The holiday season brings with it all the joys of festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and, of course, delicious cocktails. While traditional holiday drinks like eggnog, mulled wine, and hot toddies are always a hit, why not give them a fresh spin this year? Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to spice up your seasonal sips, these five modern holiday cocktails will impress your guests and elevate your festive celebrations.
1. Maple Spiced Old Fashioned: A Modern Holiday Cocktail Classic
Let’s start with a cocktail that has stood the test of time—the Old Fashioned. Traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel, this classic is beloved for its simplicity. But why not take it up a notch for the holidays with a maple syrup and spice-infused twist?
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz maple syrup (pure, not pancake syrup!)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash cinnamon bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Cinnamon stick (optional for extra festiveness)
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and cinnamon bitters.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink, releasing its oils, and garnish with the peel and a cinnamon stick.
Modern Twist: The addition of rich maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon spices gives this drink a deep, cozy flavor that feels perfectly suited to the holiday season.
2. Cranberry Rosemary Moscow Mule: A Modern Twist on a Holiday Favorite
The Moscow Mule, typically made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, is a refreshing, zingy cocktail. For a holiday twist, we’re adding a tart yet sweet cranberry flavor and a fragrant rosemary garnish to bring out all the wintery feels.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- In a copper mug, add the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Fill the mug with ice and top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for that festive look.
Modern Twist: The cranberry juice adds a tart punch while rosemary gives an aromatic edge to this classic, making it feel like a modern holiday cocktail. Plus, the bright red cranberries are Instagram-worthy!
3. Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A Cozy Modern Holiday Cocktail
What’s more comforting than a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly holiday evening? Turning it into a cocktail, of course! This modern holiday cocktail takes the childhood favorite and turns it into an adult indulgence with the addition of peppermint schnapps and a touch of crème de menthe.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1/2 oz crème de menthe
- 1 cup hot chocolate (use our favorite recipe or mix)
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare your hot chocolate and pour it into a festive mug.
- Stir in the peppermint schnapps and crème de menthe.
- Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and some chocolate shavings.
Modern Twist: Adding peppermint schnapps gives your cocoa a minty kick that pairs beautifully with rich, velvety chocolate. The crushed candy canes on top not only look festive but add a satisfying crunch.
4. Gingerbread Martini: A Sweet Modern Holiday Cocktail
Bring the flavors of holiday cookies into your cocktail with this deliciously spiced Gingerbread Martini. This creamy, dessert-like drink blends vodka, Irish cream, and gingerbread syrup to capture the essence of holiday baking.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup (you can buy it or make it with molasses, sugar, and spices)
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- Crushed gingersnap cookies for the rim
- Ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a martini glass with crushed gingersnap cookies.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, Irish cream, gingerbread syrup, and heavy cream.
- Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
Modern Twist: The gingerbread syrup transforms the martini into a cozy, indulgent treat reminiscent of homemade cookies—perfect for after-dinner sipping or even a dessert modern holiday cocktail.
5. Spiced Pomegranate Fizz: A Light and Bubbly Modern Holiday Cocktail
For something light, fizzy, and a little unexpected, the Spiced Pomegranate Fizz offers a refreshing alternative to heavier winter cocktails. The vibrant pomegranate juice pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise, making this drink a perfect fit for holiday brunch or evening gatherings.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (infused with cinnamon and star anise)
- Sparkling water
- Pomegranate seeds and star anise for garnish
Instructions:
- In a shaker, combine the gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and spiced simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a star anise for an extra festive touch.
Modern Twist: The spiced simple syrup elevates the sweet and tart pomegranate juice, giving it a warming depth of flavor. Plus, the sparkling water adds a festive fizz to this refreshing modern holiday cocktail.
Holiday Cocktail Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to crafting cocktails at home, these festive drinks are a great place to start. Here are a few tips to help you master these modern holiday cocktails:
- Prep Ahead: For larger gatherings, consider pre-mixing the non-carbonated elements of your cocktail so you can quickly shake or stir individual servings when guests arrive.
- Garnish Like a Pro: A beautifully garnished cocktail adds to the experience. Citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, fresh herbs, and festive berries make your drink look as good as it tastes.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to make substitutions. For example, if you can’t find gingerbread syrup, you can make a quick substitute with molasses, brown sugar, and ginger.
A Toast to the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with your drinks, and these five modern holiday cocktails are sure to be crowd-pleasers at any gathering. Whether you’re curled up by the fire with a Peppermint Hot Chocolate or toasting with a Spiced Pomegranate Fizz, these recipes will bring festive cheer to every sip. So go ahead, mix up something special and enjoy a taste of the holidays in your glass.
Now it’s your turn to try these modern takes on holiday classics—grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let the holiday celebrations begin! on holiday classics—grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let the holiday celebrations begin!