Holiday cocktails and mocktails to make everyone merry and bright

By:  | December 4, 2024 |  |  Monmouth County

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, and what better way to celebrate than with a few festive drinks? Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for the perfect drink to serve at a cozy gathering, we've put together a list of the best Christmas cocktails and mocktails that will wow your guests.

Cocktails

1. Cranberry Moscow Mule
A festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail is refreshing and bright.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a copper mug, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
2. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer.
3. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime slice.
    

2. Peppermint Bark Martini
Indulge your sweet tooth with this delicious dessert cocktail that tastes just like Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• Crushed candy canes for rimming
• Whipped cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with crushed candy canes.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

3. Eggnog White Russian
A creamy holiday favorite with a twist!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 2 oz eggnog
• Nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. Top with eggnog and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

4. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
Warm up your guests with this spiced, fruity sangria.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 2 cups spiced apple cider
• 1 cup brandy
• Sliced apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, spiced apple cider, and brandy.
2. Add sliced fruit and cinnamon sticks.
3. Chill for at least an hour before serving and serve over ice.

Mocktails

1. Cranberry Sparkler
This non-alcoholic drink is as festive as it is refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup sparkling water or soda
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the cranberry juice and top with sparkling water.
3. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cranberries.

2. Gingerbread Mocktail
A deliciously spiced beverage that captures the essence of holiday baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 oz molasses
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon and ginger for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine ginger ale, molasses, and lemon juice.
2. Shake gently and pour into a glass filled with ice.
3. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and ginger for a festive touch.

3. Pineapple Pomegranate Fizz
This tropical mocktail adds a vibrant splash of color to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• Sparkling water
• Pomegranate seeds and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, mix the pineapple and pomegranate juices.
2. Top with sparkling water.
3. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint.

4. Holiday Punch
A crowd-pleasing punch that’s perfect for parties, with or without alcohol!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple juice
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups sparkling water
• Sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine apple juice and cranberry juice.
2. Just before serving, add sparkling water.
3. Garnish with sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks.