• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Parallel Plates
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Soups
    • Sides
    • Desserts
  • Resources
×
Home » Drinks

The 29 holiday cocktails everyone's suddenly mixing this season

Published: Dec 23, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday cocktails are the easiest way to make any gathering feel special, and the ones people are mixing this season are really hitting the mark. These drinks are full of flavor, simple to pull together, and just fun to sip. They’re the kind of recipes that make you look forward to the next round without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just winding down after a long day, these cocktails feel like the perfect fit for the season.

A glass of Santa’s Hat Coconut Rum Cocktail.
Santa’s Hat Coconut Rum Cocktail. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Very Merry Melon Grinch Green Cocktail

A glass of Very Merry Melon Grinch Green Cocktail.
Very Merry Melon Grinch Green Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This bright green cocktail brings tropical fruit and citrus together for an eye-catching result. Quick to prepare, it suits both holiday themes and themed parties.
Get the Recipe: Very Merry Melon Grinch Green Cocktail

Champagne Cocktail

A glass of Champagne Cocktail.
Champagne Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This sparkling cocktail fits easily into any celebration, from short toasts to longer gatherings. With only chilling and pouring required, it adds a festive touch without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Cocktail

Spiked Bananas Foster Ice Cream Rum Nog Cocktail

A glass of Spiked Bananas Foster Ice Cream Rum Nog Cocktail with fresh bananas on the background.
Spiked Bananas Foster Ice Cream Rum Nog Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This creamy cocktail mixes rum, banana, and ice cream for a rich dessert-style pour. It’s quick to assemble and works well as a make-ahead option for busy hosting.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Bananas Foster Ice Cream Rum Nog Cocktail

White Christmas Cocktail

A glass of White Christmas Cocktail.
White Christmas Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This refreshing cocktail combines fruit and ginger for a light, clean finish. Easy to prepare, it’s well suited for larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: White Christmas Cocktail

Santa’s Hat Coconut Rum Cocktail

A glass of Santa’s Hat Coconut Rum Cocktail.
Santa’s Hat Coconut Rum Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This fruity cocktail balances tart and sweet flavors with a snowy finish of shredded coconut. It comes together quickly, making it a fun choice for holiday parties where presentation adds a playful touch.
Get the Recipe: Santa’s Hat Coconut Rum Cocktail

Gingerbread White Russian

Close-up image of 2 glasses of gingerbread white russian.
Gingerbread White Russian. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cocktail combines coffee with a hint of molasses for a deep, warming flavor. It’s simple to mix and serves nicely as an after-dinner choice in cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread White Russian

Eggless Coquito Con Dulce De Leche

Two glasses of Eggless Coquito Con Dulce De Leche.
Eggless Coquito Con Dulce De Leche. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This creamy cocktail features coconut and caramel for a rich holiday drink. It can be made ahead of time, easing the demands of hosting.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Coquito Con Dulce De Leche

Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Two empress 1908 gin sours next to a bottle of purple gin.
Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This striking cocktail changes color as it’s poured, adding visual interest without extra effort. Straightforward to prepare, it makes a memorable addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail.
Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This timeless cocktail relies on a short ingredient list and careful stirring. It suits both formal and casual holiday settings with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of whiskey with oranges and a wooden stick.
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This classic cocktail gains extra depth with a touch of smoke, creating a bold sip with minimal ingredients. Stirred rather than shaken, it allows for controlled preparation.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Sparkling Meyer Lemon Blackberry Jam Prosecco Cocktail

A glass of Sparkling Meyer Lemon Blackberry Jam Prosecco Cocktail.
Sparkling Meyer Lemon Blackberry Jam Prosecco Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This sparkling cocktail mixes citrus and berry flavors for a bright, celebratory sip. Fast to assemble, it works especially well for end-of-year events.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Meyer Lemon Blackberry Jam Prosecco Cocktail

Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita

A refreshing cocktail made with pomegranate juice and garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This colorful cocktail blends tart pomegranate with floral syrup for a balanced sip. A little prep is needed, but it rewards with strong visual appeal and bright flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Pomegranate Margarita

Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail

A glass of Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita.
Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This classic cocktail pairs vodka with cranberry and lime for a crisp result. Easy to mix, it adds a polished touch to holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Orange Cranberry Sangria Mocktail

Orange Cranberry Sangria Mocktail. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This non-alcoholic cocktail layers orange and cranberry flavors into a bright, fruit-forward drink. It’s simple to prepare in larger batches, making it practical for group events.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sangria Mocktail

Raspberry Linzer Cookie Shots

Raspberry Linzer Cookie Shots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These shot-style cocktails combine nutty and berry notes into a small festive serving. They’re quick to assemble and perfect for lively holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Linzer Cookie Shots

Kir Royale

Kir Royale. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This refined cocktail combines sparkling wine with blackcurrant for a smooth pour. Only two ingredients are needed, keeping preparation simple and efficient.
Get the Recipe: Kir Royale

Elderflower Mojito Rum Cocktail

Elderflower Mojito Rum Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This light cocktail combines mint, rum, and floral notes for a crisp finish. It’s quick to mix and works well as a refreshing option alongside richer holiday drinks.
Get the Recipe: Elderflower Mojito Rum Cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail

Manhattan Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This classic cocktail mixes whiskey, vermouth, and bitters for a balanced flavor. Stirred quickly, it suits guests who appreciate tradition.
Get the Recipe: Manhattan Cocktail

Apple Pie à la Mode Cocktail

Apple Pie à la Mode Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This dessert-inspired cocktail captures apple, spice, and vanilla notes in a smooth pour. Simple to mix, it fits seamlessly into fall and winter menus.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie à la Mode Cocktail

Blackberry Basil Mojito

Blackberry iced tea with lime and easy mixed citrus liqueur recipe.
Blackberry Basil Mojito. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

This herb-forward cocktail combines blackberries and basil for a fresh finish. Lightly muddled, it’s quick to prepare and fits relaxed gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Basil Mojito

Christmas Chocolate Cake Martini Cocktail

Christmas Chocolate Cake Martini Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This dessert-style cocktail blends chocolate and milk for a rich, sweet pour. Fast to assemble, it works well as a festive party option.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Chocolate Cake Martini Cocktail

Non Alcoholic Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Non Alcoholic Cosmopolitan Cocktail. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This alcohol-free cocktail delivers sharp cranberry and lime notes with no complicated steps. Quick to mix, it fits seamlessly into holiday menus for guests avoiding spirits.
Get the Recipe: Non Alcoholic Cosmopolitan Cocktail

Gingerbread Latte Dessert Rum Cocktail

Gingerbread Latte Dessert Rum Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This dessert-style cocktail mixes rum and coffee liqueur for a rich finish. Quick to prepare, it works well as an after-dinner option during holiday evenings.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Latte Dessert Rum Cocktail

Vesper Martini Cocktail

Vesper Martini Cocktail. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This bold cocktail blends gin and vodka for a strong, clean pour. With minimal ingredients, it suits guests who prefer a straightforward drink.
Get the Recipe: Vesper Martini Cocktail

Maple Apple Whiskey Sour

Maple Apple Whiskey Sour. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This comforting cocktail combines apple cider, maple, and whiskey for a balanced flavor. It’s easy to shake and works well for fall and winter celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Maple Apple Whiskey Sour

Blackberry Gin and Tonic

Top down view of two blackberry gin and tonics with crushed ice.
Blackberry Gin and Tonic. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This refreshing cocktail adds muddled blackberries to a familiar gin base, creating a deeper fruit-forward taste. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for small gatherings or casual celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Gin and Tonic

Mulled Wine Fireball Jello Shots

Mulled Wine Fireball Jello Shots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These playful cocktail shots turn spiced wine flavors into a bite-sized treat. They can be prepared in advance, making party setup easier while still standing out.
Get the Recipe: Mulled Wine Fireball Jello Shots

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Two champagne pomegranate cocktails in coupe glasses on a dark blue background scattered with pomegranate seeds.
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

This festive cocktail balances fruit sweetness with a touch of bitterness for depth. Quick to assemble, it works well for celebratory toasts.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita

Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This vibrant cocktail pairs tequila with cranberry and citrus for a lively mix. It’s simple to assemble and brings freshness and color to holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Festive Holiday Cranberry Margarita

More Drinks

  • A mug of S’mores Latte.
    41 winter drinks everyone sips before the fire dies down
  • A glass of Cranberry Cosmopolitan Cocktail.
    29 best new year’s eve cocktail ideas to keep the toasts going
  • An image of two glasses of Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktails.
    32 festive holiday drinks everyone finishes before midnight
  • A mug of The Best Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate.
    21 comforting hot drinks people linger over long after dessert

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Close up headshot

Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

More about me →

Popular

  • Blackstone Chicken Breast with green beans on a white plate with a fork.
    The april dinner reset: 19 light meals that don’t sacrifice flavor
  • An image of champagne chicken on a pan and a plate.
    Stop overthinking dinner: 17 easy recipes that just work
  • Beef Lo Mein top view.
    14 easy recipes that taste like you ordered takeout
  • An overview of two Spring Gyros with a bowl of Apricot Salsa next to them.
    The spring shortcut list: 19 dinners with minimal prep, maximum flavor

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure & Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Black Bicycle LLC