Delicious Holiday Drink Ideas for Every Taste

Delicious Holiday Drink Ideas for Every Taste: Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Options

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, celebrate, and indulge in some festive drinks. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or celebrating with a large group, offering a variety of delicious holiday drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—is a great way to make everyone feel included. From warm, comforting beverages to fizzy, refreshing options, I've got you covered with these top holiday drink ideas that everyone will love.

Best Alcoholic Holiday Drinks

1. Classic Eggnog There’s no holiday celebration without a glass of creamy, spiced eggnog. This traditional drink is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and a splash of rum or bourbon for that perfect holiday kick. Topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg, it’s the ultimate festive treat!

   Recipe:

   • 4 large eggs
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 2 cups milk
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 1/2 cup bourbon or rum
   • Ground nutmeg for garnish

   Whisk the eggs and sugar together, then add the milk, cream, and your choice of liquor. Stir, garnish with nutmeg, and enjoy!

2. Warm Mulled Wine Infused with spices and citrus, mulled wine is the epitome of winter comfort. The fragrant aroma of simmering wine, cinnamon, and cloves fills the room, making it a perfect drink for chilly evenings.

   Recipe:

   • 1 bottle red wine
   • 1 orange, sliced
   • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
   • 4-5 cloves
   • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
   • 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

   Combine wine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sweetener in a pot. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, then add brandy (optional) for an extra kick. Serve warm and enjoy!

3. Cranberry Margarita Add a festive twist to the classic margarita with cranberry juice. This vibrant drink is tart, refreshing, and perfect for your holiday parties. Plus, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

   Recipe:

   • 1 1/2 oz tequila
   • 1 oz triple sec
   • 2 oz cranberry juice
   • 1 oz lime juice
   • Salt for rimming (optional)

   Shake tequila, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with fresh cranberries or a lime wedge.

4. Spiked Hot Chocolate Hot chocolate isn’t just for kids! Add a splash of your favorite liquor (like peppermint schnapps or whiskey) to make this holiday classic adult-friendly. Perfect for those cozy winter nights by the fire.

   Recipe:

   • 1 cup milk
   • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
   • 1 tbsp sugar
   • 1 oz vodka, rum, or whiskey
   • Whipped cream for topping

   Heat milk, cocoa powder, and sugar until smooth. Add your liquor of choice, top with whipped cream, and enjoy the holiday warmth.

Best Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks

1. Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Cider Apple cider is a crowd favorite, and when it’s spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and orange, it becomes the perfect warm drink for the holidays. This non-alcoholic beverage is just as comforting as any winter cocktail.

   Recipe:

   • 4 cups apple cider
   • 2 cinnamon sticks
   • 4 cloves
   • 1 orange, sliced

   Heat the cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices in a pot. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors. Strain, serve warm, and enjoy!

2. Holiday Punch For a refreshing and colorful option, holiday punch is a perfect non-alcoholic drink that’s easy to make and great for serving a crowd. The mix of fruit juices and sparkling water is light, sweet, and festive.

   Recipe:

   • 2 cups cranberry juice
   • 1 cup orange juice
   • 1 cup pineapple juice
   • 1/2 cup sparkling water or ginger ale
   • Fresh fruit (cranberries, oranges, and pineapple slices)

   Combine the juices in a punch bowl, then add sparkling water or ginger ale for a fizzy touch. Garnish with fresh fruit and serve over ice.

3. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Peppermint hot chocolate is the ultimate winter treat, perfect for those who love the combination of creamy chocolate and cool mint. Top it off with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.

   Recipe:

   • 1 cup milk
   • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
   • 1 tbsp sugar
   • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
   • Whipped cream and crushed peppermint for topping

   Heat the milk and whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract. Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for a sweet holiday finish.

4. Pomegranate Sparkler This bright, bubbly drink is perfect for toasts or as a refreshing holiday mocktail. The combination of pomegranate juice and sparkling water makes for a visually stunning drink that’s both sweet and tart.

   Recipe:

   • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
   • 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
   • Fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish

   Mix pomegranate juice and sparkling water, garnish with pomegranate seeds, and serve over ice for a refreshing holiday mocktail.

Final Thoughts: Cheers to the Season!

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence- and what better way to enjoy the season than with delicious, festive drinks? Whether you prefer warm, spiced mulled wine or a cool, refreshing pomegranate sparkler, these drink ideas cater to all tastes. From alcoholic favorites to non-alcoholic treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Make your holiday gatherings even more special by offering a variety of drinks that guests can sip and savor. Cheers to great company, memorable moments, and a season full of holiday cheer!

Don’t forget to save and share these festive drink recipes with friends and family for the best holiday celebrations ever!