Hosting this holiday or just hanging out? Here are the best merry cocktails for the season, including classic spirits and festive recipes
The holidays are the one time of year when indulgence isn’t just allowed — it’s encouraged. From twinkling lights to clinking glassware, a truly festive gathering deserves cocktails that feel celebratory, cozy, and just a little decadent. These are not everyday drinks; they are the best merry cocktails for the season! They are designed to evoke warmth, sparkle, and seasonal cheer. Here are five crowd-pleasing holiday cocktails.
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Maple Old Fashioned Cheer
This winter-ready twist on the classic Old Fashioned leans into deep, warming flavors. Maple syrup adds seasonal sweetness while orange and spice keep it elegant and comforting — ideal for fireside sipping.
Ingredients
-
2 oz bourbon
-
½ oz pure maple syrup
-
2 dashes aromatic bitters
-
Orange peel
-
Cinnamon stick (optional)
Create
- Stir bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice until well chilled
- Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass
- Express the orange peel over the drink
- Garnish with cinnamon if desired
Cranberry Cinnamon Margarita
Bright, festive, and jewel-toned, this margarita brings holiday flair to tequila lovers. Tart cranberry balances citrus, while cinnamon adds subtle seasonal warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- Cinnamon sugar rim (optional)
Create
- Shake all ingredients with ice until cold
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
- Garnish with a lime wheel or floating cranberries
Mulled Holiday Red
Few drinks feel as instantly seasonal as mulled wine. This slow-simmered classic fills the room with holiday aroma and delivers comfort in every sip.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup honey or sugar
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
Create
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat
- Warm gently for 15–20 minutes without boiling
- Strain
- Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses
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Pomegranate Sparkler
Elegant and celebratory, this cocktail is perfect for holiday toasts. The ruby hue and crisp bubbles make it visually stunning and refreshingly light.
Ingredients
- Champagne or dry sparkling wine
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- Fresh pomegranate seeds
Create
- Pour pomegranate juice into a flute
- Top with chilled champagne
- Garnish with a few seeds for sparkle
Peppermint White Russian
Decadent and dessert-like, this holiday version of the White Russian feels tailor-made for December nights. Creamy, minty, and indulgent, it’s pure seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- Heavy cream
Create
- Fill a rocks glass with ice
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps
- Float cream on top and stir gently before sipping
Whether you’re hosting a lively party or enjoying a quiet night by the tree, these Merry Cocktails bring warmth, indulgence, and unmistakable holiday atmosphere to every glass. Cheers to the season.
