21 Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright

Brit + Co Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Chai Hot Toddy

With some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk, chai tea becomes one of the holiday cocktails — and one that you'll never want to put down! Add a shot of espresso for an extra kick or keep it as-is. (via Brit + Co)

"Naughty and Nice" Holiday Cocktail Recipe

With a few ingredients — including grenadine, citrus fruits, and whiskey — you can take your classic Coca-Cola to a whole new level. These fun holiday drinks are so flavorful that you can leave out the alcohol for the kids without sacrificing any of the flavor! (via Brit + Co)

Coffee Holiday Cocktail

This funny holiday cocktail recipe combines beer and coffee for a drink like you've never had before! You'll be able to unwind and get a little caffeine kick at the same time. (via Brit + Co)

Candy Cane Martini

Combine the best parts of the holiday — peppermint and vanilla vodka — to make this pleasing candy cane martini. Glasses up! (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint White Russian

This fan-favorite drink just got an upgrade thanks to the festive peppermint along the rim. You'll enjoy the juxtaposition between the crunchy mint and the smooth taste of vodka, heavy cream, and coffee liqueur. (via Brit + Co)

Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail

We know a good mid-morning drink when we see one and this citrus cocktail looks mighty tasty! If you plan to sleep in, serve it with your Christmas brunch meal as a fab precursor to opening gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cranberry Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail

All the flavors shaken together here are certainly tempting, but we're especially taken by the brandied cranberrygarnish. Talk about a seasonally appropriate alternative to cherry recipes. (via The Little Epicurean)

Cranberry-Ginger Cocktail

The usual vodkacran gets a holiday makeover, thanks to a double dose of ginger-flavored additions and a few dashes of bittersfor balance. (via Jelly Toast Blog)

Cranberry Bourbon Negroni

Turn the typical negronion its head with this festive holiday cocktail. Bourbon replaces gin, and a splash of cranberry soda gets thrown in. The latter creates a seasonal spin that tempers the trademark bitterness of ruby red Campari juuuust enough. (via Climbing Grier Mountain)

Warm & Spicy Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Glögg Holiday Drink (Swedish Mulled Wine)

If Scandinavian Long Island iced tea meets mulled wine sounds good to you, well, you need a little Glögg in your life. Save the top shelf stuff for another time, because all the spices that go into this easy holiday cocktail mask any unsavory elements. (via Hapa Nom)

Hot Buttered Rum

This classic couldn't be easier. The butter, sugar and spice mix keeps well for ages (and can even be spread on your morning toast). Just stir it together with a shot of hot rum when you're ready for a little indulgence and voilà. A must-have warm holiday cocktail. (via I'm Bored, Let's Go)

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Have you heard? There's a hot new trend in holiday cocktails this year: slow cooker sips. This spiced wine sure knows how to take the chill out of your bones. (via The Law Student's Wife)

Brandy & Whiskey Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour

No cloying, neon sour mix here. This sip's sweetness comes naturally via apple cider, simple syrup and a cinnamon-sugar rim. The wreath-like apple slice floating on top and sprig of rosemary is just an added bonus in this holiday drink with alcohol. (via She Eats)

Brandy Old Fashioned

Mix up a batch of brandy old fashioneds as a sweeter, holiday mixed drink alternative to the usual whiskey-based recipe. (And if you love those glasses, we have another gilded suggestion that you're sure to adore.) (via House of Hipsters)

Brandy Alexander Holiday Drink Recipe

If you’re looking for an adult hot chocolate equivalent in classic cocktail form, this sweet, creamy concoction is just what the doctor bartender ordered. (via The Drink Blog)

More Delicious Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Frosted Gingerbread Martini

Don't those gingerbread boys look like they're up to no good? Featuring four parts of well-balanced booziness to one part cream, shake up one of these classic holiday drinks and you just may join them. (via Freutcake)

Charred Lemon Rosemary Sparkler

Together, rosemaryand gin are quire the recipe for a festive holiday drink. You'll love how caramelizing the lemons lends each sip a richer, sweeter flavor. It's the perfect punch to satisfy a thirsty crowd. (via Serious Eats)

Gelt Chaser

Break out the Manischewitz — you're about to mix up a delicious holiday alternative to the rusty nail. You don't even need to celebrate Hanukkah to enjoy this holiday drink idea. (via Thrillist)

Evergreen Swizzle

It may take you some time to gather up all the specialty spirits required, but it really doesn't get much more Christmassy than this easy holiday drink. It features gin, pine liqueur and a handful of other well-thought-out additions and we highly recommend sipping on this while you trim the tree. (via Tempered Spirits)

Oy Vey Iz Kir

Use Manischewitz instead of creme de cassis for a playful twist on the usual kir royale. Champagne's involved in this simple holiday cocktail — what's not to love about that? (via Bon Appétit)

Raspberry Mojito

Dressed up in red and green, this summery sip calls to mind warmer days in a holiday-worthy way. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)