Holiday Cocktails to Cheer About

The holidays call for festive drinks that bring comfort, cheer, and a touch of magic to every gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or winding down by the fire, these five classic holiday cocktails are guaranteed to impress—and they’re easy enough for any home bartender to make. Below, you’ll find everything you need: flavor profiles, tips, and full recipes.

Classic Homemade Eggnog

Rich, creamy, and full of holiday nostalgia. Forget the store-bought stuff, homemade eggnog is a true winter indulgence that’s surprisingly simple.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 egg yolks

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum (or a blend)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

  
  

In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add milk, cream, bourbon, and vanilla. Mix well. Chill for at least 2 hours. Stir before serving. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

Hot Toddy

Warming and soothing, like a hug in a mug. A perfect cold-weather drink with healing vibes and classic flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or spiced rum

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 cup hot water

• Cinnamon stick or clove-studded lemon wheel (optional garnish)

Combine spirit, honey, and lemon juice in a mug. Add hot water and stir to dissolve the honey. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon wheel.

Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Bright, tart, and beautifully seasonal. A refreshing, festive cocktail that’s great for holiday dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 5–6 fresh cranberries

• 1 sprig rosemary or mint

• Club soda (to top)

• Sugared cranberries or rosemary (for garnish)

Muddle cranberries and rosemary/mint in a shaker. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup. Shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with sugared cranberries or rosemary.

Holiday Negroni with Orange Bitters

Bold, bitter, and winter-ready. A festive twist on the Italian classic, with layered orange and spice notes.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin (try a winter botanical blend)

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 oz Campari

• 2 dashes Moroccan Orange Bitters (like McMann & Tate’s)

• Orange peel (for garnish)

Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Sparkling Pomegranate French 75

Light, bubbly, and party-perfect. A gorgeous twist on a classic, with seasonal color and fruit-forward flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin

• 1/2 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz pomegranate juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• Sparkling wine (to top)

• Pomegranate seeds or lemon twist (for garnish)

Shake gin, lemon, pomegranate juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with pomegranate seeds or lemon twist.

Cheers to the Season!

These five cocktails cover every holiday mood—from cozy and comforting to sparkling and celebratory. Stock up on a few key ingredients, prep ahead where you can, and you’ll be ready to raise a glass to whatever the season brings.