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Ok, so you’ve laid in a supply of wine, beer, and sparkling water. Maybe even some hard cider and fun sodas. But what makes a holiday gathering – Christmas, New Year’s, the Festivus for the Restivus, an open-house brunch – special is a cocktail. For a smaller gathering you may want to make the drinks in small batches on demand, in a shaker. For a larger group, a pitcher cocktail is just the thing – make ahead, and big batch.
Now the choices begin – Citrusy? Sangria? Herbacious? Gin, vodka, bourbon? So many ways to go. Find the right drink to welcome your guests. Also, think about offering a mocktail, as not everyone is a tippler (or they may need a break from the booziness of the season). Read on for 22 tempting holiday cocktail recipes!
22 Easy Holiday Cocktails
Herby and sparkling and refreshing – a great cocktail at any time of year (perfect for brunch)!
This classic cocktail instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a swanky bar, or maybe even gone back in time.
The classic cocktail made with whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth and Campari, garnished with a cherry and/or an orange twist!
Just because Sex in the City has ended doesn't mean we can't still love this classic pink cocktail!
This pink drink is the most festive way to kick off a gathering, with all kinds of sweet-tart flavor.
This pitcher drink is a stunning color, nicely citrusy and the tiniest bit tart. Perfect when you are hosting a crowd, and want to offer something special without stirring up individual drinks!
This drink was apparently invented to wake you up, and "bleep" you up!
A simple recipe for the timeless, classic cocktail.
This refreshing and perennially popular rum and fresh mint cocktail is a perfect summer sipper.
This is one refreshing cocktail.
This slightly sweet, slightly tart fruity drink can be made as a mocktail or a cocktail, and is perfect for holiday gatherings.
How to make the classic shaken Peruvian cocktail at home!
This popular classic cocktail is sparkling and citrusy, and can spark up any festive gathering or brunch.
A citrusy, sparkling cocktail, perfect for brunch, pairing with appetizers, or just drinks with friends.
Not harder to make than a regular screwdriver….but oh, the color!
Citrusy and refreshing and customizable with your choice of alcohol. Not to mention drop dead gorgeous. Perfect for a party.
Bright, and delicious, the prettiest orange, this refreshing cocktail is perfect year round.
Let's all take precaution and pre-emptively bolster our immunity with a hot toddy, a warm cocktail get us through the winter.
No booze in this refreshing drink.
This is the classic holiday drink, with all of the creaminess and flavor, but skipping the raw eggs.
Creamy and coconutty and boozy, this Puerto Rican Eggnog (without the egg!) is a holiday staple that turns a gathering into a party.
Frozen red happiness in a glass.
