The holidays are here again, and it’s time to raise a glass. From cozy brunches and cocktail parties to afternoon tree-trimming and cookie swap gatherings, it’s truly the most wonderful time of the year for toasting with friends and family. Every holiday gathering deserves a sip as special as the occasion, so we’re gifting you over a dozen of our favorite holiday drinks recipes. These cocktails and mocktails lean into the season with wintry flavors, warm spices, and a little sparkle to keep the holiday spirit flowing no matter the celebration.
German Mulled Wine
Make any winter get-together warm and bright with this festive sip from Germany known as glühwein, which translates to “glow wine”. Spiced herbal tea, cinnamon sticks, and cloves add the unmistakable aroma of Christmas to red wine gently simmered with freshly squeezed orange juice.
Get the recipe: German Mulled Wine
Russian Winter Fruit Punch
This cold weather riff on kompot, a homemade fruit juice popular throughout Eastern Europe, uses a blend of fresh, frozen, and dried fruit. Apples, pears, cherries, apricots, and prunes are boiled with cinnamon and become a richly flavored punch that’s delicious served over ice, any time of day.
Get the recipe: Russian Winter Fruit Punch
Santa Hat Mimosa Mocktail
This rosy riff on mimosas for the whole family makes a cheery addition to any holiday brunch spread. The recipe is simple—frozen strawberries blended with cranberry juice and topped with seltzer. Add an extra dash of sweetness from grenadine and a whipped cream “Santa hat” on top for some festive flair.
Get the recipe: Santa Hat Mimosa Mocktail
Citrus Sipper Mocktail
Fizzy, tangy, and layered with warm spice, this mocktail gets its holiday blush from peak-season blood oranges. Ginger beer adds sparkle to a blend of freshly squeezed and bottled citrus juice infused with maple and cinnamon.
Get the recipe: Citrus Sipper Mocktail
Coquito
It might be snowing outside, but this seasonal sip from Puerto Rico is certain to make the holidays sunny and bright. Cream of coconut, spiced rum, and a mix of spices blend into a creamy, tropical spin on eggnog.
Get the recipe: Coquito
Big Batch Poinsettia Punch
While you’re busy hosting and making merry, guests can help themselves to this festive libation that’s easy to scale up for a crowd. An eye-catching garnish of rosemary sprigs, cranberry, and orange adds holiday flair to a grown-up punch made with rum, orange liqueur, and sparkling wine.
Get the recipe: Big Batch Poinsettia Punch
Pomegranate Red Wine Cocktail
This wintry take on sangria tastes even better the next day. Pomegranate juice and red wine give this sparkling cocktail a beautiful, jewel-toned hue that will match the holiday decor.
Get the recipe: Pomegranate Red Wine Cocktail
Champagne Punch
For a sparkling “cheers!” that anyone can enjoy, mix up a batch of this party punch that’s easy to customize with little or no alcohol. Two kinds of citrus, ginger ale, and homemade simple syrup get extra sparkle from seltzer or your favorite sparkling wine.
Get the recipe: Champagne Punch
Christmas Cranberry Punch
Deck the drinks table with a bowl of this Christmas punch that doubles as a festive centerpiece. Apple slices studded with cloves, cranberries, and fresh rosemary sprigs adorn this big batch cocktail made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and whiskey.
Get the recipe: Christmas Cranberry Punch
Rosé Grapefruit Cocktail
A double dose of citrus and two kinds of chilled wine add up to one special occasion-worthy cocktail. Freshly squeezed grapefruit and orange juices, rosé, and sparkling wine combine into a light, refreshing sip ornamented with a twist of citrus peel.
Get the recipe: Rosé Grapefruit Cocktail
Bourbon Eggnog Fizz
The official drink of Christmas gets even more festive in this cocktail that adds a little sparkle. A splash of sparkling wine is the finishing touch for a blend of eggnog and bourbon garnished with nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.
Get the recipe: Bourbon Eggnog Fizz
Cinnamon Sours
Whether you’re naughty or nice, this three-ingredient cocktail will delight with a dash of holiday spice. The combination of cinnamon whiskey, spiced rum, and lemon juice is make-ahead-friendly and ready to party in five minutes.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Sours
Hard Cider Cocktail
This sparkling cocktail uses a blend of non-alcoholic and hard ciders for refreshing apple flavor, garnished with fruit slices and a cinnamon rim. Turn it into a family-friendly mocktail by substituting all non-alcoholic cider, ginger ale, and a splash of orange juice.
Get the recipe: Hard Cider Cocktail
