get you through all of that – pull up a barstool.
Holiday cocktails don’t have to be complicated or overly sweet. They just need to look festive, taste amazing, and make you feel like the cozy, Pinterest-worthy version of yourself you swore you’d be this year.
And honestly, even though my MIL and I don’t really talk anymore, I’ll give credit where it’s due: that woman could mix a mean cocktail. So I’m trying to embrace that same energy and keep things lively!
1. The Merry Cranberry Sparkler
A sparkling cranberry cocktail that looks like it belongs on the cover of a holiday magazine, but takes less effort than pretending you agree with someone’s conspiracy theories. Light, fizzy, citrusy, and dangerously easy to drink.
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- Splash lime juice
- Prosecco to top
Shake first four with ice, strain into glass, top with prosecco. Garnish with cranberries + rosemary.
2. Gingerbread White Russian
It’s your classic creamy, cozy White Russian (insert good joke about myself, ha!) – but make it holiday. Add a splash of gingerbread syrup and suddenly it tastes like your favorite cookie decided to get a little wild. Dessert cocktail energy, but not tooth-achingly sweet.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup
- 2 oz cream
Pour vodka + coffee liqueur + syrup over ice. Gently float cream on top.
3. Peppermint Espresso Martini
The festive caffeinated pick-me-up we all deserve. Smooth espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a kiss of peppermint. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or powering through wrapping gifts at 1 a.m.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz espresso, cooled
- Drop of peppermint extract (tiny!)
Shake all with ice until frothy, strain into coupe. Garnish with crushed candy cane.
4. Pomegranate Paloma
A bright, sparkling twist on the classic – grapefruit, lime, tequila, and a splash of pomegranate to make it festive without trying too hard. It’s refreshing, pretty, and perfect for anyone who wants a holiday drink without the heavy cream, spice, or sugar overload. Basically: Christmas, but make it classy.
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
Shake with ice, pour over fresh ice, garnish with pomegranate seeds + lime.
5. Maple Bourbon Smash
A winter-y, woodsy cocktail that tastes like you’re drinking a walk in the forest – but in a good, cozy Hallmark movie way. Maple, lemon, bourbon, and a rosemary sprig make it feel classy without trying too hard.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz maple syrup
- 2–3 muddled rosemary leaves
Shake, strain over ice, garnish with rosemary sprig.
6. Boozy Holiday Eggnog
Creamy, cozy holiday goodness with a warm, boozy finish – basically Christmas in a cup, but without the heavy “I regret this already” feeling.
- 4 oz eggnog
- 1.5 oz bourbon or dark rum
- Pinch cinnamon + nutmeg
Shake lightly with ice, strain into glass, top with whipped cream + nutmeg.
7. Mint Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
A cozy, creamy mug of holiday joy with a minty kick. It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket—if the blanket were spiked and encouraged questionable December decisions. Perfect for sipping while watching Christmas movies or ignoring group chats.
- 6 oz hot chocolate
- 1.5 oz Baileys
- 0.25–0.5 oz peppermint schnapps
Stir together in a mug. Top with whipped cream + crushed candy cane.
8. Jack Frost Cocktail
I saved the best for last! Frosty, tropical, and icy blue – basically winter vacation energy in a glass. With coconut, pineapple, and a touch of citrus, it’s the drink you reach for when you’re pretending you’re somewhere warm instead of scraping ice off the driveway.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut (not milk!)
Shake with ice, strain into a coconut-flake-rimmed glass. Whipped cream and sprinkles are optional!
Cheers to Surviving the Holidays (and Loving the Cocktails)
Whether you’re hosting a full holiday bash or silently counting the minutes until someone stops talking about “the elections,” these cocktails have your back. Save this, pin this, or send it to the group chat with a “we’re making these.”
Want me to write full recipes for the other cocktails too? I’ve got you.
Check out some of my OG oldie recipes – tried but true, perhaps without the DSLR flare, but Mulled Wine that can’t be beat, Peppermint Martini that I’ve perfected several times since and is a hit EVERY year!
I hope you have a joyous, peaceful, Christmas where you can wind down and relax!
