Looking for the best holiday cocktails? The best party drinks are easy to make in big batches and even easier to enjoy. From bubbly champagne spritzers to rich, creamy martinis and warm spiced sangrias, these recipes have something for every kind of holiday gathering.
Holiday cocktails usually start with a classic base, like champagne, vodka, or wine. From there, they get dressed up with seasonal flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, cranberry, and pumpkin spice. That’s what makes them feel festive, even when the recipe itself is simple.
My favorites for a holiday party are the Pecan Pie Martini and the Gingerbread Martini. Both taste like dessert in a glass and come together in just a few minutes, which makes them perfect for entertaining.
No matter which holiday you’re celebrating, the right drink can make the whole party feel more festive. So I put together a list of my favorite cocktails for every occasion, from Thanksgiving all the way through New Year’s. Pick one or serve a few so your guests have options.
Can You Make Holiday Cocktails Ahead of Time?
Yes! Most of these recipes can be batched ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just hold off on adding anything bubbly, like champagne or club soda, until right before serving so your drink stays fizzy.
What Liquor Should You Stock for a Holiday Party?
A good holiday bar starts with vodka, champagne, and a cream liqueur like Baileys. From there, you can dress up a basic drink with seasonal flavors like peppermint or gingerbread syrup.
Best Holiday Cocktail Recipes
Wondering what to serve at your next holiday gathering? Here are my favorite festive drinks, from bubbly spritzers to rich, creamy martinis.
Champagne Grenadine Spritzer
Champagne grenadine spritzer is an elegant yet simple and refreshing beverage made with bubbly Pink Moscato champagne and cherry flavored grenadine.
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Creamy Espresso Martini with Baileys
This creamy espresso martini with Baileys and Kahlua is rich, smooth, and frothy. Make this easy coffee cocktail in about 5 minutes.
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Pecan Pie Martini
A festive, simple pecan pie martini made with a blend of seasonal vodkas and Irish cream liqueur. It's sure to be a hit at your next holiday party.
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Festive Vodka Cranberry Cocktail (Easy Cape Cod Recipe)
This easy vodka cranberry cocktail is a festive holiday favorite! Mix vodka, cranberry juice, and lime for a bright Christmas party drink.
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Homemade Eggnog
Homemade Eggnog is the ultimate holiday treat. It's creamy, rich, and easier to make than you think. With our simple recipe, you'll never buy store-bought versions again.
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Snickerdoodle Martini
A Snickerdoodle Martini is a fun cocktail that transforms your favorite cookie into a festive drink. This cocktail, featuring Bailey's, vodka, amaretto, and Goldschläger, is great for any celebration.
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Gingerbread Martini
Create a holiday favorite with our Gingerbread Martini recipe! A delicious mix of gingerbread syrup, Baileys, and vanilla vodka.
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Peppermint Martini
A festive 4-ingredient peppermint martini made with peppermint and vanilla vodkas. This brisk, refreshing drink is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
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Pumpkin Martini
Our Pumpkin Martini is the perfect fall cocktail made with whipped cream vodka, pumpkin spice Irish cream liqueur, and pumpkin purée. Enjoy hints of pumpkin pie spice as you sip on this decadent martini recipe that's sure to be a hit at Thanksgiving dinners.
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Sugar Cookie Martini
Our Sugar Cookie Martini is perfectly sweet, creamy and decorated with a colorful sprinkle rim. It's sure to be a hit at your next holiday party.
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Pomegranate Mimosa Recipe (Champagne or Prosecco)
This pomegranate mimosa is a 3-ingredient champagne cocktail with pomegranate juice and colorful ruby-red seeds. It's festive, fast, and perfect for your best holiday brunch.
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Cranberry Sangria
Our cranberry sangria is the perfect cocktail for the holiday season. Cranberry juice, wine, and spiced brandy create a tart and refreshing holiday drink!
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Simple Apple Cider Sangria
Just in time for Fall, our simple apple sangria recipe! It's features crisp apples combined with white wine, apple cider, and our favorite vodka.
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White Christmas Margarita
Our perfectly blended white Christmas margarita combines cream of coconut and silver tequila to create a creamy seasonal cocktail!
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Apple Cider Mimosas
Our apple cider mimosas feature champagne, apple cider, and caramel vodka. Make them individually or in a pitcher for a party!
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Mixed Berry Mocktail
This mixed berry mocktail combines fresh berries, lime, mint, and ginger ale for an easy, fizzy drink that is ready in 10 minutes.
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