The holidays are a time for joy, gatherings, and, for some, plenty of drinks. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, the perfect festive beverage can set the mood.
This list has something for everyone — from nostalgic classics like wassail and hot buttered rum to modern twists like tequila hot chocolate and virgin mojitos. Cheers to a season full of warmth and flavor!
Who says cocktails can’t double as dessert? This sassy martini mixes vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps, then tops it off with a crushed candy cane rim. Perfect for anyone who thinks “more is more” during the holidays. Don’t skip the candy cane garnish — it’s basically the cocktail version of a Christmas stocking.
Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate liqueur or even melted chocolate as the base instead of regular liqueur.
Recipe: Jeanine & Lulu’s Kitchen
Regular eggnog gets really boring after a while. So why not try adding caffeine? Pair your homemade nog with a shot of fresh espresso and a splash of rum and Kahlua for a drink that’s as energizing as it is delicious.
Dating back to 13th-century England, and initially called “posset,” eggnog started as a celebratory drink for the elite — so, naturally, this version feels extra bougie.
Pro Tip: Make your espresso fresh — instant won’t cut it.
Recipe: Nyssa’s Kitchen
Forget boring cider — wassail is the OG festive drink dating back to medieval England. Part of a tradition called “wassailing,” it was made to toast good health and an even better apple harvest. Today’s version blends apple cider, orange slices, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg for warmth. Get it started in the morning in the slow cooker and enjoy a house that smells like the holidays.
Pro Tip: Add in a splash of rum or brandy for a spiked version.
Recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch
This icy blue cocktail is like a tropical escape in a glass (without leaving your snow-covered driveway). A slushy blend of vodka, blue curacao, lemonade or pineapple juice, and cream of coconut, it’s sugary, boozy, and perfect for sipping by the fire. Bonus: It looks killer on Instagram, especially in a sugar-rimmed or coconut flecked glass. Serve it at your next holiday bash and let the frosty vibes flow.
Recipe: Delish
Spruce up your spritz this holiday season with this tart, bubbly tipple. Aperol, prosecco (or Champagne if you’re feeling fancy), cranberry juice, and soda water come together for a drink that’s light, refreshing, and just festive enough. Add fresh orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary for garnish, which you can make ahead in ice-cubes for extra aesthetic points.
Pro Tip: For a driver friendly version, swap Aperol with a bitter orange soda and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
Recipe: Live Eat Learn
This holiday season, non-drinkers don’t have to miss out on the fun. This booze-free sangria swaps out red wine for red and white grape juice, spiked with a trio of citrus juices and sparkling water (or apple cider) for a refreshingly festive mocktail. Loaded with sliced fruit (take your pick from oranges, apples, lemons, limes, and cranberries), it’s just as vibrant and flavorful as the real thing.
Pro Tip: To add more depth to the flavor, infuse the juice with cinnamon sticks and cloves overnight before mixing with the fruit.
Recipe: The Spruce Eats
If winter had a flavor, it would taste like hot buttered rum. This cozy classic dates back to colonial America, where rum was cheaper than water, thanks to readily available molasses from the Caribbean. The drink combines dark rum, a spiced butter mixture, and boiling water for a rich, warming concoction that tastes like liquid comfort.
Pro Tip: Not feeling like butter? Try coconut cream for a tropical twist.
Recipe: The Kitchn
This grown-up hot chocolate adds a shot of tequila to the usual cocoa mix (get it pre-made or make your own), along with a hint of cayenne pepper for a little holiday heat. Top it with whipped cream or marshmallows (or both) for maximum indulgence.
Pro Tip: Use good-quality dark chocolate — this is not the time for dollar store cocoa packets.
Recipe: Creative Culinary
This crowd-pleaser party starter mixes cranberry juice, orange juice, pomegranate juice, and white rum with lashings of fruit garnish for a fun, fizzy drink that’s as festive as a sleigh ride. Garnish with sprigs of cranberries or rosemary for extra wintery vibes.
Pro Tip: Freeze some of the punch with cranberries in an ice ring mold for a conversation starter presentation.
Recipe: Sugar and Soul
Light, elegant, and ridiculously easy to make, the Poinsettia cocktail is a must-have for your holiday soirées. Just mix chilled cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and Champagne (or prosecco) in a flute for a drink that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Use a splash of cranberry syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
Fun Fact: Named after the Christmas flower, this cocktail is perfect for brunch or midnight toasts.
Recipe: The Spruce Eats
Take the classic mojito, ditch the booze, and add a holiday twist. This mocktail uses lime juice, pomegranate juice, fresh mint, and sparkling water with fresh, juicy cranberries for festive flair. It’s tart, refreshing, and guaranteed to keep the designated drivers happy.
Pro Tip: Muddle the mint gently — no one wants bits of over-bruised mint floating in their drink.
Recipe: The Pretty Life Girls
