The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with your cocktails, offering a fun twist on classic drinks that will impress your guests. From fruity concoctions to spicy and warm options, each drink has a unique blend of flavors that embody the spirit of the season. Not only will they elevate your cocktail game, but they also provide a delightful mix of tradition and innovation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily transform your favorite drinks into festive favorites. These creative twists are sure to spark conversation and add an extra touch of magic to your celebrations.
Contents
- 1 Spiced Cranberry Margarita
- 2 Gingerbread Old Fashioned
- 3 Eggnog White Russian
- 4 Cinnamon Apple Sangria
- 5 Peppermint Mocha Martini
- 6 Caramel Apple Moscow Mule
- 7 Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
- 8 Cranberry Moscow Mule
- 9 Spiked Hot Chocolate
- 10 Winter Spice Daiquiri
- 11 Frosty Fig Fizz
- 12 Maple Bourbon Sour
- 13 Citrus Cranberry Fizz
- 14 Cinnamon-Maple Bourbon Cider
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Spiced Cranberry Margarita
This festive twist on a classic margarita adds a touch of holiday cheer with cranberries and jalapeños. Begin by muddling a handful of fresh cranberries and a slice of jalapeño in a cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 oz of silver tequila, 1 oz of lime juice, and 1 oz of triple sec. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to blend the flavors. Strain the mixture into a glass rimmed with salt and filled with ice. Garnish with a few whole cranberries and a lime wheel for an extra pop of color. The spicy, tart kick will surely impress your guests at any holiday gathering.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
A warming, spiced take on the Old Fashioned, this drink will evoke the scent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. Start by placing a gingerbread cookie in the bottom of a mixing glass and muddling it to release its flavor. Add 2 oz of bourbon, 1/2 oz of maple syrup, and 2 dashes of aromatic bitters. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently to combine. Strain the cocktail into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. This cocktail pairs the warmth of bourbon with holiday spices for a memorable, cozy sip.
Eggnog White Russian
A holiday spin on the classic White Russian, this version incorporates rich eggnog for a creamy, festive flavor. In a glass filled with ice, add 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of Kahlúa, and 2 oz of eggnog. Stir well to combine the ingredients, making sure the eggnog is fully blended with the coffee liqueur and vodka. For a stronger eggnog flavor, feel free to add more eggnog to taste. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flair. This cocktail is perfect for guests who enjoy creamy, dessert-like drinks. The combination of eggnog and coffee liqueur makes it a cozy favorite for winter nights.
Cinnamon Apple Sangria
This festive sangria combines the crisp flavors of apples with warm cinnamon, perfect for a crowd during holiday parties. Slice up 2 apples and 1 pear, and add them to a large pitcher. Pour in 1 bottle of dry white wine, 1/4 cup of brandy, and 1/4 cup of cinnamon syrup. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and 1/4 cup of orange liqueur to give it that extra holiday warmth. Stir everything together and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Serve the sangria over ice and garnish with additional apple slices and a cinnamon stick. The cinnamon and fruit blend together beautifully, making each sip feel like the holidays.
Peppermint Mocha Martini
A sweet, creamy cocktail inspired by the beloved holiday mocha, with a kick of peppermint. Begin by combining 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of coffee liqueur, 2 oz of chocolate liqueur, and 1 oz of peppermint schnapps in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with crushed peppermint candy or chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent touch. If you like your drink even creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or milk. This martini is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of minty freshness and rich chocolate. Serve it as an after-dinner treat or alongside dessert for a festive finish.
Caramel Apple Moscow Mule
A sweet twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this version features the fall favorite of caramel and apple flavors. Fill a copper mug with ice and add 2 oz of vodka and 1 oz of apple cider. Pour in 1/2 oz of caramel syrup and the juice of half a lime. Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a nice touch. This cocktail balances the tang of lime and apple with the sweetness of caramel and spice. It’s a drink that will make your holiday parties even more festive and fun.
Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
A simple yet elegant holiday cocktail, the pomegranate champagne cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious. Pour 1 oz of pomegranate juice into a champagne flute. Top it with chilled champagne or prosecco, filling the glass about three-quarters full. Add a teaspoon of simple syrup to sweeten, if desired. Drop a few fresh pomegranate seeds into the drink for a festive, colorful garnish. The bubbles of champagne mix wonderfully with the tartness of pomegranate, creating a refreshing, celebratory drink. This cocktail is perfect for ringing in the New Year or adding a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings.
Cranberry Moscow Mule
A seasonal variation of the classic Moscow Mule, this drink brings the tang of cranberries to the forefront. Begin by adding 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1 oz of cranberry juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well to chill and combine the ingredients. Strain into a copper mug filled with fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive look. This cocktail’s tartness pairs perfectly with the zing of ginger beer, making it a refreshing drink for your guests. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys the classic mule but wants a seasonal twist.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
A comforting drink that’s perfect for chilly winter nights, spiked hot chocolate is a holiday favorite. Start by preparing 1 cup of hot chocolate using your preferred method—either from scratch or pre-made. Add 1 oz of peppermint schnapps or Baileys Irish Cream, depending on your preference for a minty or creamy drink. Stir gently to combine and dissolve the alcohol into the hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or mini marshmallows for a fun, festive touch. You can even drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for extra indulgence. This warm, rich cocktail will keep you cozy and festive all season long.
Winter Spice Daiquiri
This winter version of a daiquiri brings in warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to make it perfect for the holidays. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of rum, 1 oz of lime juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a wintery flavor boost. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a dusting of cinnamon. The classic rum daiquiri gets a cozy makeover with these warm, aromatic spices. Serve this drink at your next holiday get-together for a refreshing yet comforting treat.
Frosty Fig Fizz
This cocktail takes figs, which are synonymous with holiday warmth, and turns them into a fizzy, refreshing drink. Begin by muddling 2 ripe figs in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add 1 oz of gin, 1/2 oz of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well to combine. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy finish. Garnish with a fig slice and a sprig of thyme for extra holiday charm. The sweet, rich flavor of the figs pairs beautifully with the botanical gin, creating a complex but refreshing cocktail.
Maple Bourbon Sour
A cozy and slightly sweet twist on the classic whiskey sour, this drink is perfect for holiday gatherings. In a shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of maple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary for a festive presentation. The maple syrup adds a warm, earthy sweetness that complements the bold flavor of bourbon. This drink is a wonderful way to serve your guests something familiar but with a holiday twist.
Citrus Cranberry Fizz
This light and sparkling cocktail brings together bright citrus and tart cranberries, creating a refreshing drink for the holidays. Begin by muddling a handful of cranberries in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of fresh orange juice, and 1 oz of lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well to combine the flavors. Strain the mixture into a glass and top with sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries for a festive touch. The fizzy texture and citrusy zing make this cocktail perfect for daytime holiday events or brunches.
Cinnamon-Maple Bourbon Cider
A warm, comforting drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire, this cocktail features the flavors of cinnamon and apple cider. In a saucepan, warm 2 cups of apple cider with 1 cinnamon stick until steaming hot, but not boiling. In a mug, combine 2 oz of bourbon and 1 oz of maple syrup. Pour the hot cider over the bourbon mixture and stir gently to combine. Garnish with an additional cinnamon stick or a slice of apple for a festive look. The deep, earthy maple syrup and spiced cider create a rich, satisfying flavor. This cocktail is perfect for serving at a holiday gathering or enjoying on a cozy evening in.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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