12 Seasonal Cocktails for Your Holiday Parties

Ready or not, the holiday season is in full swing. If you’re hosting this year, chances are, you’ve already given some thought to the menu. No matter what you’re serving, you’ll need something to wash it all down. Wine is always a winner, as is a hearty winter ale. But if you’d really like to impress your guests, consider a signature cocktail with a yuletide twist. 

Whether you prefer something warm to keep you cozy from the inside out, or something colorful to bring in the holiday cheer, we’ve compiled a list of the best seasonal cocktails for your holiday parties. Many of them can be made without booze for an NA version, and there are even some that can be made in batches so you don’t have to be stuck behind the bar all night. Following is our list of the 12 best cocktails this holiday season.

 Grinch Cocktail

Photo courtesy Dinner at the Zoo

This bright and colorful cocktail has all the vibes of the Grinch — the Who-hating villain whose heart was two sizes too small. Midori liquor provides the signature green hue, paired with a red-sugar rim and a cherry for the ultimate Christmas cocktail.

 Gingerbread Martini

Photo courtesy Simply Stacie

A little sweet, a little spicy — this holiday cocktail has it all. Made from Baileys Irish Cream, vodka, cream and gingerbread syrup, it has all the flavors of the classic cake/cookie. You can even rim your martini glass in crushed gingerbread cookies or graham cracker crumbs to take it over-the-top.

 A Long Winter’s Nap

Photo courtesy Feasting at Home

This cozy bourbon-based cocktail features all the flavors of winter: maple syrup, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, and even a sprig of fir if you’re feeling bold. It can be served warm or cold and can even be made in batches to serve a crowd.

 Christmas Punch

Photo courtesy Well Plated by Erin

If you’re entertaining a crowd, this festive holiday punch is sure to please. It’s bubbly, tangy, and brings the holiday vibes with its floating cranberry garnish. It calls for cranberry juice, sparkling wine, apple cider, ginger ale and rum or brandy, but you can easily skip the liquor and substitute the wine for soda for a non-alcoholic version.

 Hot Buttered Rum (Vegan)

Photo courtesy Jessica in the Kitchen

Hot buttered rum is a classic winter bevvy made from a buttery batter with holiday spices, hot water, and a splash of rum. This version uses a vegan butter to keep it plant-forward. You can even top it with vegan whipped cream to take it up a level.

 Christmas Cranberry Cocktail

Photo courtesy Homemade Heather

Nothing says “Christmas Cocktail” like cranberry. Its flavor pairs well with many spirits, and its bright red color brings a vibe to the holiday table. This cocktail features the tart berry alongside orange juice and tequila for a unique combo.

 Santa’s Magic Potion

Photo courtesy Averie Cooks

Eggnog is the quintessential holiday bevvy, and many revelers kick it up a notch with a splash of brandy or rum. This version uses Baileys Irish Cream, plus cinnamon and nutmeg, for a rich, creamy treat on a cold winter’s night.

 White Chocolate Candy Cane Cocktail

Photo courtesy Sugar & Cloth

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without candy canes, and this cocktail incorporates the same flavors in grown-up form. It’s made from crème de menthe, crème de cacao, heavy cream and a few drops of absinthe for balance. With a crushed candy cane rim, it’s like dessert in a glass!

 Vanilla Pear Holiday Punch

Photo courtesy Cookie and Kate

This not-too-sweet holiday punch is unique in that it incorporates the flavors of pear and vanilla with mellow, oak-aged reposado tequila, which amplifies the notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Sweetened with just a touch of honey, it has complex flavors that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

 Raspberry Russian

Photo courtesy Love and Olive Oil

The White Russian is a creamy cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. This recipe adds a fruity twist: black raspberry liqueur in place of the coffee, and fresh raspberries for flair. You can even use a plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.

 Holiday Negroni

Photo courtesy I Am a Food Blog

Although typically considered a summer drink, the Negroni is also a good choice around the holidays as well. With just three ingredients — gin, Campari, and vermouth — it’s easy to make. Garnished with an orange peel (flamed if you’re fancy) and served over ice, it’s a holiday classic.

 Hot Chocolate Martini

Photo courtesy The Kitchen is My Playground

Everyone loves hot chocolate in the wintertime. But spiked hot chocolate is even better! This martini uses the classic flavors in a decidedly grown-up way: by adding crème de cacao, vanilla vodka and Kahlua. They are shaken with cooled hot chocolate, strained in a glass, and topped with marshmallows.