Cheers to the Holidays: Must-Try Holiday Cocktails
As the holiday season sneaks up on us with twinkling Christmas tree lights, chestnuts roasting, and Hanukkah candles glistening, there’s one detail that can up the ante on your gathering: cocktails!
Whether you’re hosting a festive soirée or a cozy night with loved ones, these holiday-inspired drinks will take your gathering to the next level. Impress your parents, charm your partner, and make your friends rave about your hosting skills. Plus, if you’re inspired, why not host a Hanukkah Party or Christmas Party with these drinks as the star of the show?
Candy Cane Espresso Martini
Because no cocktail list is complete without an espresso martini! This peppermint twist on the classic is sure to be a crowd favorite. Perfect for a Christmas party with a touch of chic sophistication.
Ingredients (per serving):
- 2 oz reposado tequila
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)
- 1/2 oz peppermint syrup
- 3 dashes of cocoa bitters
- Candy cane (for garnish)
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled. Double strain into a glass, then garnish with crushed peppermint and a candy cane.
Pro tip: Pair this with festive décor for a magical evening—need ideas? Check out our Old World Christmas hosting blueprint!
Grinch Margarita
Feeling a bit grinchy? This cucumber-infused margarita will turn your frown upside down with a refreshing, zesty twist. Add this to your Christmas cocktail lineup for some festive sass.
To a pitcher, combine:
- 1 cup Grinch Mix (see recipe below)
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup agave syrup
- 3/4 cup Cointreau
- 1/2 cup verde chile liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup filtered water
Directions:
Mix well, pour over ice, and garnish with something red—because even the Grinch has a heart!
Hosting Tip: Set the tone with green and red décor for a holly-jolly, sassy vibe. Ready to plan your Naughty & Nice Christmas? Use this blueprint.
Latketini
If you’re planning a Vodka and Latkes Hanukkah Party (and you should), this vodka-based cocktail is an absolute must. It’s quirky, delicious, and perfectly themed.
Ingredients:
- Apple vodka
- Lemon juice
- Half & half
- Applesauce
Directions:
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed potato chips (yes, really). Trust us—it’s a Hanukkah miracle in a glass!
Christmas Tree Farm 75
This festive twist on a French 75 is elegant and effervescent, with hints of pine to transport you straight to a snowy tree farm. Perfect for a sophisticated Christmas cocktail hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Prosecco (to top)
- Edible glitter
- Christmas tree ice cubes
- Rosemary sprig and juniper berries (for garnish)
Directions:
Shake gin, elderflower, lemon juice, simple syrup, and edible glitter with ice. Strain into a glass with tree-shaped ice cubes and top with Prosecco. Garnish with rosemary and juniper berries for a whimsical touch.
Hosting a Christmas gathering? Let us help you plan every sparkling detail. Use our Scandinavian Christmas hosting blueprint.
Tubi or Not Tubi
From the menu of Jaffa Cocktail and Raw Bar in Brooklyn
If you’re trying to get lit this Hanukkah, turn to this Israeli specialty liqueur made from fermented herbs and citrus for a bold Hanukkah cocktail. The result is something along the lines of a ginger shot with the punch and effects of a strong martini—a true showstopper for your Hanukkah celebration.
Ingredients:
- Mezcal
- Tubi
- Pomegranate juice
- Hibiscus syrup
- Lime juice
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Looking for an out-of-the-box Hanukkah celebration? We’re making hosting a breeze with this unique Hanukkah hosting blueprint.
featured parties
Cinnamon Spice and All Things Naughty and Nice
A flirty, naughty, not-nice affair. Drink an extra cocktail and you may forget Santa’s bringing you coal this year. Makes a great late-night gathering courtesy of our friends at Shaker & Spoon.
Potluck
A potluck is always a good idea. Remove the stress of needing to cook and just invite your favorite people to share their favorite dishes. We love setting a theme and asking each guest to bring a dish to share.
Hanukkalikimaka
Hanukkalikimaka is a dinner party that Kiki Aranita and her husband Ari Miller love to throw around the holidays. It infuses Hanukkah classics (like roast goose and latkes) with aloha spirit. It's a marriage of cultures brought to life via our friends at Here Here Market.
.png)
Hi-Fi Holiday
A retro Christmas shindig with all the flair! Bright pops of color, metallic sheen, irresistible dishes and drinks that will make you flip your lid! Fun for a holiday party, Christmas party, or even a New Years Eve (NYE) party.
Dreamy Dinner + Rave
Escape to the Yucatan this winter with gorgeous candles, lush neutrals, and a bit of sparkle that brings a rave-inspired afterparty to your Jungle dinner. Created in collaboration with our friends at Lynden Lane.
BYOF Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving: the perfect excuse for a second Thanksgiving, but better with your chosen fam. Host effortlessly with Batch’s marketplace of to-your-door party pros—chefs, servers, and more. Relax, enjoy, and leave the stress (and mess) to them!
.png)
Shabbat Dinner Party
Hit pause and reconnect with loved ones this weekend with light, airy decor, warm bread, and relaxing company.
Wreath Making Party
Welcome in winter with a fun and fragrant wreath making party that will put everyone in the ho-ho-holiday spirit.
Holiday Cookie Baking Extravaganza
Realize your inner Holiday Baking Championship dreams! Gather your fellow bakers and workshop helpers for a festive and fun day of making all things delicious. Ready...Set...BAKE!
More articles
Get Ready to Sparkle
Expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties
Thank you for your submission!
Start the party
For each party, our professional event planners have curated, styled, schemed, and planned so we can hand over everything you need to know to throw incredible gatherings.
