Holidays

Two red cocktails with candy cane garnishes, sitting on a red plate with ornaments
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20 Fabulously Festive Christmas Cocktails

Making spirits bright.

by Ashley Ziegler
This gorgeous beverage is called the Mrs. Clause Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail. It’s a mixture of rosemary simple syrup, cranberry juice, whiskey, and a squeeze of lime garnished with some fresh sugared cranberries and rosemary. @thebootleggermobilebar
For a drink that will leave you warm and toasty, try this Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour. You’ll need some bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, simple syrup, and cherries. Served best over ice and next to a warm, crackling fire. Dude That Cookz
The Buttered Gnocchi keeps her recipe for eggnog simple with just three ingredients: white rum, eggnog, and cinnamon. Shake the ingredients up with ice, pour the drink into a glass (without ice), and garnish with cinnamon sticks. @thebutteredgnocchi
For something a little different, shake up a couple of glasses of Hazelnut Brandy Alexanders. The cream and the chocolate and Frangelico liqueurs turn a glass of sometimes-harsh brandy into a sweet treat that’s worthy of the holiday season (or anytime, really). @dublinmixologist
To make this Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail, you’ll need to whip up your own cranberry rosemary infused simple syrup first, then mix it in with gin, ginger ale, fresh cranberries, and lime juice. The drink is fresh, crisp, and absolutely beautiful. Jessica in the Kitchen
If you’re looking for gingerbread in the form of a drink, try this Christmas Eve Cocktail. It’s a mixture of rum, chai syrup, cream, milk, and ginger nuts. Drink it alone, or dunk your gingerbread cookie in it for an added snack. @ jaimeeeats
Shannon Smith’s recipe for mulled wine calls for ingredients like brown sugar, clove, maple syrup, and apple brandy. If you’ve never had this drink before, it’s definitely one to try, if for no other reason than because it just smells like Christmas. @chefshannonsmith
Coquito is a Puerto Rican drink that’s made with rum, is somewhat similar to eggnog, and is served around the holidays. You can learn how to mix up the smooth drink by following A Cozy Kitchen’s recipe. A Cozy Kitchen
You don’t have to be a skilled bartender to make these cranberry mimosas, because they’re so easy to mix up. You’ll need some orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and champagne. That’s it. For a fancy finishing touch, add some sugared cranberries for garnish. @everyday.delicious.blog
The presentation of this cocktail is absolutely mind-blowing, but the flavor is equally as impressive. It’s called the Clementine and the recipe is, admittedly, a bit complex but worth the work. If nothing else, it’ll be fun to taste test until you get it just right. @mix.mann
Peppermint is always a good idea around the holidays, especially when it’s mixed with booze. To make this Peppermint Mocha Cocktail, you’ll need milk, cream, chocolate, espresso, peppermint extract, liqueur, simple syrup, and some whipped cream. A Classic Twist
This festive cocktail is called a “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” and is packed with flavor. It’s a mixture of Proof syrup, red wine, peach schnapps, apple pucker, triple sec, and lime, pineapple, and orange juices. It’s the perfect twist to add to your holiday.@proof.syrup
Who says mojitos are only for the summer? To mix up this Winter Mojito, you’ll need rum, cream of coconut, club soda, fresh mint leaves, and pomegranate seeds. It’s a cold beverage, but it’ll still keep you warm if you make it strong enough. @goodgollymixmolly
Mrs. Claus doesn’t get nearly the attention she deserves around the holidays, but you can toast to her with the Mrs. Claus Cocktail, made with white chocolate liqueur, eggnog, and peppermint schnapps and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. @ dishesdelish
For when you need a burst of energy, try this recipe for A Very Merry Cocktail because its made with coffee liqueur and freshly brewed coffee, and it’s topped with coffee beans. There are other ingredients, too, like booze, but sometimes it’s about the caffeine. @boothscountry
Apple is often associated with the fall, but it can be carried into the winter months, too. Try this recipe for Apple Cider Sangria this Christmas and see if your guests agree. You’ll need wine, whiskey, apple cider, apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks. A Cookie Named Desire
A cookie in the form of a cocktail? Yes, please. This Gingerbread Martini is made with Bailey’s, caramel sauce, ginger, cinnamon, and cream. But wait, it gets better, the drink is also topped with caramel, whipped cream, and a gingerbread cookie. @hungrybeargrazing
To make this White Christmas Martini, you’ll need coconut flavored rum, elderflower presse, soda water, shredded coconut, marshmallows, and maraschino cherries. It’s like a tropical cocktail with a Christmas twist that also happens to be beautiful. @morrisons
Since this cocktail is called The North Pole, it’s safe to assume it’s Santa Claus approved. With ingredients like vodka, Kahlúa, molasses, vanilla, and ginger, it’s basically a cookie in a martini glass (with sprinkles), so it’s no wonder why Santa’s a fan. @vanillapura
Consider mixing up a batch of Cranberry Rum Punch for your Christmas gathering (or for yourself). It’s so easy to make because all you need is some cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, and vanilla rum. For a little extra flair, add some cranberries for garnish. @lulus