Holiday Cocktails to Toast the Season
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The holidays call for twinkle lights, cozy gatherings, and—most importantly—delicious cocktails worth raising a glass to. Whether you’re hosting the annual cookie swap, a dressed-up New Year’s Eve dinner, or a low-key night in by the tree, the right drink turns an ordinary moment into a celebration.
Below, we’ve rounded up festive sips that look beautiful in the glass, pair effortlessly with seasonal bites, and bring that unmistakable holiday sparkle.
1. Spiced Cranberry Spritz
A light, bubbly classic with just enough spice to feel like winter.
Ingredients:
- Cranberry juice
- Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Orange twist
- Splash of ginger ale or ginger syrup
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
How to Make:
Pour chilled Prosecco over cranberry juice, add a touch of ginger, and finish with an orange twist and floating cranberries.
Pairs With: soft cheeses, brie bites, sugared nuts.
2. Clementine + Rosemary Gin Fizz
Refreshing, fragrant, and practically made for holiday glassware.
Ingredients:
- Fresh clementine juice
- Gin
- Rosemary simple syrup
- Club soda
- Rosemary sprig
How to Make:
Shake citrus juice, gin, and syrup with ice. Top with soda and garnish with rosemary.
Pairs With: citrus-glazed ham, baked brie, holiday boards.
3. Winter White Margarita
A winter twist on the classic everyone loves.
Ingredients:
- Blanco tequila
- Coconut milk
- Lime juice
- Triple sec
- Shredded coconut rim
How to Make:
Shake all ingredients over ice, strain, and serve in a coconut-rimmed glass.
Looks snowy. Tastes like a tropical escape.
Pairs With: shrimp cocktail, chips + queso, tamales.
4. Sparkling Pomegranate Aperol
Festive red, sparkly, and perfect for clinking at midnight.
Ingredients:
- Prosecco
- Aperol
- Pomegranate juice
- Pomegranate arils
How to Make:
Pour Aperol into the glass, top with bubbles, and add a splash of pomegranate. Finish with jewel-like arils.
Pairs With: charcuterie, chocolate truffles, roasted nuts.
5. Holiday Pear & Thyme Champagne
A little botanical, a little sweet—elegant for holiday dinner parties.
Ingredients:
- Champagne
- Pear nectar
- Thyme sprig
- Optional: dash of pear liqueur
How to Make:
Pour champagne over chilled pear nectar and garnish with thyme.
Pairs With: white-meat turkey, winter salads, and buttery sides.
Tips for a Gorgeous Cocktail Moment
- Garnish matters: Sugared cranberries, rosemary, and citrus slices instantly feel festive.
- Use clear, tall glassware: It shows off color, bubbles, and layering beautifully.
- Keep an ice bucket nearby: Cold drinks taste better and last longer during party mingling.
- Serve alongside small bites: Even simple fruit boards, olives, or crackers elevate the moment.
Ready to Raise a Glass?
Whether you love warm spices, bright citrus, or sparkling classics, holiday cocktails bring loved ones together in the most joyful way. Pour, garnish, clink, repeat—and enjoy the season, one sip at a time.