SPONSORED — ‘Tis the season to be merry and stock up on good tidings, cheer and cocktails. While the kiddos may consider Santa as the seasonal MVP, we drinking-age folks know that it’s really the bartender who takes the prize as jolliest elf. Nothing gets you in the holiday mood quite like a festively fashionable cocktail. With beloved classics, new favorites, or seasonally themed fizzers – there are plenty of options to brighten up your holiday celebrations and gatherings. And whether you’re keeping calories low or throwing a big bash, we’ve got the best holiday cocktail recipes to suit every noel need. It’s time to get those yuletide spirits flowing!
Holiday Cocktail Recipes For a Crowd
Merry Mule Punch
Seasonally themed and happily spiced, this sweet and tart cocktail provides just the right amount of kick to liven up any celebration.
Recipe:
- 16 ounces 1941 Vodka
- 32 ounces ginger beer
- 8 ounces cranberry juice
- 8 ounces orange juice
- 4 ounces lime juice
- Frozen cranberries
- Orange slices
In a large pitcher or bowl, combine vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, orange juice and lime juice. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish with cranberries and float orange slices on top. Serves 10.
Winter Citrus Punch
Cheery and bright, this colorful concoction is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become one of the signature holiday cocktails in your hosting arsenal.
Recipe:
- 12 ounces Jameson Irish Whiskey
- 4 ounces lemon juice
- 8 ounces grapefruit juice
- 4 ounces cinnamon syrup
- 8 ounces club soda
- Grapefruit slices
- Lemon slices
- Peppercorn
- Star anise
Add Jameson, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and cinnamon syrup in a punch bowl with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with grapefruit and lemon slices, peppercorn and star anise.
Red Nosed Rum Punch
Graduate Santa from milk and cookies by serving up this flavorful punch that pairs perfectly with red-nosed reindeers and red suits alike. Double or triple this recipe to spread the cheer.
Recipe:
- 5 ounces Stella Rosa Red, chilled
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- 1 ounce Palms White Rum
- 4-5 raspberries
- Mint sprig
- Rosemary sprig
In a glass with ice add wine, sparkling water, rum and raspberries. Stir gently and garnish with a mint and rosemary sprig.
Low-Calorie Cocktail Recipes
Hornitos Ranch Water
Celebrate Christmas south of the border with this zesty zinger that’s as refreshing as a crisp December morning.
Recipe:
- 1 ounce Hornitos Plata Tequila
- Fresh squeezed lime juice
- 4 ounces club soda
- Lime wedge
In a glass with ice, add tequila and a splash of lime juice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.
Italian Getaway
Ring in the new year with a resolution to live la dolce vita all year long with this tasty twist on a beloved Italian favorite.
Recipe:
- 2 ounces Yellow Tail Pure Bright Pinot Grigio
- ½ ounce Aperol Aperitivo
- ½ ounce sparkling water
- Orange slice
In a glass, add wine, Aperol and sparkling water. Add ice and stir. Garnish with an orange slice.
Grey Goose Dry Martini
This iconic cocktail perfectly showcases the crisp essence and smooth finish of Grey Goose Vodka while keeping holiday spirits high and calories low.
Recipe:
- 2 ounces Grey Goose Vodka
- ½ ounce Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth, chilled
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon zest
In a glass with ice, add vodka, vermouth and bitters. Stir and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with lemon zest.
If you’d rather spend more time sipping than making cocktails this season, check out Ketel One Botanical Spritz offered in three unique flavors and all low-calorie.
Looking for more festive inspiration?
Check out ABC's holiday cocktail recipe collection for the full array of delectable yuletide drinks.
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All photos provided by ABC fine Wine and Spirits