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  1. Home
  2. Holidays and Occasions
  3. Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
  4. Terrific Holiday Cocktails

Terrific Holiday Cocktails

Updated December 19, 2019
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Cider-Bourbon-Honey Punch
Credit: Kelsey Hansen

Toast to good cheer during the holidays with colorful and festive cocktails that are certain to put you in good spirits.

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Lemon-Pear Toddy

Lemon-Pear Toddy
Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling

Lemon-Pear Toddy Recipe

This hot toddy comes together in a flash thanks to the microwave. A little fresh lemon juice adds a bright top note and balances the sweet pear flavor with light tang.

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Peanut Whiskey and Cola

Peanut Whiskey and Cola
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Peanut Whiskey and Cola Recipe

This cocktail is an ode to the sweet 'n' salty flavor combination we all know and love. With a splash of cola and a dusting of crushed peanuts, you're in for a tasty cocktail experience.

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Spiked Hot Chocolate

Spiked Hot Chocolate image
Credit: Christopher Testani; Prop Styling: Kaitlyn Duross; Food Styling: Chris Lanier

Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe

This warming treat is the perfect accompaniment for a walk through the snow: A hint of peppermint schnapps will give everyone a little pep in their step. Think of it as more of a dessert than a beverage, as this hot chocolate is a bit of a splurge. Canned coconut milk gives it full-bodied richness and makes it an indulgence. Molly explains that "coconut goes well with chocolate and mint, so it really brings this hot chocolate together nicely."

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Spiced Chocolate Stout Beer Cocktail

Spiced Chocolate Stout Beer Cocktail
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Spiced Chocolate Stout Beer Cocktail Recipe

A chocolate stout with a splash of brandy and spices brings out the holiday flavor in this ice-cold refresher.

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Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail

Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford, Claire Spollen

Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail Recipe

We spiked this punch with dark rum, but it's equally nice with bourbon. Or omit the bourbon altogether for an alcohol-free version of this warming beverage.

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Candy Cane Martini

Candy Cane Martini
Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Candy Cane Martini Recipe

We dare you-- look at this cocktail and try not to fall in love. Raise a glass and toast friends and family this holiday season.

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Homemade (Rum-infused) Horchata

Homemade Rum-infused Horchata
Credit: Ryan Moriarty; Styling: Callie Blount

Homemade (Rum-infused) Horchata Recipe

Whole milk and sweetened condensed milk make this booze-infused Mexican horchata insanely rich and creamy.

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Port of Call Punch

Port of Call Punch image
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Catherine Steele; Prop Styling: Thom Driver

Port of Call Punch Recipe

Gullo's muddling technique draws complex flavors from the lemon, making the beverage floral, bracing, and irresistible. A sprinkling of grated nutmeg on top adds a warm, soothing, fragrant layer to the punch, which is remarkably complex-flavored despite having only 6 ingredients. Ruby port has spent less time cask-aging than tawny port, and so is a little sweeter and fruitier, perfect in this recipe. This drink has a lower alcohol content than standard cocktails, a great quality in a punch that's meant to refresh as much as relax.

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Happy Elf

Happy Elf
Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Happy Elf Recipe

Who wants to share a colorful cocktail with Santa's favorite toy makers?

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Spiced Holiday Punch

Spiced Holiday Punch

Spiced Holiday Punch Recipe

Cocktail recipes are perfect picks for holiday entertaining. This chilled punch starts off with apple juice that's been simmered with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each glass is topped off with colorful cranberry juice and either ginger ale or sparkling wine.

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Peanut Whiskey and Cola

Peanut Whiskey and Cola
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Peanut Whiskey and Cola Recipe

This cocktail is an ode to the sweet 'n' salty flavor combination we all know and love. With a splash of cola and a dusting of crushed peanuts, you're in for a tasty cocktail experience.

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Rosemary Collins

Rosemary Collins
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Rosemary Collins Recipe

A fresh sprig of rosemary takes this cocktail from great to awesome and also adds some great flavor and aroma.

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Holiday Mojito

Holiday Mojito
Credit: Howard L. Puckett; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Holiday Mojito Recipe

Rum, mint, and a delightful pairing of fruit juices make this mojito the perfect holiday cocktail.

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Coconut Eggnog

Coconut Eggnog
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Coconut Eggnog Recipe

Coconut rum, coconut milk, and shaved coconut pieces on top make this a true coconut lover's paradise.

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How to Make Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer

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

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Amaretto Cherry Fizz

Amaretto Cherry Fizz
Credit: Ryan Liebe; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Amaretto Cherry Fizz Recipe

This is a simple twist on a classic. The amaretto sour cocktail balances the nutty sweetness of amaretto liqueur with the tartness of lemon and the cloudlike frothiness of shaken egg white. In this variation, the amaretto is infused with cherries and enlivened by a splash of prosecco (sparkling Italian wine).

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Rosy Apple Sparkler

Rosy Apple Sparkler
Credit: Linda Pugliese; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Rosy Apple Sparkler Recipe

Apple flavors pair with rosé to create a perfectly refreshing and satisfying cocktail.

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Retro Rum Punch

Retro Rum Punch
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Retro Rum Punch Recipe

Bring out a bit of an old classic with this sweet rum punch made complete with cranberries and pineapple wedges for a garnish.

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Crisp Autumn Serenade

Crisp Autumn Serenade
Credit: Ryan Liebe; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Crisp Autumn Serenade Recipe

This cocktail brings together the seasonal flavors of apples, pears, ginger, and maple. Bourbon gives it a bit of bite and backbone. (For a sweeter, richer version, you could use a dark rum, like Plantation Grande Reserve or El Dorado 5-year.) You'll make more of the tangy ginger-maple syrup than you need for the recipe; save the remaining syrup for other cocktails or to sweeten and spice up tea or mulled wine.

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Sparkling Spanish Punch

Sparkling Spanish Punch
Credit: Ryan Liebe; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Sparkling Spanish Punch Recipe

Today's cocktail is a descendent of punch, a noble drink that's enjoying a resurgence in bars all over the world. This one is based on the classic formula of the great recipes of the 17th and 18th centuries, most of which started with sugar soaked in lemon or orange oil. Here clementines are used instead, and all the spirits come from Spain. Spanish brandy is less well-known in the U.S. than cognac, but it is delicious and a great bargain, and the same could be said for cava, Spain's answer to Champagne.

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Spumante Molto Rosso

Spumante Molto Rosso
Credit: Ryan Liebe; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

Spumante Molto Rosso Recipe

The Negroni is one of the great cocktails, and it's simple: equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and the bittersweet Italian aperitivo Campari. This cocktail, a twist on that classic, aims to provide an easy introduction to Campari. Cranberry-infused gin complements Campari's bitter bite, which is smoothed out by the lime, sugar, and fruity prosecco. Roll the soaked cranberries in sugar and skewer on cocktail picks for a pretty garnish.

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Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail

Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Amy Burke

Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Make a festive holiday cocktail by adding leftover whole-berry cranberry sauce to bourbon and soda.

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Jingle Juice

Jingle Juice
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Jingle Juice Recipe

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.

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Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails

Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro; Leigh Ann Ross

Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails Recipe

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

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Cran-Bourbon Cocktail

Cran-Bourbon Cocktail
Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Cran-Bourbon Cocktail Recipe

Leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday meal is the perfect excuse to whip up this bourbon-based cocktail.

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Mulled Wine Sangria

Mulled Wine Sangria
Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Jan Gautro

Mulled Wine Sangria Recipe

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

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Capital Eggnog

Capital Eggnog
Credit: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Capital Eggnog Recipe

Trim the tree and get in the holiday spirit with a cup of homemade adult eggnog. Cheers!

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Spicy Rum Punch

Spicy Rum Punch
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Melanie J. Clarke

Spicy Rum Punch Recipe

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.

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Sparkling Chimayó Cocktails

Sparkling Chimayó Cocktails
Credit: Douglas Merriam; Jan Gautro

Sparkling Chimayó Cocktails Recipe

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.

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Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails

Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Cindy Barr; Leigh Ann Ross

Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails Recipe

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.

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Pomegranate Cocktail

Pomegranate Cocktail
Credit: Photography: Karry Hosford

Pomegranate Cocktail Recipe

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

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Pink Grapefruit Sparklers

Pink Grapefruit Sparklers
Credit: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Elizabeth Blake

Pink Grapefruit Sparklers Recipe

Serve Pink Grapefruit Sparklers at your holiday gathering. Garnish these refreshing, fizzy drinks with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

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Frozen Cranberry Margaritos

Frozen Cranberry Margaritos
Credit: Charles Walton IV

Frozen Cranberry Margaritos Recipe

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.

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Red Wine Sangria

Red Wine Sangria
Credit: Maura McEvoy

Red Wine Sangria Recipe

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.

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Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail

Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr, Jan Gautro, Leigh Ann Ross

Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail Recipe

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

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Simpleton Cocktail

Simpleton Cocktail
Credit: Beatriz Da Costa

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

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Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Raspberry Beer Cocktail
Credit: William Dickey; Styling: Margaret Dickey

Raspberry Beer Cocktail Recipe

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

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Satsuma Cocktail

Satsuma Cocktail
Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Satsuma Cocktail Recipe

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 great partner for gin.

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Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail

Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
Credit: Jan Smith

Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail Recipe

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.

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Holiday Milk Punch

Holiday Milk Punch
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Holiday Milk Punch Recipe

It's unusual to find a cold drink that gives you that sense of holiday coziness, but this one does. Grate the nutmeg fresh. It makes a difference.

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Spanish Sangria

Spanish Sangria

Spanish Sangria Recipe

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

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Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch

Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch
Credit: James Carrier

Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch Recipe

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.

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Blood Orange Sangría

Blood Orange Sangría
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Blood Orange Sangría Recipe

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.

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Cranberry-Mint Infusions

Cranberry-Mint Infusion
Credit: Lisa Romerein

Cranberry-Mint Infusions Recipe

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

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Smuggler's Coffee

Smuggler's Coffee
Credit: Fredrika Stjärne

Smuggler's Coffee Recipe

This double rum coffee is deliciously flavored with cinnamon and orange zest.

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Mint-and-White-Chocolate Milk Punch

Mint-and-White-Chocolate Milk Punch
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Mint-and-White-Chocolate Milk Punch Recipe

This frothy drink features all the flavors of the holiday season. For a wintry, festive rim to your milk punch, crush peppermint sticks, dip your cup in corn syrup, and dip again in the peppermint.

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Pomegranate Prosecco

Pomegranate Prosecco
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Pomegranate Prosecco Recipe

Utilize the winter season's bounty in a bubbly sipper featuring sparkling Italian wine.

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Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush

Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush
Credit: Levi Brown; Styling: Tiziana Agnello

Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush Recipe

Is it a drink or dessert? Who cares? It satisfies both cravings. Our garnet-colored slush has all the qualities of a delicious cocktail—a not-too-sweet combination of high-quality liquor and fruity tang.

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Holiday Cosmopolitan

Holiday Cosmopolitan
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Holiday Cosmopolitan Recipe

Infuse a traditional Cosmo with holiday cheer by using a rosemary and cranberry sauce reduction in place of cranberry juice.

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Fresh Orange, Rosemary, and Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail

Fresh Orange, Rosemary, and Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Fresh Orange, Rosemary, and Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail Recipe

Fresh Orange, Rosemary, and Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail is a favorite holiday drink to get your party buzzing.

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Poinsettia Punch

Poinsettia Punch
Credit: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Poinsettia Punch Recipe

Chill the Champagne and juice in the refrigerator before the party; then mix the Poinsettia Punch right before serving.

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Eggnog Cocktail

mr-Eggnog Cocktail Image
Credit: Olivia Dansky

Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

If you’re into eggnog for the bourbon, here’s a drink that’ll give you exactly what you want. Kahlua and bourbon balance out the eggnog, and the fresh ground nutmeg and warm cinnamon on top bring everything together. Go ahead and double this recipe, because these eggnog cocktails go quickly. For extra fun, serve with a gingerbread cookie on the side.

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Blackberry Cardamom Mulled Wine

Blackberry Cardamom Mulled Wine

Blackberry Cardamom Mulled Wine Recipe

A departure from traditional mulled wines that sugar and spice up a wine like a gingerbread cookie, this more delicate, floral mulled wine plays up the essence of a jammy Malbec or Zinfandel with blackberry and vanilla bean and adds hints of cardamom and cinnamon for a twist.

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Coquito

Coquito
Credit:  Greg DuPree; Styling: Lindsey Lower, Torie Cox

Coquito Recipe

This traditional Puerto Rican cocktail tastes like a very thick and creamy coconut eggnog. It's very rich, so you can serve it over ice, if preferred, to dilute it a little. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of rum depending on how strong you like it. The drink keeps in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Pro tip: It's great for gift-giving! Simply place in a decorative glass bottle with a stopper for a delightful Christmas gift. 

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Fizzy Cider Punch

Fizzy Cider Punch
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Fizzy Cider Punch Recipe

Sliced red and green apples give this Prosecco-topped drink a holiday touch. Swap brandy for bourbon, if you prefer.

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Merry Manhattan

Merry Manhattan image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Merry Manhattan Recipe

Cherry liqueur gives this classic cocktail a holiday feel. For a twist, try using maraschino cherries soaked in bourbon or Luxardo—both are available on Amazon.

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Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch

Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch Recipe

This refreshing punch will make your next cocktail party or happy hour the talk of the town. Spicy ginger and bourbon (our Test Kitchen recommends using Bulleit Bourbon) give this big-batch cocktail a bite that’s balanced out by fresh orange and lemon juices and sparkling mineral water (such as Topo Chico). The homemade ginger syrup is easy to prepare and can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. There is no need to peel the ginger root because it will eventually be strained out of the cooked syrup, however, you should scrub the ginger clean if the skin is dirty. Be sure to squeeze fresh citrus instead of using the bottled stuff; it doesn’t take long and makes all of the difference in this recipe. Big-batch drinks like this one are ideal for entertaining because you can prepare them ahead of the party, and scale them up if needed. If you want to make Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch in advance, simply combine all of the ingredients except the sparkling water and orange slices in a large pitcher one day in advance. Store the punch in the refrigerator. When it is party time, add the orange slices and stir the punch (in the pitcher or transfer to a punch bowl) to combine all of the ingredients. Serve in glasses over ice. Cheers!

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Eggnog Mudslide

Eggnog Mudslide image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Eggnog Mudslide Recipe

If you’re in the mood to drink your dessert this holiday season (or you’re just tired of plain eggnog), this tall, creamy glass of sweet decadence—also known as an Eggnog Mudslide—is everything you’re looking for. 

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Cranberry Sangría Punch

Cranberry Sangría Punch
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Cranberry Sangría Punch Recipe

This wintry, ruby-red spin on sangría is a staff favorite but comes with a warning: It goes down easy. Make it a day ahead, and add the Champagne right before serving.

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Hot Buttered RumChata

Hot Buttered RumChata image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Hot Buttered RumChata Recipe

Here’s a creamy take on traditional buttered rum: Rumchata is a blend of rum, cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. Essentially, it’s the Mexican drink, horchata, combined with rum. Even if you’re unfamiliar with horchata, the apple pie spice adds the coziness you know and love in a winter cocktail. The result is a combination of two super-comforting, homey drinks that’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace or on a rainy day.

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Egg on Fire

Egg on Fire image
Credit: Time Inc. Video Studios

Egg on Fire Recipe

For an extra festive holiday toast, try this easy recipe to liven up your store-bought eggnog. 

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Warm Spiced (and Spiked) Cabernet

Warm Spiced (and Spiked) Cabernet
Credit: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Paige Hicks

Warm Spiced (and Spiked) Cabernet Recipe

From the Kitchen of…Rachel Lasserre, Art Director

"If my cousin is in charge, then our warm wine punch goes especially boozy. Either way, it's got to have the oranges with the little cloves."

Garnish this punch with a cinnamon stick or orange slices.

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Spiced Rum Milk Punch

EC: This Spiced Rum Milk Punch Is Like Eggnog Without the Eggs
Credit: Photo and Video by Alex Tepper

Spiced Rum Milk Punch Recipe

Traditional milk punch is made with either brandy or bourbon. We switched those out for spiced rum to make a spiced rum milk punch that's just like homemade eggnog—just without the egg. This creamy cocktail is sweetened condensed milk and flavored with cinnamon sticks and vanilla. The best part? You can make the milk punch mixture ahead of time and store it in your fridge for future boozing. When you’re ready to serve the milk punch, just mix in the spiced rum and serve over ice. We sprinkled cinnamon sugar over top, but feel free to garnish with nutmeg, too.

Spiced Rum Milk Punch

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Cinnamon Hot Toddy

Cinnamon Hot Toddy image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Cinnamon Hot Toddy Recipe

Mulled cider and cinnamon whiskey unite to create a perfect winter sipper. The Fireball flavor may be subtle here, but there’s no doubt this cider is spiked. We prefer using refrigerated cider to shelf-stable cider. Depending on your preferred brand of cider, you may choose to omit the added sugar during the mulling step. This recipe makes 12 servings, but you don’t have to serve it all at once. You can mull the cider, serve what you want, and save the remainder in the fridge.

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Eggnog Creamsicle

Eggnog Creamsicle image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Eggnog Creamsicle Recipe

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of eggnog served straight, we’re willing to bet you might just love it in this dreamy holiday spin on a creamsicle.

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Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch

Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch Recipe

We created this refreshing punch with tailgating in mind, but it would be a hit at fall gathering. Made with frozen cranberries, sparkling apple cider, honey, brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, and bourbon, it’s deliciously sweet and tangy. Frozen cranberries are best for this recipe; be sure to let them thaw before you add them to the food processor.

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Rum-Spiked Horchata

Rum Spiked Horchata
Credit: Jennifer Causey Styling: Lindsey Lower

Rum-Spiked Horchata Recipe

This drink, a modern twist on the Latin American favorite, is fun and easy to make. In Mexico it's traditionally made by soaking or cooking rice and blending it into a milk. To save time, Gutierrez employs purchased rice milk. You can make this drink up to a week in advance; give it a good stir before serving to remix the superfine almond and rice solids.

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Gingerbread Eggnog Martini

Gingerbread Eggnog Martini image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Gingerbread Eggnog Martini Recipe

This dessert cocktail-inspired take on eggnog highlights traditional spiked eggnog’s flavor while adding hints of ginger and not being thick. Choose whichever brand or variation of eggnog works for your crowd. You can make these ahead of time as well, and then rim the glasses and store them in the freezer or fridge. Stir together eggnog, vodka, and ginger liqueur in a pitcher and store until it’s time to serve. Then, stir again before serving.

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Cherry, Citrus, and Herb Whiskey Cocktail

Cherry, Citrus, and Herb Whiskey Cocktail
Credit: Greg Dupree; Styling: Claire Spollen

Cherry, Citrus, and Herb Whiskey Cocktail Recipe

There's nothing old-fashioned about this herb-and-citrus spin on a classic. To make a lemon peel twist, slice a piece of the peel off the lemon, Then, cut off the pulp and pith so you only have a long, thin strip of peel. Twist the peel into a curly shape and garnish at will. If you really dislike rosemary, you could use another strongly flavored herb, like thyme. The hardest part about this cocktail? The anticipation of waiting for the ice cubes to freeze so you can enjoy it.

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Holiday Punch

Holiday Punch

Holiday Punch Recipe

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Meyer Lemon Drop

Meyer Lemon Drop image
Credit: Meredith Food Studios

Meyer Lemon Drop Recipe

When life gives you Meyer lemons, make this softened take on a lemon drop. Meyer lemons are in season from November to March, so the holidays are the perfect time to take advantage of these unique fruits. They’re considered a cross between a standard lemon and a mandarin orange, so their tartness is subdued. Place the candies in a Ziplock bag to finely crush. It’s easier to get a nice thick ring on the glass by holding it in one hand and sprinkling the candy dust on with the other.

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Cider-Bourbon-Honey Punch

Cider-Bourbon-Honey Punch
Credit: Kelsey Hansen

Cider-Bourbon-Honey Punch Recipe

Make this cocktail the morning of—or the night before—the Thanksgiving feast, then let guests ladle out cups as they arrive. We like to keep the punch chilled using an ice ring with lemon and apple slices frozen inside.

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    1 of 72 Lemon-Pear Toddy
    2 of 72 Peanut Whiskey and Cola
    3 of 72 Spiked Hot Chocolate
    4 of 72 Spiced Chocolate Stout Beer Cocktail
    5 of 72 Apple-Cranberry Holiday Wassail
    6 of 72 Candy Cane Martini
    7 of 72 Homemade (Rum-infused) Horchata
    8 of 72 Port of Call Punch
    9 of 72 Happy Elf
    10 of 72 Spiced Holiday Punch
    11 of 72 Peanut Whiskey and Cola
    12 of 72 Rosemary Collins
    13 of 72 Holiday Mojito
    14 of 72 Coconut Eggnog
    15 of 72 How to Make Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer
    16 of 72 Amaretto Cherry Fizz
    17 of 72 Rosy Apple Sparkler
    18 of 72 Retro Rum Punch
    19 of 72 Crisp Autumn Serenade
    20 of 72 Sparkling Spanish Punch
    21 of 72 Spumante Molto Rosso
    22 of 72 Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail
    23 of 72 Jingle Juice
    24 of 72 Pomegranate-Key Lime Vodka Cocktails
    25 of 72 Cran-Bourbon Cocktail
    26 of 72 Mulled Wine Sangria
    27 of 72 Capital Eggnog
    28 of 72 Spicy Rum Punch
    29 of 72 Sparkling Chimayó Cocktails
    30 of 72 Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails
    31 of 72 Pomegranate Cocktail
    32 of 72 Pink Grapefruit Sparklers
    33 of 72 Frozen Cranberry Margaritos
    34 of 72 Red Wine Sangria
    35 of 72 Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail
    36 of 72 Simpleton Cocktail
    37 of 72 Raspberry Beer Cocktail
    38 of 72 Satsuma Cocktail
    39 of 72 Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
    40 of 72 Holiday Milk Punch
    41 of 72 Spanish Sangria
    42 of 72 Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch
    43 of 72 Blood Orange Sangría
    44 of 72 Cranberry-Mint Infusions
    45 of 72 Smuggler's Coffee
    46 of 72 Mint-and-White-Chocolate Milk Punch
    47 of 72 Pomegranate Prosecco
    48 of 72 Cranberry-Whiskey Sour Slush
    49 of 72 Holiday Cosmopolitan
    50 of 72 Fresh Orange, Rosemary, and Sage Sparkling Wine Cocktail
    51 of 72 Poinsettia Punch
    52 of 72 Eggnog Cocktail
    53 of 72 Blackberry Cardamom Mulled Wine
    54 of 72 Coquito
    55 of 72 Fizzy Cider Punch
    56 of 72 Merry Manhattan
    57 of 72 Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch
    58 of 72 Eggnog Mudslide
    59 of 72 Cranberry Sangría Punch
    60 of 72 Hot Buttered RumChata
    61 of 72 Egg on Fire
    62 of 72 Warm Spiced (and Spiked) Cabernet
    63 of 72 Spiced Rum Milk Punch
    64 of 72 Cinnamon Hot Toddy
    65 of 72 Eggnog Creamsicle
    66 of 72 Whiskey-Apple Cider Punch
    67 of 72 Rum-Spiked Horchata
    68 of 72 Gingerbread Eggnog Martini
    69 of 72 Cherry, Citrus, and Herb Whiskey Cocktail
    70 of 72 Holiday Punch
    71 of 72 Meyer Lemon Drop
    72 of 72 Cider-Bourbon-Honey Punch

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