You’ve stocked the basics — wine, beer, sparkling water, maybe cider and sodas — but what truly elevates a holiday gathering is a well-chosen cocktail. For small groups, make individual drinks in a shaker. For larger crowds, pitcher cocktails that can be made ahead are ideal. Consider a mocktail too, so non-drinkers or those taking a break from alcohol have a festive option. Below are 22 holiday cocktail ideas to inspire your celebrations.
Want citrusy, herb-forward, bubbly, or warming? Gin, vodka, rum, bourbon — there are lots of directions to explore. Pick a few complementary drinks so guests can choose something light, effervescent, boozy, or alcohol-free. The recipes below span classics and crowd-pleasing make-ahead pitchers as well as single-serve cocktails for a memorable holiday toast.
Cocktail Recipes for the Holidays: A standout cocktail helps make gatherings — from Christmas to New Year’s to open-house brunches — feel special.
22 Easy Holiday Cocktails
Vodka Prosecco Cucumber Cocktail
This simple, elegant bubbly blends the sparkle of Prosecco with vodka’s smooth kick. Light and refreshing, it features cucumber, fresh mint and basil, and a touch of sweetness — perfect for parties, brunch, or relaxed evenings with friends.
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Manhattan Cocktail
This classic whiskey cocktail feels instantly sophisticated — a timeless choice that’s at home at holiday gatherings or intimate evenings.
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Boulevardier Cocktail
Made with rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, the Boulevardier is a rich, bittersweet classic garnished with a cherry or orange twist.
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Cosmo Cocktail
The pink Cosmo remains a fun, fashionable choice for parties — tart, citrusy, and easy to mix.
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Sparkling Mint Pomegranate Cocktail
Bright, ruby-hued, and bubbly, this cocktail balances tart pomegranate, Prosecco, and fresh mint. It’s visually striking and easy to make in a big batch for a crowd.
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Holiday Pomegranate Vodka Pitcher Cocktail
This striking, citrusy pitcher is slightly tart and ideal for hosting: make it ahead to serve a crowd without mixing drinks one by one.
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Espresso Martini
A lively pick-me-up cocktail combining espresso and spirits — bold, smooth, and perfect after dinner or for late-night celebrations.
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Old-Fashioned Cocktail
A straightforward recipe for the classic whiskey (or brandy) cocktail — simple, balanced, and timeless.
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Mojito
Refreshing and popular, the classic rum-and-mint Mojito is a bright, minty sipper ideal for warm-weather gatherings or anytime you want something lively.
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Basil Ginger Lemon Saketini
A crisp, herbaceous cocktail combining basil, ginger, lemon, and sake — light, refreshing, and flavorful.
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Cranberry Orange Shrub
Slightly sweet and tart, this fruity shrub can be served as a mocktail or spirited cocktail — a versatile, festive option for gatherings.
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Pisco Sour
The classic shaken Peruvian cocktail: bright, frothy, and perfectly balanced — a memorable single-serve choice.
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French 75
Sparkling and citrusy, the French 75 is an elegant, festive cocktail that livens up brunches and holiday toasts alike.
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Orange Champagne Mule
A citrusy, sparkling mule that’s ideal for brunch, appetizers, or relaxed get-togethers with friends.
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Blood Orange Pomegranate Screwdriver
As easy as a classic screwdriver but with stunning color and flavor — blood orange and pomegranate juices make a beautiful combination.
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Pitcher Pomelo Palomas
Citrusy, refreshing, and easily scaled, this visually stunning pitcher is customizable with your choice of alcohol — ideal for parties.
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Orange White Wine Campari Sangria
Bright and refreshing, this orange-hued sangria pairs white wine with Campari for a distinctive, crowd-pleasing pitcher option.
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Hot Toddy
A warming classic: spiced, soothing, and ideal for cold nights — serve hot and comforting during winter gatherings.
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Pomegranate Orange Mocktail with Mint
No alcohol here — a bright, minty pomegranate-and-orange mocktail that’s festive and family-friendly.
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Homemade (Eggless!) Egg Nog
All the creaminess and festive spice of eggnog without raw eggs — a rich holiday favorite you can scale for a crowd.
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Coquito
Creamy, coconut-forward, and boozy — Puerto Rican coquito is a festive cousin to eggnog that brings instant party vibes.
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Frozen Pomegranate and Citrus Cocktail
Think of this as frozen red happiness: a fruity, slushy cocktail that’s festive, colorful, and fun to serve.
