The winter season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some festive drinks? Whether you’re hosting a party, cozying up by the fire, or just looking for a way to spice up your evenings, these 10 holiday cocktails and mocktails are sure to please. They are easy to make, inspired by winter elements, and delicious to sip. Plus, they include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, so everyone can enjoy them. Cheers!
Jack Frost Cocktail
This cocktail is as cool as its name. It’s a blend of vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut, garnished with shredded coconut and sugar crystals. It’s like a tropical vacation in a glass, with a touch of winter wonderland
How to make it:
● In a blender, combine 1 cup of ice, 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of blue curaçao, 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, and 1/4 cup of cream of coconut. Blend until smooth and slushy.
● Dip the rim of a martini glass in water, then in a shallow plate of sugar crystals. Pour the cocktail into the glass and sprinkle some shredded coconut on top.
Cranberry Snowfall Mocktail
This mocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that’s perfect for the holidays. It’s made with cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, and a splash of grenadine, topped with whipped cream and fresh cranberries. It’s sweet, tangy, and bubbly, with a beautiful red and white color
How to make it:
● In a tall glass, pour 1/2 cup of cranberry juice, 1/2 cup of lemon-lime soda, and 1 tbsp of grenadine. Stir gently to mix.
● Add some ice cubes and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a straw.
Hot Buttered Rum
This classic winter drink is a must-have for cold nights. It’s a mixture of dark rum, brown sugar, butter, and spices, simmered in hot water until smooth and frothy. It’s rich, creamy, and warming, with a hint of spice. You can also make it in a slow cooker for easy serving
How to make it:
● In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter and stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. Cook until smooth and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
● In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat and whisk in the butter mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
● To serve, ladle the hot mixture into mugs and stir in 2 oz of dark rum per mug. You can also use a slow cooker to keep the drink warm and let guests serve themselves.
Peppermint White Russian Mocktail
This mocktail is a twist on the traditional White Russian, made with peppermint syrup, cream, and coffee. It’s cold, creamy, and refreshing, with a minty flavor that complements the coffee. It’s also easy to make, with only three ingredients. You can garnish it with crushed candy canes for extra festive flair
How to make it:
● In a cocktail shaker, combine 1/4 cup of peppermint syrup, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of cold brew coffee. Shake well until frothy.
● Fill a rocks glass with ice and strain the mocktail into the glass. Sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top if desired.
Caramel Apple Martini
This martini is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of caramel and apple. It’s made with vodka, apple cider, butterscotch schnapps, and lemon juice, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. It’s sweet, tart, and smooth, with a caramel drizzle around the rim
How to make it:
● In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat 2 tbsp of caramel sauce for 10 seconds or until runny. Drizzle some of the caramel around the inside of a martini glass and set aside.
● In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of apple cider, 1/2 oz of butterscotch schnapps, and 1/2 oz of lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
● Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and enjoy.
Ginger Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail
This mocktail is a healthy and tasty drink that’s great for your gut. It’s made with ginger kombucha, cranberry juice, and a bit of fiery ginger ale, stirred and served over ice. It’s fizzy, fruity, and spicy, with a probiotic boost. You can also add some fresh ginger and cranberries for extra flavor and color.
How to make it:
● In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups of ginger kombucha, 2 cups of cranberry juice, and 1 cup of ginger ale. Stir well to mix.
● Fill four glasses with ice and pour the mocktail evenly among them. Garnish with some sliced fresh ginger and whole cranberries if desired.
Mulled Wine
This drink is a staple of winter celebrations around the world. It’s a combination of red wine, orange juice, honey, and spices, heated in a pot until fragrant and flavorful. It’s warm, sweet, and aromatic, with a cozy and comforting taste. You can also add some brandy or rum for extra kick.
How to make it:
● In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine 4 cups of red wine, 2 cups of orange juice, 1/4 cup of honey, 4 cinnamon sticks, 8 cloves, and 4 star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
● To serve, ladle the hot drink into mugs and garnish with some orange slices and more spices if desired.
Blueberry & Blackcurrant Mule Mocktail
This mocktail is a vibrant and refreshing drink that’s perfect for winter. It’s made with blueberry and blackcurrant cordial, ginger beer, and lime juice, poured over ice and garnished with fresh berries and mint. It’s sweet, tangy, and spicy, with a gorgeous purple color.
How to make it:
● In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup of blueberry and blackcurrant cordial and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and syrupy.
● In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups of ginger beer and 1/4 cup of lime juice. Stir well to mix.
● Fill four copper mugs or glasses with ice and drizzle 1 tbsp of the cordial syrup over each. Pour the ginger beer mixture evenly among the mugs or glasses. Garnish with some fresh blueberries, blackcurrants, and mint leaves if desired.
Eggnog Martini
This martini is a creamy and decadent drink that’s ideal for the holidays. It’s made with eggnog, vanilla vodka, amaretto, and nutmeg, shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass. It’s smooth, rich, and nutty, with a festive flavor. You can also top it with whipped cream and more nutmeg for extra indulgence.
How to make:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour in 2 oz eggnog, 1 oz vanilla vodka, and 1/2 amaretto liqueur.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg on top.
- Optionally, add a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
- Serve and enjoy
Cinnamon and Clove Cranberry Mocktail
This mocktail is a simple and elegant drink that’s full of winter flavors. It’s made with cranberry juice, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, simmered in a pot until warm and infused. It’s tart, sweet, and spicy, with a lovely aroma.
How to Make:
- In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over low-medium heat and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Once cooled, strain the mixture to remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- In a glass, add ice cubes. Pour the spiced cranberry juice over the ice.
- Add the honey or simple syrup and stir well to combine.
- Top off with sparkling water or club soda
- garnish with fresh cranberries or orange slices
- Serve and enjoy
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