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Nothing rings in the season better than Christmas cocktails. While some folks pine for next-level hot chocolate recipes, others are longing for sweet and spiced cider cocktails for a plethora of reasons. Perhaps it’s to get through an awkwardwork mixer, or maybe it’s the only way you can tolerate a certain in-law. Regardless of your situation, these 18 festive Christmas cocktail recipes are guaranteed to make you feel warm, fuzzy and in high spirits.
Brit + Co Christmas Cocktail Recipes
Brit + Co
Chocolate Martini
Did someone order a boozy chocolate drink? If so, your best bet is to serve them this scrumptious chocolate martini. This mix of chocolate liqueur, vodka, and more will make them feel so toasty. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Santa may want an alternative to milk and cookies when he comes to visit. To give him a proper send-off, leave this Christmas cocktail beside the peppermint bark you baked earlier in the evening. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Christmas Margarita
This Christmas cocktail recipe just sent a shiver down our spines! It's a tasteful blend of Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, tequila, and a splash of tequila. It's perfect for anyone who's taking a non-traditional approach to Christmas! (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Peppermint White Russian
Peppermint cocktail recipes are mandatory if you're wiped out by the Elf On The Shelf festivities. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Peppermint White Christmas
This Christmas cocktail has the perfect blend of peppermint and vanilla, but get this — your guests' taste buds won't see this flavor coming! It makes for a pleasant surprise that'll have them asking for more. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Winter Aperol Spritz
A light and refreshing Aperol spritz is just the thing you need after spending time cooking a cozy Christmas eve dinner. (via Brit + Co)
Other Christmas Cocktail Recipes
The Sweetest Occasion
Hula on Ice
This is *the* cocktail you need this holiday season. With bright notes of pineapple and coconut meddling with spiced rum, chai and a tea-based syrup, this drink is easy to make and perfect for any gathering — big or small. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
Highwalls
Rum-Soaked Cherry Soothers
Fresh cherries and rum. That’s it — and that’s all you’ll ever want after you sip on one of these beauty shooters. This sweet and spiced drink is a fantastic boozy dessert or nightcap for the holiday season. (via Highwalls)
Garlic and Zest
Ruby Thyme Spritzer
We love brunch and we love cocktails — who doesn’t? But there’s more to choose from than the usual mimosas, Bellinis and Bloody Marys. This spritzer combines your morning fruit juice with fresh thyme to create a herbaceous cocktail that will pair wonderfully with your waffles or eggs benny. (via Garlic and Zest)
Boulder Locavore
Candy Cane Cocktail With Homemade Candy Cane Infused Vodka
\We’re used to seeing the candy cane incorporated into desserts and hot cocoas, but cocktails? Sign us up! This ruby-hued drink is as festive as it gets. (via Boulder Locavore)
Bijoux and Bits
Gingerbread White Russian
This rich and creamy classic gets a nice kick with the addition of ginger beer. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, gingersnaps get an invitation to the party too. Milk and cookies, please take a back seat. (via Bijoux and Bits)
Pizzazzerie
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
If your heart lies with fall flavors — even around the winter holidays — these apple cider sangrias are a fab way to indulge. They’re crisp, refreshing and won’t weigh you down. (via Pizzazzerie)
Cafe Delites
Berry Limoncello Sangria
Nothing can brighten up a drink more than the tang and sweetness from limoncello. This fruity and flavorful sangria brings berries to the equation for a full flavor that can’t be denied. This just *might* end up being your go-to sangria from now on. (via Cafe Delites)
The Blond Cook
Jack Frost Cocktail
This icy blue drink is totally as delish as it looks! Though we’ll admit, the blue Curacao, pineapple juice and coconut cream will tease you with a hint of summer. (via The Blond Cook)
Kate la Vie
Salted Caramel White Russians
If your love for cocktails knows no bounds and adventure is your middle name, these sweet and herbaceous drinks will be a slurp-worthy dream come true. Traditional White Russians get dolled up with amaretto, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and some chocolate and rosemary for extra WOW factor. (via Kate la Vie)
The Adventures of Bob and Shan
Eggnog Cocktail
It’s not really the holidays until you break out that ‘nog. This spiced, rich and creamy delicacy is yearned for all year long, so celebrating its arrival makes sense — and adding it to a cocktail is *clearly* the only way to celebrate. (via The Adventures of Bob and Shan)
I'm Bored Let's Go
Christmas Cookie Martini
A cookie-inspired martini is apparently a thing, and we are losing our collective minds. If you’re not into baking but most definitely into drinking, let this be your dessert. (via I’m Bored Let’s Go)
Vanilla and Bean
Bourbon Apple Cider Shrub Cocktails
A shrub takes some planning and some patience, but boy-oh-boy is it ever worth the wait. Apples and bourbon become buddies in this elixir, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Vanilla and Bean)
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Lead image via Brit + Co
This post has been updated.
The girls were reading this year — and reading a lot of romance books at that. And while you may think all romance books are some variation of sex and happily-ever-afters, there are way more different types of stories you can read, from "fated mates" to "friends-to-lovers." According to Tempt's co-founder and COO, Anna Baidachnaya says there are actually six very clear trends with the romance books that everyone loved this year, too — and they may shock you! We know romantasy books reigned supreme, but they didn't have all the fun.
Keep scrolling to see which trends won the popularity contest!
The top romance trends readers kept reaching for — plus which books to read to get the best of them!
1. Fated Mates
Amazon
Baidachnaya says, "2024 was a year of shifting fantasies. At the beginning of the year, women leaned into escapism, and Fated Mates reigned supreme. These stories of love destined by fate offer reassurance and hope, a comforting reminder that some things are meant to be."
Our top picks for fated mates romance books:
The God and the Gumihoby Sophie Kim
Kim Hani may look like human, but she's harboring a secret that has ties to her mythical past. She's reformed because, well, she's full and doesn't need to eat as much as she did. Now she spends her time helping customers at a café where a grumpy god named Seokga frequently visits.
They're forced to work together when a powerful demon starts causing trouble in the town they live in and it seems their plans are destined to fail at first. However, time reveals that some things are bound by fate...even the love they develop for each other.
Amazon
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
Ricki Wilde and Ezra cross paths after the funeral heiress moves to Harlem to escape the expectations of her family. But the more the latter tries to put distance between them, the more they're drawn together. Eventually, it's revealed that Ezra's been harboring secrets that transcend time and Ricki's at the center of it all.
Amazon
Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne
Nora is completely shocked when she realizes her father kept secrets about the way she was conceived — and it weighs heavy on her. She's also managed to do something that's had a lasting impact on her, leaving her to depend on her sister and vice versa.
Though she and her sister have to find a way to save an inn, they realize they're in over their heads for several reasons. One happens to be Ennis "Bear" Freeman. He has low expectations of them until he senses something in Nora that stirs his passion.
It's clear something strong exists between them, but there's more to "Bear" than he's willing to share.
3. Werewolves and Shape Shifters
Amazon
"As the year moved forward, we noticed a shift in preferences. By spring, the mystical allure of Werewolves and Shape Shifters captivated audiences. These tales resonate with listeners navigating personal transformations, offering an intriguing mix of wild passion and self-discovery," says Baidachnaya.
Our top werewolves and shape shifter picks:
Brideby Ali Hazelwood
Misery Lark decided to leave behind the politics of being a Vampyre coucilman's daughter by living undetected against normal beings. However, she's unable to refuse the call to perform her duty of marrying the Weres' alpha, Lowe Moreland.
He's as uneasy about their union as she is, but the difference is Misery has her eyes on one prize that she intends to reclaim by any means necessary.
Amazon
Zodiac Rising by Katie Zhao
"A vampire, shapeshifter, mortal, and werewolf walk into a bar" isn't something you've heard before, but Zodiac Rising makes sure to introduce you to them anyway. They're an unlikely team, but none of that matters now that 12 zodiac statues are in the hands of evil.
To protect humanity and the mythical world, they'll have to band together to right the wrongs of history — that's if they can get along for five minutes.
Amazon
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
Sometimes all you need is a new thirst for life to help you realize how much you've been running on auto pilot. Sloane Parker's in a loveless marriage and has stopped yearning for things until a birthday trip with her best friend Naomi changes everything. They meet a group of mysterious strangers that alter Naomi's reality and show her what she's been missing.
3. Alpha Males
Amazon
"Alongside this, Alpha Males swept listeners off their feet, embodying strength, passion, and stability in uncertain times. These rugged, dominant heroes captured hearts month after month, holding their ground as perennial favorites," adds Baidachnaya.
Our top picks where alpha males really shined:
The Duke's Unexpected Love by Alexa Aston
James Jones goes from not understanding much about himself to learning he's related to the Duke of Seaton in a short amount of time. He starts adjusting to knowing who he is and finds his place in the elite society.
But then there's Sophie Grant and the seemingly bad luck that's followed her based on her dad's decisions. Things seem to change for the better when Josiah Grant, a wealthy man, comes into her life and becomes her husband. Instead of treating her as beneath him, Josiah gives her the tool to run his business.
Years later, James and Sophie meet each other which makes the former's heart go pitter patter. He doesn't care what the rest of society thinks and pursues her with brilliant fervor that generates ton of whispers.
Amazon
Failure to Match by Kyra Parsi
Determined not to fail her difficult client Jackson Sinclair, Jamie puts her all into finding him the perfect love match. He may be insanely rich and handsome, but he's insufferable. Still, she concocts the perfect plan of knowing as much about him as possible.
Things go horribly wrong when Jackson catches her and she's forced to be monitored in a way for a month. But when Jamie starts to see Jackson for who he is, it gets harder to ignore how perfect they are for each other.
Amazon
Blood of Dragonsby Penelope Barsetti
After being captured by Talon, Calista can't tell whether she should like or despise him. He's not completely evil, as there's more to him than he likes to show. Still, he's the reason for her suffering so she makes a pact with her dragon Inferno: get rid of the Death King.
When she takes up refuge with her uncle and Queen Eldinar, she signs her fate and the Death King comes to collect — except his appearance makes her realize just how much trouble she's in.
4. Enemies to Lovers
Amazon
Baidachnaya says, "Toward the end of the year, modern and relatable themes took the spotlight. Enemies to Lovers, with its tension and emotional payoff, emerged as a late-year darling, showing how rivalry can transform into irresistible romance."
Books where enemies to lovers fell in defied the odds:
The Love Interestby Victoria Walters
Liv Jones is a librarian who has huge dreams of become an romance author, but you kind of need inspiration for that. Her problem is that she doesn't have any until her brother's best friend comes to visit. Aiden Rivers is the last person she wants to be around, but what's more frustrating is how attractive he is. Ironically, he gives her all the inspiration she needs to turn her book goals into reality.
But, she can't possibly be that inspired by him, right?
Amazon
The Reason I Married Him by Meghan Quinn
Aubree Rowley's got a lot of baggage that doesn't make her the world's friendliest woman. It's surprising when she agrees to marry Wyatt Preston even though they can't stand each other. But, there's something in it for them.
This marriage grants Aubree farm land he's on while Wyatt will be able to snag the family cabin that's been promised to him.
They put on a show to make people believe they're in love, but they fall in love for real.
Amazon
Right on Cue by Falon Ballard
Emmy Harper's known for her amazing writing skills in Hollywood, but that doesn't meant she gets it right every time. Because she took so long to settle on a main character, she's been tasked to be the center of Right on Cue.
To add to her irritation, she has to work with the annoying Grayson West. He's the perfect person to cast and Emmy knows this. He's so perfect that she wonders what it would be like if they took their relationship beyond a movie set.
5. Billionaire Romance
Amazon
If You Give a Billionaire a Bride by Ann Einerson
Everly Townstead knows she shouldn't be thinking about her brother's rich best friend (Cash Stafford), especially knowing his family wants to stake their claim in. Yet, their 'marriage' trucks along despite her best attempts to pretend she doesn't feel anything for.
Amazon
Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai
Simi Chopra and her crew full of thieves did the unthinkable by stealing a diamond necklace, but they had the help of Jack Danger. Their problem? They get a little to cash happy and spend their shares of money.
As it turns out, the necklace they stole belonged to the mafia and they want it back ASAP. So, Simi and everyone rush to retrieve the diamond necklace from a rival. She'll also have to try to stay focused even though she can't stop looking at Jack.
Amazon
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
Ford Grant went from being a successful billionaire to parenting a moody pre-teen, much to his dismay. To make matters worse, his best friend's sister is back.
Rosie Belmont has danger written all over her and dares to ask Ford for a job at his company. Even though he tries to ignore her, it gets harder each day until they decide to cross the lines with no care about repercussions.
Which romance trends did you love this year? Let us know on Facebook!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Christmas is right around the corner, and we know everyone’s ready to par-tay. Whether you’ll be hosting a bash or two, or attending as a dinner party guest, leave thecookies and cocktails to someone else. Instead, bring out a sweet treat that’s guaranteed to get the most OMGs – cupcakes. You simply can’t go wrong with cute Christmas cupcakes — especially when they feature adorable Santa hats, sugary Frosty faces, and comical Rudolph noses.
Here are the tastiest, most crafty Christmas cupcakes for sprucing up the holiday dessert table this year.
Brit + Co
Melting Snowmen Cupcakes
Save these snowman Christmas cupcakes from melting by simply scarfing 'em down! The entire holiday party will go bonkers over the detailed decorations, too. (via Brit + Co)
Your Cup of Cake
Reindeer Cupcakes
You need these Christmas cupcakes in your life right now! Break them out while watching your fave Hallmark Christmas movies, and they’ll put you in the most perfect mood. (via Your Cup of Cake)
Baked Bree
Christmas Light Cupcakes
The M&M "bulbs" on these little trees have a totally 3D effect. It’s so cool, and the technique is so easy, even the littlest bakers in the house can get in on the decorating action. (via Baked Bree)
Averie Cooks
Tall Christmas Tree Cupcakes
The secret to building these green trees as tall as possible is ice cream cones. Set some on top of your Christmas cupcakes, then go crazy with the piping bag! (via Averie Cooks)
Frugal Mom Eh!
Santa Hat Cupcakes
Here’s a festive Christmas cupcake that requires zero special decorating tools. Just pipe on store-bought icing straight from the tube, then add mini marshmallows and voila — a jolly Santa hat! (via Frugal Mom Eh!)
Amanda Wilens
White Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting
This recipe reminds us of our fave Starbucks holiday drink, the Peppermint White Mocha. When anything sweet and minty comes in dessert form, we're there. (via Amanda Wilens)
Barley & Sage
Bourbon Eggnog Cupcakes
Eggnog is *the* signature drink of the holiday season, and baking it into some Christmas cupcakes only makes it better. (via Barley & Sage)
A Virtual Vegan
Festive Cranberry Orange Cupcakes
Cranberry and orange flavors team up alongside pistachio in these vegan cupcakes that'll put the finishing touches on your Christmas dinner. (via A Virtual Vegan)
Little Sunny Kitchen
Snowman Cupcakes
These jolly little guys are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Keep your phone handy to snap some Insta pics while you bake, because they’re guaranteed to rack up the likes. (via Little Sunny Kitchen)
Hungry Happenings
Ultimate Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes
These Christmas cupcakes are made from the very best chocolate batter you’ll ever taste, then topped with a giant swirl of chocolate ganache. Add a peanut-butter cup head, an M&Ms nose, and candy cane antlers, and they’ll be utterly irresistible. (via Hungry Happenings)
Bakerella
Snowman Cupcakes
These little treats are *snow* good. They're topped with donut holes, so you're basically getting two desserts in one! Both pieces are rolled in confectioner’s sugar before assembling, making this cupcake doubly-sweet. (via Bakerella)
Crafty Morning
Rudolph the Reindeer Cupcakes
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer… had a shiny gumball nose! Your littlest guests will be wow-ed to see their fave Christmas character make an appearance on your dessert table. (via Crafty Morning)
Frugal Mom Eh!
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
The base of this holiday cupcake is the richest double-fudge cake batter you’ll ever taste. Prepare for the onslaught, because everyone will be asking for the recipe! (via Frugal Mom Eh!)
Pink Owl Kitchen
Blackberry Cupcakes with Blackberry Buttercream
Blackberries remind us so much of the winter season. If you want to serve some fruity Christmas cupcakes this year, this easy recipe is your best bet! Just wait 'til you try that buttercream. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
A Spicy Perspective
Chai Latte Cupcakes
The warm spices included in chai will also warm your heart as you begin to bake these Christmas cupcakes for the fam. (via A Spicy Perspective)
One Little Project
Easy Snowman Cupcakes
These snowmen are super festive, and they come together fairly quickly using ingredients that you probably already have on-hand. Be sure to finish them off with a generous avalanche of granulated sugar to make them extra sweet. (via One Little Project)
The Girl Who Ate Everything
North Pole Cupcakes
These Christmas cupcakes get their jolly flair from a peppermint stick decorated like the North Pole. How cute are these?! (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)
Half Baked Harvest
Gingerbread Cupcakes
Cookies + cupcakes = dessert overload. But we're here for it! Each bite of these Christmas cupcakes will bring forth that warm, fuzzy feeling. (via Half Baked Harvest)
One Little Project
Polar Bear Paw Footprint Cupcakes
These polar bear paw-print cupcakes look just like little teddy bear paws. And the clever coconut "fur" makes them just as sweet to look at as they are to eat. (via One Little Project)
Two Sisters Crafting
Mickey Mouse Santa Hat Cupcakes
Hold onto your holiday Mickey Mouse ears, because everyone’s fave Santa hat cupcakes just got a cartoonish twist. Your new favorite Christmas cupcakes have arrived! (via Two Sisters Crafting)
Your Cup of Cake
Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Christmas season has not truly arrived until you spend a morning sipping on hot chocolate. Be sure to invite a few friends over, because treats this sweet treat must be shared. (via Your Cup of Cake)
Bakerella
Mini Polar Bear Cupcakes
Sprinkles and candies make for the cutest little cupcake faces. These baby bears would be super adorable at a winter wonderland-themed party. (via Bakerella)
Earthly Provisions
Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes with Snowmen
This vegan gingerbread cupcake base will enchant you and your guests even further once you top them with tiny lil' snowmen. (via Earthly Provisions)
Kathryn's Kitchen
Strawberry Santa Hat Cupcakes
These Christmas cupcakes are as healthy as they get – with a darling strawberry Santa hat! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
If you’re enchanted with these adorable Christmas cupcakes, follow us on Pinterest for more fun recipes!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Colleen Hoover stans, listen up! While the announcement that Anne Hathaway would lead CoHo's Verity movie broke the Brit + Co group chat, it has nothing on the announcement that was made today: she'll be joined by the one and only Dakota Johnson. And we freaked out. Dakota is a master at intrigue and suspense, and I can't think of anyone else who'd be able to draw us into the story like she will.
Verity follows it-girl author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) and her husband Jeremy, who hire Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) to finish the remaining books in Verity's series. But as Lowen starts to take a closer look at their lives, she comes to the horrifying realization that not all is as it seems. While It Ends With Us is Colleen Hoover's most popular and widely-known title, Verity is regarded as one of the wildest — and I'm sure the movie is going to be the same.
You already know Anne Hathaway, meet the rest of the Verity cast before the movie premieres!
1. Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford
John Nacion/Getty Images
The Princess Diaries' Anne Hathaway leads the new movie as Verity Crawford, author, wife, and (apparently) secret keeper.
2. Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Dakota Johnson stars as Lowen Ashleigh, a down-on-her-luck writer who's confident working for Verity is her big break.
The actress is also starring in Celine Song's upcoming rom-com Materialists, and told Brit + Co just how much she loved working with "big idiots" Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans.
3. Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
We'll also see Trap's Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford, Verity's husband.
The Verity movie isn't the only Colleen Hoover book adaptation in the works! Read up on the latest news on Regretting You, starring Allison Williams and McKenna Grace.
If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. Some of the most intricately ordained, masterpiece cookies (like pink Christmas decorations, jolly reindeer, and llamas) begin with a simple foundation. Let’s start with this recipe we love for a vanilla-bean-speckled version that’s sure to hold its own under all that royal icing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (room temperature + cubed)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 egg
- 3 cups flour
Directions
Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla bean and egg. Mix until just incorporated. Stop mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
Gradually add flour (you may not need the full three cups), and mix until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl. Divide dough into two even discs and wrap in cling wrap, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
When ready to roll dough, pre-heat oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Using a rolling pin, roll cookie dough between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4-inch in thickness, and use cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes.
Transfer cookies to a baking tray using a lightly floured spatula. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or when edges begin to brown. The time will be dependent on size and thickness of cookies.
Decorate your easy Christmas cookies to you and your family's liking!
Check out our baking and cooking classes for more recipes to make at home!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
See our ‘Grammable Holiday Cookie Guide.
Recipe via Vickie Liu; photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co