19 Holiday Drinks and Foods Your Guests Won’t Stop Raving About

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The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, and the right food and drinks can make those moments even more memorable. These 19 recipes will keep your guests talking long after the plates are cleared and the glasses are empty. From festive cocktails to crowd-pleasing dishes, these options are guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday spread. Get ready for the kind of compliments that make hosting worth it.

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

1. Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

1. Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork chops with mustard shallot gravy bring bold flavors to your holiday table, making them an instant hit. The tangy mustard and sweet shallots perfectly balance the richness of the pork, creating a dish that guests will rave about long after they leave. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s both sophisticated and easy to prepare. Expect your guests to plan their next visit based on these chops.
Get the Recipe: 1. Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy

2. Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

2. Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy delivers a hearty, comforting meal that no holiday table should be without. The creamy gravy and flaky crust create a satisfying dish that’s as cozy as it is delicious. The subtle sweetness of the tarragon will have your guests talking for days. This pie is the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: 2. Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

3. Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes.
3. Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops bring a refreshing burst of flavor that’s perfect for your holiday spread. The sweet and tangy glaze complements the richness of the pork, making it an unforgettable dish in just 30 minutes. This is one of those meals that guests will talk about long after the plates are cleared. Expect requests for this recipe to start before dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: 3. Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

4. Strawberry Crème Brûlée

Close up of strawberry crème brûlée next to a glass of champagne.
4. Strawberry Crème Brûlée. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Strawberry Crème Brûlée adds a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert lineup, with its rich custard and caramelized sugar crust. The fresh strawberries provide a bright contrast, making it a dessert that will leave guests buzzing. It takes around 45 minutes to prepare, and once you crack that top layer, the compliments won’t stop. This dessert will be remembered long after the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: 4. Strawberry Crème Brûlée

5. Blackberry Lime Sorbet

Horizontal image of blackberry lime sorbet in a metal loaf pan on a marble background garnished with frozen blackberries and limes.
5. Blackberry Lime Sorbet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Blackberry Lime Sorbet is the light, fruity dessert that keeps your holiday table fresh and fun. The tartness of the lime paired with the sweetness of the blackberries creates a refreshing finish to any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this frozen treat will have your guests talking long after the last bite. It’s the perfect palate cleanser to round out your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: 5. Blackberry Lime Sorbet

6. Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

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

The Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a conversation piece. The indigo gin paired with lemon creates a visually stunning and deliciously tart cocktail that guests will rave about. Ready in just 5 minutes, this drink will add a touch of sophistication to your holiday gathering. Expect your guests to be as impressed by its look as they are by its taste.
Get the Recipe: 6. Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail

7. Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate.
7. Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries bring a sweet and savory balance to your holiday menu. The fruity sauce enhances the richness of the pork, creating a dish that guests won’t stop praising. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that’s ready in 35 minutes. Once they’ve had a taste, don’t be surprised if they start asking for more.
Get the Recipe: 7. Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

8. Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

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

Raspberry Mojito Cocktail offers a refreshing, fruity drink that adds a splash of color and flavor to your holiday celebration. The mix of sweet raspberries, mint, and lime makes this cocktail a perfect complement to any gathering. Ready in minutes, it’s the kind of drink that gets your guests to settle in and unwind. By the time they finish their first sip, they’ll already be reaching for another.
Get the Recipe: 8. Raspberry Mojito Cocktail

9. Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

Buttermilk chicken and potatoes on a plate.
9. Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes deliver a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The tangy buttermilk marinade and crispy potatoes will have your guests raving about the meal long after dinner is over. Ready in about an hour, this dish will become the center of your holiday spread. Expect empty plates and full hearts by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: 9. Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes

10. Virgin Moscow Mule

Two virgin moscow mules garnished with lime on a gold platter.
10. Virgin Moscow Mule. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Virgin Moscow Mule is the non-alcoholic option that packs all the bold flavor of its original, keeping your holiday guests happy and refreshed. With its sharp kick of ginger and refreshing lime, this mocktail will hold its own at any gathering. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s the drink that ensures no one feels left out. Your guests will be reaching for refills in no time.
Get the Recipe: 10. Virgin Moscow Mule

11. 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.
11. Classic Mint Julep Cocktail. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Classic Mint Julep Cocktail brings a Southern classic to your holiday table with its smooth mix of bourbon, mint, and sugar. The cooling mint paired with the warmth of bourbon creates a drink that’s perfect for unwinding. Ready in 5 minutes, it’s the drink that adds a relaxing touch to any festive gathering. Serve it, and watch your guests kick back like they’re on a porch swing down South.
Get the Recipe: 11. Classic Mint Julep Cocktail

12. Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

12. Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes is the holiday dish that will bring everyone to the table, with its savory garlic and herb seasoning highlighting the natural flavors of the pork. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is both comforting and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of meal that will have guests feeling right at home and wanting to stay just a little longer.
Get the Recipe: 12. Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes

13. Blackberry Bourbon Smash

A blackberry bourbon smash in front of a cocktail bar set up.
13. Blackberry Bourbon Smash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash delivers bold, fruity flavors that make this cocktail the star of your holiday drink menu. The mix of fresh blackberries, bourbon, and mint creates a drink that leaves a lasting impression. Ready in just 5 minutes, this cocktail will quickly become a guest favorite. Don’t be surprised if they start asking for the recipe before the night’s over.
Get the Recipe: 13. Blackberry Bourbon Smash

14. Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

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

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail brings a touch of elegance and sparkle to your holiday gathering. The blend of bubbly champagne and tart pomegranate adds a festive feel to any occasion. Ready in just 5 minutes, this drink is perfect for toasting to the season. Serve it, and your guests will feel like they’re sipping on something truly special.
Get the Recipe: 14. Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

15. Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

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

Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita is the luxury upgrade your holiday drink menu deserves. The blend of premium tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice makes this margarita a showstopper. Ready in just under 5 minutes, it’s the drink that will have your guests feeling like they’re being treated to something special. One sip, and they’ll be asking for more.
Get the Recipe: 15. Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita

16. Blackberry Gin and Tonic

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

Blackberry Gin and Tonic is a fresh take on the classic, combining the tartness of blackberries with the crispness of gin and lime. Ready in 5 minutes, this drink will keep your holiday guests refreshed and impressed. The bright flavor combination will have everyone asking, “What’s in this?” long after their first sip.
Get the Recipe: 16. Blackberry Gin and Tonic

17. Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
17. Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the rich, creamy dish that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your holiday table. The slow cooker does the work, leaving you with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta that guests won’t stop talking about. Ready in about 4 hours, this is the dish that keeps everyone waiting for the main course. You’ll see your guests peeking into the kitchen to see if it’s done.
Get the Recipe: 17. Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

18. Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

18. Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast adds a sophisticated touch to your holiday meal, with its crunchy hazelnut topping and tender meat making it a must-have. This dish is sure to keep your guests raving about the food long after the meal ends. Serve this, and watch the compliments roll in as your guests enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: 18. Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

19. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

19. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts brings a sweet and tangy flair to your holiday spread. The pomegranate molasses and crunchy walnuts create a unique dish that stands out from the usual holiday fare. Ready in just an hour, this is the main dish that keeps your guests talking about the food—not the clock. After tasting this, they’ll be asking for the recipe instead of the turkey.
Get the Recipe: 19. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts

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