Holidays can be chaotic, stressful, and exhausting. With holiday parties, travel, and gift-giving, the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve can seem interminable. Whether throwing a Christmas or holiday party or just relaxing by the fire, these 30 festive cocktails will help you unwind during the busy holiday season.

1. Hot Buttered Rum

Why does a hot buttered rum make you cozy? The answer is in the name. It's hot, has butter and contains rum. A mug of this comfort food will warm you up on a chilly night.

Hot Buttered Rum is a holiday classic that dates back to colonial America. The recipe and flavor have remained the same over the centuries—sweet, creamy, buttery, and full of holiday spice.If you decide to skip the cream, don't--as it melts into the drink, it transforms into a dreamy creamy concoction.

Get the recipe here.

2. Moet Ringmaster

Moet Ringmaster - Image by outtravel.com

Most of you probably have the best memories of going to carnivals during the holidays. This cocktail is a drink inspired by a great family movie, perfect for spending your holidays with. Moet Ringmaster is easy to make and delicious, so try it out for the holidays!

Get the recipe here.

3. Pomegranate Royal

Pomegranate Royal combines the flavors of pomegranate and champagne to create an easy-to-make cocktail. You can make this pomegranate Kir Royale with any dry sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava. As with any sparkling wine cocktail, we recommend using something you enjoy drinking on its own but is not too expensive.

Get the recipe here.

4. Spiced Winter Sangria

When it's cold out, try this Spicy Winter Sangria recipe as a fun twist on your classic red Spanish sangria. Perfect for this time of year, the festive deep-red wine is fruity and sweet with rich cinnamon and clove undertones.

Get the recipe here.

5. Blackberry Mulled Wine

There is no better option than a Blackberry Mulled Wine for holiday drinks. This Blackberry Mulled Wine is the sweet flavor of blackberries and fruit juice with red wine for a festive beverage perfect for any occasion!

Get the recipe here.

6. Vanilla Peach Bellini

Vanilla Peach Bellini is a refreshing cocktail recipe for any season, especially during the holidays. The peach flavor blends well with the champagne; anyone can whip it in a few minutes. 

The orange zest in this cocktail helps coax some sweetness from out-of-season peaches, but it is unnecessary. For a ginger variation, replace the vanilla with a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.

Get the recipe here.

7. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule is a refreshing cocktail that would be easy to make at home. It is simple and fresh—and goes down especially well during the holidays. We like to add a fruity twist to the traditional recipe, usually in the form of simple syrup.

Cranberries are currently in season and an ideal base for a holiday cocktail. The ginger beer and simple cranberry syrup combine to create a spicy festive flavor. So if you're throwing a holiday party this year, consider making the festive Cranberry Moscow Mule!

Get the recipe here.

8. Nooku Bulldog

What do you get when you mix bourbon with a cup of coffee? You get the Nooku Bulldog cocktail. This recipe is straightforward but tastes delicious and creamy and can wake you up! Give it a try for your next party or event!

Get the recipe here.

9. Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Warm up this winter with a steaming mug of spiked gingerbread hot chocolate. This simple recipe includes homemade gingerbread syrup made with just a few ingredients.

Besides the spiced syrup that gives this cocoa a gingerbread flavor, you can customize it with your favorite liquor. Spiced rum is preferred because it amplifies the spiciness and balances out the sweet chocolate.

Get the recipe here.

10. Mexicocoa

If you enjoy drinking after dinner, you'll love our Mexicocoa. Made with Kahlua and tequila, plus a hint of cinnamon, this drink will warm you up on a cold day. After all, it's called Mexicocoa because both liquors are from Mexico.

Get the recipe here.

11. Vanilla Chai Hot Toddy

Who said Chai tea couldn't be present during holidays because it's too boring? Well, here's Vanilla Chai Toddy for you! Chai tea steeps delicate black tea with aromatic Indian spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.

This hot toddy takes these fragrant flavors to the next level by incorporating vanilla, almond milk, and fiery dark rum to create the ideal holiday cocktail. A splash of cream adds richness to this drink. If you want dairy-free toppings, try star anise or cinnamon sticks instead.

Get the recipe here.

12. Bailey's Mint Martini

This Baileys Mint Martini is the perfect combination! Cream of Mint and Baileys Irish Cream combine to create a great cocktail for St. Patrick's Day, Christmas parties, or any special occasion. It is a creamy and minty cocktail that could please anyone. This cocktail is for you if you're Bailey's Irish Cream fan!

Get the recipe here.

13. White Chocolate Eggnog Martini

This White Chocolate Eggnog Martini may not be a traditional party drink, but it's delicious. If you find straight Eggnog too sweet but enjoy the flavor, give this martini a try. The eggnog flavor is still there, but the other ingredients mask its sweetness.

If you can't find white chocolate liqueur, you can substitute clear creme de cacao or Frangelico. Hazelnut-flavored liqueurs are more expensive than other nut liqueurs and have a stronger flavor, so use sparingly with the nutmeg garnish—a little goes a long way!

Get the recipe here.

14. White Christmas Margarita Punch

Ready to shake up your old margarita routine? Try this coconut and lime-flavored margarita on for the Holidays! This White Christmas Margarita combines all of the flavors of a traditional margarita with the addition of tequila and coconut. Make it for a crowd and add a tropical twist to your winter cocktail.

Get the recipe here.

15. Tiramisu White Russian

This Italian-inspired White Russian falls somewhere between cocktail and dessert. It has a different cocoa powder and cookies, so it's more chocolatey than the classic drink. Instead of using vodka, this recipe calls for dark rum to balance the sweetness with a deep smoky-sweet flavor.

Add a dash of orange bitters, ground cinnamon, or some fresh nutmeg shavings to this decadent drink for something a little more daring.

Get the recipe here.

16. Christmosas

Glasses of Christmosas - Image byv Delish

Keep a pitcher of these Christmas Mimosas on as you open presents this holiday season. You can make Christmas Mimosas by mixing prosecco, fresh green apples, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. Prosecco is a light, bubbly Italian wine similar to champagne and makes a delicious base for these winter drinks.

Get the recipe here.

17. Cranberry Orange Whiskey

Cranberry cocktails are a must-try this holiday season. The whiskey and ginger beer make this recipe warm and spicy, but the cranberry and citrus make it refreshing and tart. You will enjoy this cocktail even if you are not a big whiskey fan. If you still do not like it, you can always substitute vodka for whiskey.

Get the recipe here.

18. Amaretto Stone Sour

This cocktail is ideal for whiskey-sour fans looking for something nuttier. Amaretto Sour is also an excellent cocktail choice for anyone who enjoys tiramisu, as the classic Italian dessert often includes amaretto.

From sour to bitter, with a kick of sweet, nutty flavor that only amaretto stone sour can provide—what more could you want? Amaretto is an almond-flavored whiskey used in sour cocktails recipes, with a hint of the bitter taste that gives it its distinct flavor.

Get the recipe here.

19. Creme Brulee Martini

Glasses of Creme Brulee Martini - Image by Bob & Kelly

With very little effort, these martinis taste exactly like a crème brûlée. The vanilla vodka base contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard in this drink, which is topped with a hard caramel garnish.

Make sure to store the caramel in the freezer until ready to serve. The caramel will eventually dissolve into your drink, making it even more decadent. You will also need to make crème anglaise for this recipe. It is a basic vanilla custard sauce with egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Get the recipe here.

20. Bailey's Irish Coffee

Coffee cocktails are a great way to start or end the night with a caffeine and alcohol buzz. Irish coffee is a classic mixed drink consisting of sweetened coffee, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream. It is cozy, delicious, and easy to make.

Get the recipe here.

21. Pecan Pie Martini

These martinis may look innocent, but don't let that fool you. We swear that this Pecan Pie Martini packs a punch and is perfect for avoiding all of the small talks of the holiday party. This creamy and sweet boozy drink tastes exactly like pecan pie.

Get the recipe here.

22. Coquito

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. It is sweet, has a strong coconut flavor, and is smooth, thick, and creamy.

This recipe calls for Puerto Rican rum, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It's a delicious Christmas drink that combines a tropical dessert and a cocktail!

Get the recipe here.

23. Rum Flip

A Glass of Rum Flip - Image by Neptune Rum

If you enjoy Eggnog, you'll love this Rum Flip recipe by Allen Katz, a distiller and bar professional. It's a classic flip, a cocktail style distinguished by adding a whole egg and sometimes heavy cream.

This recipe combines dark rum, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and an egg for a delicious drink to cap off an evening or celebrate a special occasion.

Get the recipe here.

24. Posset

During the winter holidays, it is common to drink hot beverages like Eggnog and Glühbier. The Posset is a historic holiday drink that is less well-known than mulled beer or Eggnog but shares some of its flavor characteristics.

This Posset is infused with mace, allspice berries, cloves, and cinnamon for the wintery spices. While increasing the proof and adding Streg plus allspice dram and velvet falernum, you'll further enhance this Posset's rich spices and botanicals.

Get the recipe here.

25. Smoke Show

A Glass of Smoke Show cocktail - Image by Common Man Cocktails

The Smoke Show is a sophisticated, herbal-infused cocktail that evokes images of Christmas trees, the snowy season, and holiday gatherings spent by a crackling fire. This recipe pairs mezcal with Cynar, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.

It is complex and surprisingly balanced, with a smoky base spirit and various flavorful liqueurs that add different aromas. Grate some cinnamon on top for extra aromatics, and try this drink to see what mezcal can do with unexpected partners.

Get the recipe here.

26. Brandy Alexander

The Brandy Alexander is a simple cocktail that has enchanted drinkers since the 20th century. Although it is indulgent, it is not overly sweet, and its recipe with only three ingredients achieves the right balance.

This cocktail can be served as a dessert on its own, but it can also complement other desserts. Desserts like berries, custards, and lightly sweetened citrus or vanilla cream treats go well with it. A chocolate dessert may be too rich, so opt for lighter flavors.

Get the recipe here.

27. Peppermint Bark Mimosas

This pretty pink drink will make your Christmas or holiday brunch festive. The peppermint flavor is spirited and refreshing, and the peppermint vodka adds a pink kick.

You can also make your candy cane vodka for this recipe. Infusing vodka with candy canes takes some time, but it yields a lovely bright red liquor that you can use in various holiday cocktails, including this recipe.

Get the recipe here.

28. Pomegranate Mimosa

Make this festive drink for your friends and family this holiday season. All you need is pomegranate juice, pomegranate seeds, champagne wine, and rosemary.

When making this holiday Pomegranate Mimosa, use 100% pomegranate juice if possible. It will have a more authentic flavor than pomegranate-flavored drinks or beverages. We also suggest using dry or "brut" sparkling wine, which has less of a sweet flavor to balance out the sweetness of the fruit juice.

Get the recipe here.

29. Fireball Hot Toddies

Hot Toddies are perfect for curing winter blues. The Fireball Hot Toddy version is a must-try cocktail for anyone who enjoys tea with a little kick.

Fireball has a strong finish of cinnamon candy and spicy whiskey. It has the flavor of liquid Fireball candies, making it ideal for mixing into drinks. The rich spices and warm citrus flavors will chase away any chill, and the honey adds a surprising sweetness and smoothness.

Get the recipe here.

30. Whiskey Ginger

Whichever name you give it—whiskey ginger or Irish buck—this simple but oh-so-delicious cocktail combines whiskey and ginger ale for a tall, refreshing drink similar to the whiskey tonic or classic highball.

Whiskey and ginger ale is a refreshing combination of a tall drink. Adding lime juice makes it complete, as the citrus complements the whiskey without overpowering it. This holiday drink is easy to make last-minute, cheap, and perfect for any occasion.

Get the recipe here.

Best Holiday Cocktails - FAQs

What is the most popular holiday drink?

Eggnog is the most popular holiday cocktail. It first appeared in the 18th century in the American colonies, where both eggs and rum were plentiful. This cocktail's warm temperature and the addition of flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg embody the winter season making it especially popular around Christmas Time.

What is the most popular alcoholic drink at Christmas?

• Hot Buttered Rum: Hot buttered rum is warm, spicy, and buttery smooth with a strong rum base, making it very difficult to resist.
• Hot Toddy: This warming winter drink is made with hot tea, lemon juice and honey, and your choice of brandy, rum, or whiskey.
• Mulled Wine: Mulled wine warms you from the inside out. A bottle of red wine with a splash of brandy and some holiday spices can quickly fill your home with the cozy spirit of Christmas.
• Brandy Alexander: The Alexander brandy makes an excellent holiday nightcap. Simply shake the brandy, crème de cacao, and cream together, strain, and serve.

What are the top 10 classic cocktails?

• Old Fashioned: It is a classic concoction that dates back over 200 years. This dark and delicious cocktail combines Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a dash of water.
• Margarita: The classic Margarita has been a favorite cocktail of Americans for many years. It is also frequently served with a salt rim to achieve the ideal sweet, sour, and salty balance.
• Cosmopolitan: The Cosmopolitan, made with vodka, Cointreau, and cranberry juice, is the cocktail of choice for many celebrities.
• Daiquiri: When you imagine a Daiquiri, you might think of blue skies and sandy beaches. However, the Daiquiri is the most-ordered rum cocktail in pubs and bars worldwide.
• Espresso Martini: The Espresso Martini combines vodka and coffee liqueur for a rich, robust flavor that will live on in myth and legend for years.
• Mimosa: The Mimosa, traditionally served in a champagne flute at brunch or weddings and in first class on some airlines, has only two ingredients: champagne and chilled orange juice.
• Whiskey Sour: The whiskey sour, which uses lemon juice, bourbon, and simple syrup in perfect proportions, is a refreshing cocktail. It's neither too cloying nor too biting.
• Negroni: The Negroni, a menu staple and an Italian classic is a punchy, bittersweet cocktail that is the perfect dinnertime aperitivo. 
• Mojito: This Cuban classic may seem out of step with current cocktail fashion, but it remains a true classic, much loved by the consumer.
• White Russian: White Russians are traditional cocktails that taste like dessert in a glass! This drink is creamy, dreamy, and sugary—and it goes down easy, thanks to the vodka.

Conclusion

Of course, these drinks aren't just meant for the holidays. Parties and get-togethers are great excuses to try them out and impress your friends, but they're also great at cheering you up after a long day. Enjoy!

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