The Best Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy with Friends

The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious cocktails? Gather your friends and get ready to mix up some festive libations that will make your gatherings unforgettable. Here are some of the best holiday cocktail recipes that you can easily whip up at home.

1. Classic Eggnog

Eggnog is a holiday staple that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering. This creamy cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients: 4 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, 12 egg yolks, 2 cups of bourbon, nutmeg for garnish.
Instructions: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream until steaming, then gradually add it to the egg mixture. Stir in the bourbon and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.

2. Pomegranate Moscow Mule

This festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule is a vibrant drink that's sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz pomegranate juice, 1 oz lime juice, ginger beer, pomegranate seeds, and lime wedges for garnish.
Instructions: In a copper mug, combine vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wedge.

3. Spiced Cranberry Margarita

Bring a dash of spice to your holiday festivities with this unique cranberry margarita.

Ingredients: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz lime juice, a pinch of cinnamon, sugar for rimming the glass.
Instructions: Rim the glass with sugar and cinnamon. In a shaker, mix tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and cinnamon with ice. Shake well and strain into the rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries.

4. Mulled Wine

Nothing says holiday spirit quite like a warm mug of mulled wine, filled with aromatic spices and rich flavors.

Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine, 1 orange (sliced), 4 cloves, 2 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/4 cup honey.
Instructions: In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and heat over low heat until warm. Do not boil. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve in heatproof glasses with a slice of orange.

5. Peppermint Martini

This festive martini is the perfect way to kick off any holiday party with its cool peppermint flavor.

Ingredients: 2 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz white chocolate liqueur, crushed peppermint candy for rimming.
Instructions: Rim the glass with crushed peppermint candy. Shake vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a mini candy cane.

6. Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Combine the classic old fashioned with festive gingerbread flavors for a delightful cocktail.

Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz ginger syrup, 2 dashes of bitters, orange peel for garnish.
Instructions: In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, ginger syrup, and bitters with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.

These holiday cocktail recipes are sure to be a hit at your next gathering with friends. Whether you prefer something cozy and warm or refreshing and fun, there’s a drink for everyone to enjoy. Cheers to a festive holiday season filled with great drinks and even better company!