10 festive, easy holiday cocktails to sip now through New Year’s

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Festive and fun holiday cocktails perfect for every gathering

Once pumpkin spice season rolls around, it’s time to pull out those holiday cocktail recipes. Though what’s on the holiday dinner menu usually takes center stage, we think your cocktails should shine too. Our list of festive cocktails will be your go-to for all the holiday parties. We even have a couple delicious holiday punch recipes that you can make ahead of time to make life easier. Let the fun begin!

A mimosa with apple cider is the perfect fall cocktail Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Apple cider mimosa

Nothing says the beginning of the holiday season like fall apple cider. It’s the time of year for visiting apple orchards, baking, and cooler temperatures. Most of us think of a mimosa as the classic cocktail made with orange juice, but you’re missing out if you haven’t tried it with cider. It’s one of our favorite Thanksgiving cocktails, but it’s lovely to sip all season.

Get this recipe: Apple cider mimosa

These fall-flavored shots are both festive and delicious Photo courtesy of Tammy Camp

Apple pie shots

Surprise the adults at your next fall gathering with these fun and festive apple pie shots. Made with Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, vanilla vodka, apple cider, and other fall flavors, tasting is believing! These shots are so delicious, taking just minutes to make. This is a keeper for your dessert-themed Thanksgiving cocktail recipes.

Get this recipe: Apple pie shots

A frozen Brandy Alexander is the quintessential decadent holiday dessert cocktail Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Brandy Alexander with ice cream

Our Brandy Alexander features ice cream instead of the typical heavy cream used to make this cocktail. When it comes to easy holiday cocktails, this decadent three-ingredient version will wow your guests. The nutmeg adds holiday spice, and the grated chocolate and whipped cream perch elegantly on top, making this a showstopper every time.

Get this recipe: Brandy Alexander with ice cream

Grinch fans will love this holiday cocktail Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Grinch mimosa

This is such a fun cocktail for parties and once you serve one, everyone will be asking for it! It’s a simple mimosa with the addition of blue Curaçao that when combined with orange juice turns a Grinch-worthy shade of green. It’s not only festive, but delicious too. And it takes just minutes to mix and serve. That’ll put any Grinch in the holiday spirit.

Get this recipe: Grinch mimosa

A pretty and festive cocktail with cranberry, bubbles, and a hint of orange will be a hit at parties Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Poinsettia Champagne cocktail

This holiday cocktail is so pretty to serve at parties, and it’s simple to prepare. The addition of Cointreau to a traditional cranberry mimosa adds a crisp orange flavor. Be sure all ingredients are chilled and pick up extra bags of fresh cranberries to keep in the freezer for making festive holiday cocktails all season long.

Get this recipe: Poinsettia Champagne cocktail

This spin on a classic is the perfect holiday cocktail recipe Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Cranberry Moscow mule

Our cranberry Moscow mule might just be your new favorite holiday cocktail. A simple combination of cranberry juice, ginger beer, and vodka, it’s wonderfully delicious and so refreshing. A garnish of fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint make this drink festive. Add this one to your list of simple holiday cocktail recipes.

Get this recipe: Cranberry Moscow mule

This eggnog recipe made with bourbon is one you'll serve all season long Photo courtesy of Daryl Hirsch

Boozy bourbon eggnog for two

This small-batch eggnog for two is so rich and luscious, it’s hard to believe it can be whipped up in just 10 minutes. Barrel-aged bourbon adds nice vanilla and caramel notes to this holiday cocktail. If you’ve been wanting to make eggnog and thought it was too much trouble, here’s your new favorite recipe.

Get this recipe: Boozy bourbon eggnog for two

This Christmas cocktail punch recipe is perfect for parties Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Christmas punch

Christmas cocktail recipes are fun, but when you have a house full of guests, they can be time-consuming. But not with our Christmas punch recipe! Made with vodka, Cointreau, fruit juices, and topped with Champagne or sparkling wine, this punch is what guests will reach for, and they can help themselves while you’re busy with other things. Add fresh fruit for more flavor and a festive vibe.

Get this recipe: Christmas punch

This simple but festive holiday cocktail recipe is easy to make Photo courtesy of Kelly Stilwell

Christmas vodka cocktail

We used a cranberry vodka in this holiday cocktail recipe but paired it with not-too-sweet tonic water to balance it out. It can easily be made stronger or weaker by preference. The garnish is what makes this drink festive, and you can mix a batch ahead of time to make serving your guests a breeze.

Get this recipe: Christmas vodka cocktail

A 'make ahead' pomegranate punch makes life easier for the host Photo courtesy of Lisa O’Driscoll

Vanilla pomegranate holiday punch

Add this holiday punch to your easy Christmas cocktail recipes list. We love the splash of vanilla syrup paired with pomegranate juice, raspberry vodka, and ginger ale. The coarse sugar on the rim and the pomegranate seeds with rosemary garnish make this almost too pretty to sip — almost. Get ready for recipe requests!

Get this recipe: Vanilla pomegranate holiday punch

About Kelly Stilwell

Kelly Stilwell is a food and travel writer who has visited 40 countries in the last 15 years. She writes for a number of publications and is the content creator at Food, Fun & Faraway Places, featuring recipes and vacation ideas.

Kelly’s first book, 100 Things To Do in Sarasota Before You Die, is out now.

A former Marylander, Kelly traded cold winters for Florida sunshine 14 years ago and has never looked back.

When she’s not sitting in front of her computer, you’ll find Kelly sitting on a beach somewhere with a good book.