21 Holiday Cocktails for Entertaining

The holiday season is the time for festive food and drinks. Lots of food and maybe one or two (or too many) drinks! It’s also a great time to choose just the right food and signature cocktail for your holiday party or even family dinner. Beer and wine might be the go-to for any get together but why not really get into the spirit with a cocktail that sets the mood and gets everyone into the festivities. 

two tumblers with holiday cocktails and cranberries for entertaining
Photo: Shutterstock

The Key to Holiday Entertaining? Cocktails!

A signature cocktail can be the centerpiece of your holiday table this year. If you are thinking, “great idea but where do I start?” look no further. We have rounded up 21 amazing holiday cocktails for entertaining from Thanksgiving through the New Year. And you don’t have to be an experienced mixologist to stir and shake up some of the most memorable and festive spirits. 

Hosting a holiday party? Wondering what to serve? Here are 21 festive and easy to mix holiday cocktails. #party #entertaining #christmasparty

How Many Guests at Your Holiday Party?

Consider first the type of gathering you are having and the food you will serve. Once you have that, you can browse this list and decide which cocktail is the one for your group. Are you having an early dinner, large group gathering? You might prefer a cocktail you can premake in large batches, even a punch! We found that. If your party is evening, cocktails and small plates, you can go a little more sophisticated and set up a mixed drink bar. There are plenty of cocktails to choose from. 

The Perfect Drink for Every Occasion

Family gathering or evening open house; smooth and sophisticated or festive and even a little silly, this cocktail collection is all you need to keep them happy!

Mistletoe Cocktail | This Lil Piglet

White Chocolate Snowflake Martini | Lulus

The Lit Reindeer | Elle Talk

Christmas Sangria | Cake N Knife

Bad Santa Cocktail | Who Needs A Cape

Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer | Snappy Gourmet

Yule Mule | Feast and West

Winter White Cosmopolitan | Drink Wire

Santa Claus-mopolitan | Blue Ribbon Kitchen

Holiday Punch | Deliciously Sprinkled

Apple Cider Moscow Mule | Hot Beauty Health

Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail | Basil and Bubbly

Eggnog Mudslides | Lemon Tree Dwelling

Caramel Apple Mimosas | Delish

Orange Cranberry Margarita | Growing Up Abel

White Christmas Mojito | Half Baked Harvest

Spiced Blood Orange Champagne Punch | Spoon Fork Bacon

Mulled Wine | Taste Food

Cranberry Mules | The Speckled Palate

Holiday Champagne Punch  | Tabler Party of Two

Cranberry Gin Fizz | Creative Culinary