20 Terrific Holiday Cocktails

Spiced Holiday Punch

Perfect for holiday entertaining, this chilled punch starts off with apple juice that's been simmered with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and then chilled. Each glass is topped off with colorful cranberry juice and either ginger ale or sparkling wine.

Recipe: Spiced Holiday Punch

Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer

This sparkling vodka-based orange juice drink just might be the real reason Rudolph's nose is red.

Recipe: Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer

Jingle Juice

Use candy canes as fun garnishes for this orange juice and vodka cocktail. Its red-orange color comes from the addition of maraschino cherry juice.

Recipe: Jingle Juice

Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails

Show your holiday colors with this festive drink featuring the red of pomegranate juice and the green of tropical key limes.

Recipe: Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails

Mulled Wine Sangria

Simmering red wine in mulling spices such as allspice, cloves and cinnamon adds a distinct holiday flavor to the wine. After simmering with the spices, chill it and combine with club soda and fruit for a sparkling holiday drink.

Recipe: Mulled Wine Sangria

Spicy Rum Punch

Ginger beer and dark rum add deep rich flavor to this spiced fruit juice punch. The recipe makes 20 servings, so it's great for holiday entertaining.

Recipe: Spicy Rum Punch

Sparkling Chimayó Cocktails

A signature drink at the Restaurante Rancho de Chimayó near Santa Fe, this chilled cocktail's golden color comes from apple cider and gold tequila.

Recipe: Sparkling Chimayó Cocktails

Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails

Pour a pitcher of this cranberry flavored, vodka-spiked tea for a holiday open house or cocktail party. You can combine the base of the drink ahead of time and add the ginger ale just before serving.

Recipe: Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails

Pomegranate Cocktail

Blood orange and pomegranate are two of the trendiest flavors of the season, so combine these two fruit juices in a fashionably refreshing cocktail.

Recipe: Pomegranate Cocktail

Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

This festive twist on a mojito uses tequila instead of rum and is made with pureed whole-berry cranberry sauce and orange liqueur. It's sure to be a hit at any holiday cocktail party.

Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

Red Wine Sangria

Combine lemonade, fresh fruit and a bottle of red wine for a colorful holiday beverage. Sangria is great for entertaining because you can mix up a pitcher and be done.

Recipe: Red Wine Sangria

Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail

Nothing is nicer than sitting in front of a cozy fireplace sipping on a golden brandy cocktail.

Recipe: Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail

Simpleton Cocktail

Keep it simple during the busy holidays with this easy cocktail. All you need are two juices, a lime and some vodka.

Recipe: Simpleton Cocktail

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Turn your beer red for the holidays by adding raspberry-lemonade mix and fresh raspberries to your favorite beer.

Recipe: Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Satsuma Cocktail

Satsumas are small Japanese oranges that are members of the mandarin orange family. They're in peak season during the fall and winter months, and the juice makes a really great partner for gin.

Recipe: Satsuma Cocktail

Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

Three ingredients and you're set to make this colorful and tasty cocktail. You can leave out the vodka and just use more of the sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic holiday drink.

Recipe: Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

Spanish Sangria

Opt for serving pitchers of sangria at your next party rather than having an open bar. It's quite festive as well as economical.

Recipe: Spanish Sangria

Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch

Offer a glass or mug of warm spiced wine to guests at your holiday open house. It's a great way to welcome company, and the simmering spices add a wonderful aroma to your home.

Recipe: Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch

Blood Orange Sangria

Blood orange-flavored anything is trendy this season, so show your style with this fruited, spiced wine featuring these sweet oranges with the crimson-colored flesh.

Recipe: Blood Orange Sangria

Cranberry-Mint Infusions

Combine mint tea, cranberry syrup, limoncello and vodka in these classy cocktails that are perfect for a sophisticated holiday party.

Recipe: Cranberry-Mint Infusions

More Holiday Drinks

Enjoy more festive drinks as you entertain or relax during the holidays.

• Warm Winter Ciders and Brews
• Heavenly Hot Chocolate
• Party-Pleasing Cocktails
• Toast the New Year
• Cocktail Recipes