The holidays are a special time of the year to share the joy of the season with family and friends. What better way is there to get in the holiday spirit than to have a seasonal cocktail with your loved ones? These festive holiday cocktails are unique, delicious, and perfect for gatherings or intimate date nights at home.
These drinks are not only beautiful but really tasty too! They’re easy to make with simple ingredients that can be found at home or picked up at your local grocery store. My family thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of these themed cocktails.
Below are my 8 favorite cocktails to enjoy this Christmas and New Year (or year-round) 🙂
1. White Christmas Mojito
This is a fun and tasty spin on a traditional mojito. Mojitos are usually made with lime, mint, sugar and rum. Adding coconut milk makes this refreshing drink creamy and white. Top it with pomegranate arils and mint for a beautiful holiday touch. You can make a single serving or a pitcher for entertaining.
2. Gingerbread White Russian
My favorite holiday cookie and a glass of milk is transformed into a cocktail dream come true. It has the cream, vodka, and Kahlua that you expect in a White Russian, all amped up with easy homemade ginger and cinnamon simple syrup. It adds a sweet and spicy spin to this cocktail classic you won’t want to miss.
3. Winter Spiced Pear Cocktail
This is truly an elegant drink that tastes as good as it looks. The star ingredient is the spiced pear syrup. Simply simmer chopped pears, sugar, water, cinnamon, and star anise until the flavors are infused. Then shake them up with gin, lemon, and egg whites for a light, silky, spiced concoction.
4. Holiday Sangria
Sangria is a delicious and easy way to dress up a bottle of wine. Fruit, juice, sweetener, and liquor are mixed together with wine to make a fruity and full bodied drink. This recipe is perfect for the holidays because it adds spices like cinnamon and star anise, as well as other seasonal flavors like sparkling apple cider and rosemary. The best part is that you can make it a day or two in advance to let the flavors mellow together!
5. White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
By far the most decadent drink in my list. This candy cane rimmed dessert cocktail has a smooth and creamy taste of white chocolate with a cool and minty finish. It’s dangerously good and made with 3 types of liquors – white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and creme de cacao. You’ll definitely want to double or triple this recipe.
6. Spiked Hot Chocolate
An adult twist on a childhood classic. This rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate is perfect for these chilly nights. It’s incredibly easy to make and uses real ingredients like chocolate chips and cocoa powder and other ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You can make some for the kids before adding the best part of this from-scratch recipe – the Kahula! Just heat all the ingredients on the stove or in a crockpot.
7. Coquito
If you’re looking for a fun alternative to eggnog, this traditional holiday Puerto Rican drink is just that. It has the thick and creamy texture of eggnog, but without the egg. Instead, it uses coconut milk and coconut cream with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum. I recommend using only a cup or less of rum for this recipe.
8. The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
If you ever watched the classic Christmas movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, you know the Grinch seems evil but he actually has a big heart. This drink is just like that! It has a bit of a spicy kick from jalapenos with a touch of sweetness from honey, grapefruit juice, and ginger beer. It’s all mixed together with vodka and lime to make an incredibly refreshing and addicting cocktail.
What are your go-to seasonal drinks?
