5 Easy Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Shake Up Your Festivities (One with a Twist)
The holidays are here, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a festive cocktail or two? Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking to unwind after a long day of wrapping gifts, these five easy holiday cocktail recipes will add some warmth and cheer to your celebrations. One of them is a bit off the beaten path, because, well, we’re all about that thoughtful misfit energy.
So let’s get into it. Here are five holiday cocktails that will have your friends saying, “Where did you find this recipe?!” (You can tell them it’s a well-kept secret—we won’t tell).
1. Classic Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz bourbon or whiskey
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Hot water
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a heatproof glass or mug, combine the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice. Fill the glass with hot water (about 4-6 oz) and stir until the honey is dissolved. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon. Simple, soothing, and just what you need to unwind.
Why We Love It: The Hot Toddy is a timeless winter classic, and for good reason—it’s cozy, it’s comforting, and it’s known for soothing the throat when you’ve caught a winter cold (though maybe don’t overdo it if you’re actually under the weather). Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together with ingredients most of us have on hand.
2. Cranberry Mule
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
3 oz ginger beer
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug (or any glass) with ice. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint.
Why We Love It: This is a holiday spin on the classic Moscow Mule, with the tartness of cranberry giving it that festive red hue and a bit of extra flavor. It’s crisp, refreshing, and a perfect blend of sweet and tangy with just a little bit of spice from the ginger beer.
3. Spiked Apple Cider
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz spiced rum
4 oz apple cider (preferably fresh-pressed)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 cinnamon stick
Apple slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over low heat with the cinnamon stick, but don’t bring it to a boil. Once warm, remove from heat, add the maple syrup, and stir to combine. Pour the cider into a mug, add spiced rum, and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Why We Love It: Apple cider is already a quintessential fall and winter flavor, but adding spiced rum takes it to the next level. This cocktail brings a touch of warmth to any cold evening and feels like a hug in a cup. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a splash of bourbon for an even richer flavor.
4. Peppermint White Russian
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps. Add the cream and stir gently to combine. Garnish with crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
Why We Love It: The White Russian is already a favorite for its smooth, indulgent texture. By adding peppermint schnapps, you get a minty holiday makeover that’s both festive and decadent. It’s the kind of drink that’s perfect for lounging after a big holiday meal—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
5. The "Smoke & Spice" Margarita (A Unique Twist)
Ingredients:
2 oz mezcal (for a smoky flavor)
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave syrup
2 dashes of cinnamon
Pinch of smoked paprika
Orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, cinnamon, and smoked paprika with ice. Shake vigorously to combine. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a slice of orange.
Why We Love It: This isn’t your average holiday margarita. The mezcal brings a smoky depth, while the cinnamon and smoked paprika add warmth and spice—perfect for when you want something different from the usual sweet and fruity cocktails. The “Smoke & Spice” Margarita is bold, unexpected, and a fantastic conversation starter. It’s a margarita with attitude, and it definitely stands out at any holiday gathering.
Whether you're curling up on the couch with a classic Hot Toddy or getting adventurous with a smoky mezcal cocktail, these five holiday drinks are sure to spice up your festivities. The best part? They’re easy to make, so you can spend less time behind the bar and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Cheers to a thoughtful, misfit holiday season!
