10 Refreshing Holiday Drink Recipes for Parties
Alright, let’s be honest — most holiday parties end up serving the same old “fruit punch meets soda” combo. It’s fine, but where’s the fun in that?
If you’re hosting this season (or just want to show off your inner mixologist), refreshing homemade holiday drinks are where the magic happens.
Now, I’ve always believed a good party starts with great drinks — even better if they make people say, “What is this amazing thing I’m sipping?”
Whether you’re into mocktails, cocktails, or something with a cozy twist, I’ve got you covered.
These 10 refreshing holiday drink recipes are festive, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to whip up.
Plus, I’ll toss in a few pro tips (and honest opinions) along the way because, IMO, holiday hosting shouldn’t be stressful — it should be fun, fizzy, and full of flavor.
1. Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco Punch
Let’s start strong. This one screams holiday glam. The color? Gorgeous ruby red. The taste? Crisp, bubbly, and dangerously drinkable.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of chilled Prosecco
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup vodka (optional but recommended)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Directions:
- Mix cranberry juice, orange juice, and vodka in a pitcher.
- Pour in Prosecco just before serving (never too early unless you like flat bubbles).
- Toss in a few cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
Why It Works:
The tart cranberry balances the sweet citrus perfectly, while Prosecco adds that holiday sparkle. It’s the kind of drink that looks fancier than it is — and your guests will totally think you hired a bartender.
2. Peppermint White Chocolate Martini
If a candy cane and a cozy blanket had a baby, it’d be this drink. Creamy, minty, and dessert-like — this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 2 oz white crème de cacao
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz half-and-half or cream
- Crushed candy canes for the rim
Directions:
- Rim your martini glass with crushed candy canes.
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass.
Pro Tip:
Serve this one after dinner. It doubles as dessert. And trust me — one glass and everyone’s in a good mood.
3. Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
This is where fall flavors meet winter warmth. Perfect for chilly nights when you want something smooth but refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ oz lemon juice
- Sparkling water (optional)
- Cinnamon stick & apple slice for garnish
Directions:
- Combine bourbon, cider, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Strain into a glass and top with a splash of sparkling water.
- Garnish like a Pinterest pro.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s got that cozy “sitting by the fireplace” vibe, but the cider keeps it light. Even non-bourbon fans usually end up asking for seconds.
4. Pomegranate Ginger Fizz
Want something elegant but easy? This is your go-to. The combination of pomegranate and ginger feels fancy, yet it’s just a few ingredients away.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pomegranate juice
- ½ cup ginger ale
- 1 oz lime juice
- Pomegranate arils for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a glass with ice, add the pomegranate juice and lime juice.
- Top with ginger ale and stir gently.
Bonus:
Turn it into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka or gin. Either way, the tart-sweet combo makes it perfect for any festive table.
5. Classic Eggnog (Homemade & Worth It)
Yeah, I know — eggnog can be polarizing. People either love it or… pretend to. But homemade eggnog? That’s an entirely different story. It’s rich, creamy, and tastes like Christmas in a cup.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cream
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¾ cup rum or bourbon
Directions:
- Whisk yolks and sugar until creamy.
- Warm milk and cream in a saucepan, then slowly mix into yolk mixture.
- Stir in nutmeg and alcohol. Chill before serving.
Note:
If you’ve only had store-bought, you’ve never really had eggnog.
6. Sparkling Rosemary Grapefruit Mocktail
For the non-drinkers in your crew (or when you’ve already had three cocktails and need to pace yourself), this mocktail is a winner.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup grapefruit juice
- 1 tsp honey or agave
- Sparkling water
- Rosemary sprig & grapefruit wedge for garnish
Directions:
- Mix juice and honey, pour over ice, and top with sparkling water.
- Add a sprig of rosemary for that classy “I totally planned this” touch.
Why It’s Great:
It’s crisp, slightly bitter, and looks stunning — no one will even miss the booze.
7. Hot Buttered Rum
This one’s a holiday classic for a reason. Sweet, spiced, and rich enough to warm you from the inside out — like a liquid version of comfort.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- Pinch of cinnamon & nutmeg
- ¾ cup hot water
Directions:
- In a mug, mix butter, sugar, and spices.
- Pour in hot water and rum. Stir until buttery heaven is achieved.
Pro Tip:
Use real butter. Don’t even think about margarine — it ruins everything.
8. Christmas Mojito
Who says mojitos are just for summer? With a little twist, they’re totally holiday-appropriate. Think mint, lime, rum, and festive berries.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ lime (juiced)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Club soda
- Pomegranate arils or cranberries for garnish
Directions:
- Muddle mint, lime juice, and sugar in a glass.
- Add rum and ice, then top with club soda.
- Garnish with berries for the “holiday remix.”
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s light, zesty, and refreshingly festive — like vacation meets Christmas.
9. Spiced Chai Toddy
Now for something cozy. This is perfect for cold nights, lazy mornings, or anytime you need an edible hug in a mug.
Ingredients:
- 1 chai tea bag
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1 oz honey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1½ oz whiskey
Directions:
- Brew chai tea and add honey, lemon, and whiskey.
- Stir well and sip slowly.
Bonus:
Swap whiskey for rum or leave it out completely for a comforting mocktail version.
10. Candy Cane Cocoa
If your holiday vibe leans more “movie marathon and fuzzy socks,” this one’s for you.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 oz peppermint syrup
- Whipped cream & crushed candy canes
Directions:
- Heat milk, cocoa, and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in peppermint syrup and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Pro Tip:
This one’s kid-approved — but you can add a splash of peppermint schnapps if you want to make it “grown-up friendly.”
Hosting Tips for Serving Holiday Drinks
Let’s be real — drinks make or break a holiday party. Here are a few quick tips to make yours shine:
- Batch it: Pre-make punches or mocktails so you’re not stuck shaking drinks all night.
- Label clearly: Keep “spiked” and “non-alcoholic” versions separate. No surprises!
- Garnish smart: Fresh fruit, herbs, and colored sugar rims instantly make drinks look pro.
- Serve variety: Offer both hot and cold options so everyone finds something they love.
FYI: Presentation matters. Even a simple drink looks Instagram-worthy in the right glass.
Conclusion
So there you have it — 10 refreshing holiday drink recipes that will instantly elevate any party. From creamy martinis to fizzy mocktails, you’ve got something for every guest and every mood.
Hosting should be about joy, not chaos, right? With these recipes, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time sipping. And who knows — maybe one of these will become your new signature holiday drink (every host needs one).
Now grab your shaker, dust off those glasses, and let’s make this the most refreshing holiday season yet. Cheers!
