12 Toast-Worthy Cocktails to Keep the Holidays Merry and Bright

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Bring a festive spark to your holiday gatherings with cocktails that keep spirits high and conversations lively. These drink recipes are all about making it easy to add a little cheer to every toast, with flavors and colors that brighten up any celebration. Whether you’re hosting family or sharing a cozy night with friends, these cocktails bring just the right mix of fun and flavor to the season. Raise a glass and let these drinks make the holidays feel a little merrier and brighter.

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.

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.

The Empress 1908 Gin Sour mixes gin, lemon juice, and syrup for a striking purple cocktail ready in just 5 minutes. Its bold color and smooth flavor bring a touch of elegance to any holiday gathering, making it memorable for guests. This cocktail adds a bit of sophistication to the festivities, perfect for making moments feel special. Each sip captures the holiday spirit in vibrant color.
Get the Recipe: Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Two cadillac margaritas in front of a bowl of citrus fruit.
Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita combines premium tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a smooth, tangy cocktail ready in 10 minutes. Its refined taste and salted rim make it a memorable holiday choice, setting it apart from standard party drinks. This cocktail draws focus, keeping family chatter on the flavors rather than holiday stress. Expect guests to keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Raspberry mojito cocktails with a mojito party pitcher.
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Raspberry Mojito, with fresh raspberries, mint, lime, and rum, brings a lively, fruity flavor to holiday gatherings. Quick and easy in just 10 minutes, this cocktail keeps everyone’s spirits high and the atmosphere light. Its tangy sweetness adds a playful touch that encourages relaxed conversations. This is the drink that brings fun to the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

A mint julep in a silver mint julep cup with sprigs of mint and a decanter of bourbon and other ingredients in the background.
Classic Mint Julep Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Classic Mint Julep brings bourbon, mint, and simple syrup together for a quick, refreshing holiday cocktail in just 5 minutes. Perfect for lifting spirits at family gatherings, this cocktail adds a bold, festive touch. Its ease of preparation makes it a smart choice for keeping the evening cheerful and stress-free. Every sip adds a little extra life to holiday conversations.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

Espresso Martini

keto espresso martini in martini glass with shaker and bar items in background.
Espresso Martini. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

The Espresso Martini blends vodka and espresso, making it an energizing cocktail option for evening gatherings. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for coffee lovers who want a lively boost to keep up with holiday conversations. The bold flavor brings sophistication and balance to any holiday spread. Every sip helps keep the festive spirit going strong.
Get the Recipe: Espresso Martini

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

A blue hawaii cocktail garnish with pineapple and marachino cherries.
Blue Hawaii Cocktail. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

The Blue Hawaii Cocktail blends rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and sweet and sour mix for a tropical holiday escape. In just 5 minutes, this cocktail’s beachy flavors and bright blue hue lighten the mood, making the season feel like a mini vacation. Served over ice, it’s a cheerful, vibrant drink to keep spirits high. A colorful pick that keeps relaxation front and center.
Get the Recipe: Blue Hawaii 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.

The Smoked Old Fashioned takes the classic bourbon, sugar, and bitters blend to a new level with a smoky twist, perfect for a holiday gathering. This drink, ready in 10 minutes, brings a complex, intriguing flavor that draws everyone in. The large ice cube and smoky aroma give it a refined touch, making it a great conversation starter. This is the drink that’ll leave a lasting impression on the night.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

Azalea Cocktail

A glass of Azalea Cocktail with a garnished lemon twist.
Azalea Cocktail. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

The Azalea Cocktail combines gin, pineapple juice, and grenadine for a bright, tropical drink that stands out at any holiday gathering. Its five-minute prep and vibrant pink hue add a festive and eye-catching touch to the table. This cocktail is all about keeping the mood cheerful and fun, ideal for lively conversations. Once poured, it becomes a holiday statement on its own.
Get the Recipe: Azalea Cocktail

Ocean Water Cocktail

Two blue ocean water cocktails garnished with cherries.
Ocean Water Cocktail. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

The Ocean Water Cocktail, made with coconut rum, blue curaçao, and lemon-lime soda, brings a tropical touch to holiday festivities. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s perfect for creating a laid-back, easygoing mood in any holiday setting. Its sweet citrus flavor and bright blue color make it a fun, refreshing choice. This drink takes the edge off holiday stress with every sip.
Get the Recipe: Ocean Water Cocktail

Sangria Margarita

A red wine and lime maragrita swirled sangria margarita garnished with a lime wedge.
Sangria Margarita. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

The Sangria Margarita merges fruity sangria flavors with the bite of a margarita, making it a refreshing cocktail for holiday celebrations. With vibrant flavors and ready in five minutes, it’s a drink that keeps everyone sipping happily through the night. Its blend of two favorites adds a festive touch, ideal for keeping the holiday spirit bright. This one’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sangria Margarita

Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon

A glass of red wine bourbon sangria with apple slices and cinnamon sticks sitting on a metal plate.
Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon combines bourbon, red wine, and apple cider, bringing cozy, seasonal flavors to the holiday table. It’s a great choice for make-ahead ease, allowing more time to focus on family while enjoying a festive drink. The apple and spice notes keep the gathering warm and inviting. This sangria keeps everyone coming back for another round.
Get the Recipe: Fall Sangria with Apple Cider and Bourbon

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.

The Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail mixes champagne and tart pomegranate juice for a sparkling drink that’s ready in just 5 minutes. It’s perfect for holiday toasts, bringing a festive, bubbly touch to any gathering. This cocktail adds elegance to the celebration, enhancing the holiday spirit. Every pour keeps the room lively and bright.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

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