As the holiday season rolls in, it brings with it a chance to gather with family and friends, sharing moments of joy and warmth. What better way to celebrate than with a collection of delicious, festive drinks that will delight your guests and elevate the spirit of the season? Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these seven recipes provide the perfect balance of refreshing, flavorful, and festive beverages. From tangy citrus concoctions to creamy tropical twists, these drinks are sure to impress.
1. Frosted Cranberry Lemon Drop
A refreshing and vibrant cocktail that combines the tartness of cranberries and lemons with a cool, minty twist, the Frosted Cranberry Lemon Drop is perfect for holiday celebrations. This cocktail brings together citrus vodka, lemon juice, and cranberry juice for a deliciously zesty base. A hint of peppermint syrup adds a minty freshness that complements the drink beautifully, making it an ideal choice for a holiday party or winter gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz citrus-flavored vodka
- ¾ oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz cranberry juice (sweetened or unsweetened)
- ½ oz peppermint syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
- Crushed candy canes (for rimming the glass)
- Garnish: Lemon twist & mint leaves
Preparation:
Start by preparing your glass: rub a lemon wedge around the rim to moisten it, then dip the rim into crushed candy canes. Next, in a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and peppermint syrup (if using). Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with a twist of lemon and a sprig of mint for that extra festive touch. This cocktail’s perfect balance of tart, sweet, and minty flavors is sure to brighten up any holiday gathering.
Pro Tip:
For a truly festive experience, use candy canes to coat the glass rim, enhancing the drink’s wintery appeal. The minty finish from the peppermint syrup makes this cocktail a standout at any holiday table.
2. The Polar Bear Cocktail
With its vibrant blue color and crisp, fruity flavor, the Polar Bear Cocktail is as cool as the Arctic and perfect for a festive celebration. Raspberry vodka and blue curaçao create a beautiful base, while Sprite adds a bubbly finish that makes this cocktail refreshing and fun.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz raspberry vodka
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- Sprite (to top off)
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: Fresh raspberries, lemon slice, mint sprig
Preparation:
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour the raspberry vodka and blue curaçao over the ice. Top off with Sprite and gently stir to combine. For a finishing touch, add a garnish of fresh raspberries, a slice of lemon, or a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy the frosty, fruity flavors.
Pro Tip:
Chill your glass beforehand for an extra frosty effect, and for a fun twist, add a sugared rim for a sparkling holiday presentation.
3. Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey
For those seeking a refreshing, non-alcoholic option, the Lemon Ginger Iced Green Tea with Honey is the perfect choice. The combination of green tea, ginger, and lemon provides a soothing, invigorating beverage that is both healthy and flavorful. Sweetened with honey, this drink is as enjoyable as it is refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 3 green tea bags
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
- ¼ cup honey (or to taste)
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Start by bringing the water to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the green tea bags and sliced ginger. Cover and let steep for 5–7 minutes. After removing the tea bags and ginger, stir in the honey while the tea is still warm. Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, add lemon juice and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve the chilled tea over ice and garnish with lemon slices for added elegance.
Pro Tip:
Add a few fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist, or top the drink with sparkling water for a fizzy variation.
4. Snowy Pineapple Punch
The Snowy Pineapple Punch is a tropical, creamy drink with a fizzy twist. Combining the sweetness of pineapple, the richness of coconut cream, and the zing of lime juice, this drink transports you to a tropical paradise, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a vacation in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup coconut cream
- ½ cup ginger ale
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Shredded coconut (for garnish)
- Pineapple slices & lime wedges (for garnish)
Preparation:
In a shaker, combine the pineapple juice, coconut cream, and lime juice. Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes, then top off with ginger ale for a bubbly finish. Garnish with shredded coconut, a slice of pineapple, and a wedge of lime for a festive touch.
Pro Tip:
To enhance the tropical flavor, you can also garnish with additional tropical fruits such as kiwi or mango. This punch is perfect for those who want a creamy, fizzy drink to enjoy with friends and family.
5. Coconut Mojito
A tropical twist on the classic mojito, the Coconut Mojito combines the refreshing flavors of mint and lime with the creamy richness of coconut cream. This festive drink is ideal for adding a touch of tropical flair to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz white rum
- 1 oz coconut cream
- ½ oz coconut rum (optional)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 10–12 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda (to top off)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Lime wedge, shredded coconut, pomegranate seeds, fresh mint sprig
Preparation:
Start by moistening the rim of a highball glass with a lime wedge and dipping it into shredded coconut. In the glass, muddle the mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice to release the mint’s oils. Add white rum, coconut cream, and coconut rum (if using) and stir gently to combine. Fill the glass with ice cubes, stir again, and top off with club soda. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, lime wedge, and pomegranate seeds for a festive look.
Pro Tip:
Freeze your glass for a frosty effect, and consider adding a splash of cranberry juice for a holiday twist. The creamy coconut and refreshing mint flavors make this cocktail a perfect choice for the holiday season.
6. Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria
Ideal for all ages, the Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria is a vibrant, fruity drink that features a blend of cranberry, pomegranate, and apple cider, along with festive fruits and spices. This drink is a visual delight and packs a punch of flavor without the alcohol, making it a great choice for family gatherings or holiday parties.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Orange, lemon, lime, apple, pear (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Preparation:
In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and apple cider. Add the sliced fruits, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks, and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation.
Pro Tip:
For a sweeter sangria, add a bit of honey or agave syrup to taste. This refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage is a hit at any holiday celebration, providing a colorful and flavorful option for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.
7. White Christmas Margarita
A creamy, coconut-infused margarita perfect for holiday celebrations, the White Christmas Margarita combines silver tequila, Cointreau, and coconut rum with the rich, smooth texture of coconut milk. Garnished with cranberries and rosemary, it’s a drink that captures the essence of the holidays in every sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz silver tequila
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ½ oz coconut rum
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz light coconut milk
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
- Orange or cranberry bitters (optional)
- Garnish: Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs
Preparation:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Cointreau, coconut rum, lime juice, coconut milk, maple syrup, and bitters (if using). Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice, then garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical, creamy margarita with a festive twist.
Pro Tip:
For a frosty version, blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a frozen treat. Rim the glass with sugar or shredded coconut for added flair.
These seven festive drinks bring together a variety of flavors and ingredients, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for a tangy cocktail, a creamy tropical punch, or a refreshing iced tea, these recipes offer the perfect drink for every occasion. Cheers to good company, delicious drinks, and unforgettable memories!