So… have you finished your holiday shopping? Are you ready for seasonal parties? Are you working furiously so you can take a well-deserved break once the season ends? If not, a festive cocktail break might be exactly what you need. Below are five decadent, easy-to-make holiday cocktails that are perfect for entertaining or enjoying after a long day. Each recipe is straightforward and designed to bring cheer to your celebrations.
Cranberry Ginger Mule
Ingredients
- 1 part vodka (Nemiroff Original recommended)
- 1 part cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 parts ginger beer
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional garnish: orange wedges, fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs
Method: Fill a copper mug with ice. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger beer, and lime juice. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with lime or orange wedges, a handful of cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Peppermint Patty Boozy Tea
Ingredients
- 1 serving chocolate tea (prepared according to package directions)
- 2 oz Nooku Bourbon Cream Peppermint
Method: Brew the chocolate tea and pour it into a heatproof glass. Add 2 ounces of Nooku Bourbon Cream Peppermint and stir gently. Garnish with a candy cane and a sprig of fresh mint for a holiday presentation. Serve warm for a cozy, dessert-like cocktail.
Old Cuban
Recipe credit: The Rum House, NYC
Ingredients
- 2 oz Diplomatico Anejo rum
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz demerara syrup
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves
- Sparkling wine to top
- A dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
Method: In a shaker, muddle the mint gently with the demerara syrup and lime juice. Add rum and ice, then shake well. Double strain into a highball or coupe filled with a large ice cube or fresh ice. Top with a splash of sparkling wine, add a few drops of Angostura bitters if desired, and garnish with a mint sprig.
Tres Holiday Cheers
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 parts Tres Agaves Organic Blanco tequila
- 1/4 part Crown maple syrup
- 1/2 part Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 part cream
Method: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and well combined. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over ice. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, dust with ground cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a creamy, festive cocktail.
Champagne Holiday Punch
Recipe by Erick Castro, Co-Founder of Raised By Wolves and Polite Provisions
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups genever
- 1/2 cup Cointreau
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup Champagne
- 8 dashes old-fashioned bitters
- 1 cup club soda
Method: In a large champagne bowl or punch bowl, combine the genever, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup over a large block of ice or plenty of regular ice. Stir gently to chill. Add the Champagne, bitters, and club soda just before serving to preserve the bubbles. Garnish with star anise, pineapple pieces, and a light dusting of nutmeg for a festive aroma and appearance. Serve in chilled glasses and enjoy.
These five cocktails offer a range of flavors—from bright and fizzy to rich and creamy—perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet night in. Adjust sweetness and strength to taste, and garnish to make each drink feel special. Cheers to a festive season and moments of well-earned relaxation.