15 Best Classic Holiday Cocktails

Need inspiration for festive drinks that stand out at your holiday parties? Our 15 Best Classic Holiday Cocktails include crowd-pleasing favorites that are easy to make and loved by all. Stay with us to learn how to create these iconic drinks and impress your guests.

Eggnog

Eggnog is a classic holiday beverage. Rich and creamy, it’s been enjoyed for centuries. You can explore various recipes to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

A traditional eggnog includes eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and a spirit like rum or brandy. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup rum or brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

• Beat the egg yolks with sugar until thick.
• Slowly add milk, then cream, mixing well.
• Stir in rum or brandy and vanilla.
• Chill before serving with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

For a keto-friendly eggnog, replace sugar with alternatives like stevia. Use unsweetened almond milk for a lower-carb option.

Creative variations combine eggnog with seasonal flavors. Try adding peppermint schnapps or chocolate liqueur for festive twists. You can explore recipes that incorporate flavors like gingerbread or coffee as well.

Store-bought eggnog simplifies your preparation. Enhance its flavor with additions like whiskey or spices. Allow the mixture to infuse for a few days for deeper flavors. Use cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans to elevate the taste.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a classic holiday drink that warms the soul. It is made by infusing red wine with a blend of spices and fruits. This drink is perfect for cold winter nights and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange: zest and juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 star anise
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Orange: Zest and juice the orange.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add wine, cider, honey, orange zest, and juice to a large pot.
3. Spice Infusion: Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise.
4. Heat: Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
6. Avoid Boiling: Do not let the wine boil to maintain flavor.
7. Add Brandy: Stir in brandy after simmering if using.

Serve it warm in mugs or heatproof glasses. The rich flavors and aromatic spices make mulled wine a beloved addition to any holiday celebration.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a classic holiday cocktail. It’s warm, comforting, and full of rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy winter evening.

Ingredients for One Serving

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1.5 ounces dark rum
• Hot water to fill your mug

Instructions

1. Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add a tablespoon of this mixture to your mug.
3. Pour dark rum over the mixture.
4. Fill the mug with hot water.
5. Stir until everything is combined.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Tips

• Batch Prep: You can make the butter mixture in advance and store it in the freezer.
• Texture: Ensure the butter is melted and the sugar dissolved for a smooth drink.

Hot Buttered Rum pairs well with holiday treats. Enjoy this warm cocktail with cookies or pie.

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a classic cocktail that’s both warming and invigorating. It’s perfect for colder days or holiday evenings. This drink combines the richness of coffee with the smooth, warming touch of Irish whiskey.

To make a perfect cup of Irish Coffee, gather these ingredients:

• 4 oz. hot coffee
• 1 ½ oz. Irish whiskey
• 2 tsp. brown sugar
• Heavy cream, lightly whipped

Start by preparing your mug or glass:

1. Fill it with hot water for 2 minutes, then empty it.
2. Add the brown sugar and pour in the hot coffee. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Mix in the Irish whiskey gently.

To top it off:

• Hold a spoon upside down over the coffee.
• Pour the cream slowly over the spoon. This forms a thick, elegant layer.
• Avoid stirring to maintain that classic layered look.

This simple yet sophisticated drink offers a delightful blend of flavors and aromas. Enjoy your Irish Coffee with friends or add it to your holiday cocktail menu.

Hot Toddy

A Hot Toddy is a classic winter cocktail. It’s known for warming you up during chilly days. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to choice for many.

Traditional Hot Toddy Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1½ ounces whiskey
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Lemon peel or wheel
• Pinch of cloves

Instructions:

1. Fill a mug with boiling water to warm it up, then empty.
2. Stick the cloves into the lemon peel or wheel.
3. Add whiskey, honey, and lemon juice to the mug.
4. Pour in fresh boiling water.
5. Stir until everything is mixed well.
6. Add the clove-studded lemon peel.
7. Enjoy!

Variations:

Apple Cider Hot Toddy:

Ingredients:

• Replace the water with hot apple cider.
• 1½ ounces apple brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. Follow traditional steps, but use cider.
2. Stir apple brandy for an apple twist.

Tips:

Use your favorite whiskey. Adjust honey for sweetness. Add lemon for more zing. Personalize as you wish. Enjoy this comforting cocktail during any holiday season.

Brandy Alexander

The Brandy Alexander is a classic cocktail perfect for the holidays. It’s smooth, creamy, and indulgent. You’ll enjoy the blend of brandy, crème de cacao, and cream.

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 1/4 ounces brandy
• 1 ounce dark crème de cacao
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Ice cubes
• Fresh nutmeg for garnish

Here’s how you make it:

• Pour brandy, crème de cacao, and cream into a cocktail shaker.
• Add enough ice to fill halfway.
• Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
• Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.
• Grate fresh nutmeg on top before serving.

This drink offers a rich, velvety texture with subtle sweetness. The nutmeg hint adds a festive touch. It’s a delightful choice for holiday parties or cozy gatherings.

Tom & Jerry

Tom & Jerry is a classic holiday cocktail. It’s warm and comforting. Perfect for winter gatherings.

To make a Tom & Jerry, you prepare a special batter. It’s a blend of eggs, sugar, and spices. Here’s a simple approach:

Ingredients:

• 3 egg yolks
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 ounce Jamaican dark rum
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, cloves

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:

• Egg Whites: Whip with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
• Egg Yolks: Beat with sugar and mix in dark rum and vanilla.
• Combine: Gently fold yolk mixture into whipped egg whites. Add spices carefully.

Making the Drink:

• Preheat your mug with hot water.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of batter.
• Pour in 1 ounce each of dark rum and cognac (or brandy).
• Fill with hot milk or water. Stir until foamy.

Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle with grated nutmeg.

Cranberry Margarita

Cranberry Margaritas offer a delightful twist on a classic cocktail perfect for the holiday season. You can create a festive drink that’s both tart and refreshing. Expect vibrant flavors from a mix of cranberry juice, tequila, and citrus.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces tequila
• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur
• 1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
• 1 ounce lime juice
• Ice
• Lime wedge (for rim)
• Salt or sugar (for rim)

Instructions:

• Rub a lime wedge along the glass rim.
• Dip the rim in salt or sugar. Push lightly to coat.
• Fill a shaker with ice. Add tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
• Shake well.
• Strain into the prepared glass. Add ice if desired.

Try this Cranberry Margarita for your next gathering. Its bold flavor and festive color make it a crowd favorite.

Poinsettia (Champagne And Cranberry Juice)

The Poinsettia cocktail is a festive drink. It combines Champagne, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur. Perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• 4 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine

Instructions

1. Chill a Champagne flute.
2. Pour in cranberry juice.
3. Add orange liqueur.
4. Top with Champagne.
5. Stir gently.
6. Garnish with a twist of orange peel, if desired.

This cocktail sparkles with festive flavor. The slight tartness from cranberry juice blends perfectly with the bubbly. The orange adds a citrus twist.

You can make this drink non-alcoholic. Simply replace the Champagne with sparkling water. Omit the orange liqueur or use an orange-flavored syrup.

Christmas Punch

Christmas punch is a delightful holiday beverage that adds cheer to any gathering. Its vibrant flavors make it a festive favorite.

Cranberry-Orange Punch

This punch blends the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup ginger ale
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

• Mix juices and ginger ale in a large bowl.
• Garnish with cranberries and orange slices.
• Serve chilled.

Pomegranate Punch

Delight in pomegranate punch for a fresh twist:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 cup soda water
• 1 cup vodka (optional)
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine juices, soda water, and vodka (if using).
• Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top.
• Chill before serving.

Classic Holiday Punch

Enjoy a traditional mix with this classic punch:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda
• Apple slices for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine pineapple juice, apple cider, and soda.
• Add apple slices as garnish.
• Serve over ice.

French 75

The French 75 is a sophisticated cocktail. You often find it at celebrations. It’s a delightful combination of gin, lemon, and sparkling wine.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz gin
• ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Top with champagne
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a champagne flute.
5. Top with chilled champagne.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Experiment by substituting gin with cognac. This adds a rich, warm flavor. Enjoy your French 75 with brunch or any celebration.

Coquito

Coquito is a cherished holiday drink from Puerto Rico. It’s often compared to eggnog but has its own unique twist. This festive beverage is creamy and infused with coconut.

Create your own Coquito with these ingredients:

• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 24 oz evaporated milk
• 14 oz cream of coconut
• 14 oz unsweetened coconut milk
• 8 oz Gold Rum
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

Follow these simple steps to make Coquito:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher or sealable bottles.
3. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with coconut milk and add a touch of rum extract. Coquito can last up to 4-6 months in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. Shake well before serving to re-mix any settled ingredients.

Enjoy your delightful Coquito during the holiday season. Its rich coconut flavor and creamy texture make it perfect for festive gatherings.

Manhattan

A Manhattan cocktail stands out with its rich, bold flavor and elegant presentation. It’s a classic choice for a sophisticated holiday gathering.

Traditional Manhattan Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

For a holiday twist, consider infusing your Manhattan with festive flavors. You might use pomegranate for a unique variation.

Pomegranate Manhattan Variation

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
• 2 dashes bitters
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle pomegranate arils in a shaker.
2. Add bourbon, vermouth, molasses, and bitters.
3. Shake until the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain into a glass.
5. Add lemon twist for garnish.

Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail known for its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a great choice for holiday gatherings.

Classic Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in a glass. Add bitters.
2. Add a dash of water. Muddle until dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the whiskey.
4. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange peel.

Christmas Old Fashioned

This version adds festive flavors to the classic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 dash cinnamon
• 1 dash cardamom
• 2 dashes bitters
• Lemon and orange juice

Instructions:

1. Mix maple syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom in a saucepan.
2. Boil and cool. Combine with bourbon, bitters, and juices.
3. Chill and serve over ice.

Cranberry Old Fashioned

Add a fruity twist with cranberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz cranberry simple syrup
• 3-5 cranberries
• 2 dashes bitters

Instructions:

1. Crush cranberries in a glass.
2. Add ice, whiskey, syrup, and bitters.
3. Stir well. Serve with a garnish of rosemary or additional cranberries if desired.

Dark ‘n’ Stormy

The Dark ‘n’ Stormy is a simple and delightful holiday cocktail. It mixes dark rum with ginger beer, adding lime for a touch of citrus.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Lime wedge

Instructions:

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the ginger beer over the ice.
3. Add the dark rum slowly, allowing it to float on top.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge for extra zest.

This cocktail charms with its refreshing flavors. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy a hint of spice. The combination of rum and ginger beer creates a warming sensation. Enjoy this drink cold for the best experience.