Our favorite Holiday Drinks
Cheers to 2025! 🥂
The Holidays are here! It’s time to celebrate, and these creative Christmas or New Year's Eve drinks are perfect for "cheers"!
Pomegranate Martini
One of our all-time favorites is Pomegranates of course. These are in season during winter, which means this ruby-hued cocktail will taste better than ever at your event to ring in the new year. The blend of sweet, citrusy, and tart flavors can shine when paired with a neutral spirit like vodka.
Ingredients
4 oz. pomegranate juice
3 oz. vodka
1 oz. white (dry) vermouth
1 oz. orange liqueur, such as triple sec
1/2 oz. simple syrup
pomegranate seeds and orange twists, to garnish
Directions
For the martini: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway full with ice, combine the pomegranate juice, vodka, vermouth, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Cover and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain and divide into 2 martini glasses, and garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and an orange twist.
Cranberry Mimosa
Whether you serve it for New Year's brunch or a New Year's Eve party, this bubbly drink is sure to be a hit. The orange twist garnish is an easy way to make it feel even fancier.
Ingredients
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. pineapple orange juice
3 oz. sparkling wine
3 frozen cranberries
1 orange twist
1 mint sprig
Directions
In a champagne flute, combine the cranberry and pineapple orange juices. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with frozen cranberries, an orange twist, and a small sprig of mint.
Cranberry Margarita
There's no need to wait for summer to enjoy a nice margarita! This seasonal, jewel-toned beauty is just the right balance of tart and sweet thanks to ingredients like honey simple syrup, lime juice, and cranberry juice cocktail —and can be made in a big batch ahead of any parties.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice (I recommend using a brand that is 100% juice)
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
ice cubes
Directions
Stir all ingredients together until blended. Serve over ice in sugar- or salt-rimmed glasses, garnished with fresh cranberries and lime wedges if desired.
Caramel Apple Martini
Apple cider, vodka, and butterscotch schnapps come together to make this tantalizing drink that everyone will want a taste of. Switch the vodka for bourbon to get an even warmer flavor. And don't forget to add an apple slice!
Ingredients
Caramel sauce, for the rim
Ice, for shaking
4 oz. apple cider
3 oz. vodka
2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
Sliced apple, for garnish
Directions
Place two martini glasses in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Dip the rims of the martini glasses in caramel sauce.
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice. Add the apple cider, vodka, and butterscotch schnapps. Seal and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Divide the mixture between the prepared martini glasses; garnish with apple, if you like.
Bees Knees
This beautiful cocktail is the perfect balance of tart and sweet thanks to lemon juice and a homemade honey syrup. You can serve it up with a lemon twist or make the drink even prettier by using a colorful edible flower.
For the Honey Syrup
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. hot water
2 oz. gin
1 oz. honey syrup
1 oz. lemon juice
Edible flowers or a lemon twist
Directions
For the honey syrup: In a liquid measuring cup, combine the honey and hot water. Whisk to combine. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until ready to use. For the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe class and serve with a lemon twist or edible flower.
Fireside Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
A cozy, spiced classic for guests who want something slow and serious.
Every holiday bar needs a “fireside” drink—a little stronger, a little moodier, something that pairs with conversation and jazz. This is a winter twist on the Old Fashioned that keeps the bones of the classic but layers in maple and warm spice.
Flavor profile: Rich, warming, slightly sweet, with cinnamon and orange aromas.
Best moment to serve: After appetizers, alongside savory bites or late-night snacks.
Ingredients (per cocktail)
2 oz good bourbon
0.5 oz real maple syrup
2–3 dashes Angostura or spiced bitters
1 orange peel or wheel
1 cinnamon stick (optional but gorgeous)
1 Luxardo or maraschino cherry (optional)
Large clear ice cube, if possible
Method
In a rocks glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
Add a large ice cube and stir 20–30 seconds until chilled and diluted slightly.
Express an orange peel over the glass (twist to release oils), rub the rim with it, then drop it in.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and cherry.
