18 Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Make Spirits Merry and Bright

Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail

All the flavors shaken together here are certainly tempting, but we're especially taken by the brandied cranberry garnish. Talk about a seasonally appropriate alternative to the usual cherries. (via The Little Epicurean)

Glögg Holiday Drink (Swedish Mulled Wine)

If Scandinavian Long Island iced tea meets mulled wine sounds good to you, well, you need a little Glögg in your life. Save the top shelf stuff for another time, because all the spices that go into this easy holiday cocktail mask any unsavory elements. (via Hapa Nom)

Cinnamon Apple Whiskey Sour

No cloying, neon sour mix here. This sip's sweetness comes naturally via apple cider, simple syrup and a cinnamon-sugar rim. The wreath-like apple slice floating on top and sprig of rosemary is just an added bonus in this holiday drink with alcohol. (via She Eats)

Brandy Old Fashioned

Mix up a batch of brandy old fashioneds as a sweeter, holiday mixed drink alternative to the usual whiskey-based recipe. (And if you love those glasses, we have another gilded suggestion that you're sure to adore.) (via House of Hipsters)

Chai Hot Toddy

With some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk, chai tea becomes one of the holiday cocktails — and one that you'll never want to put down! Add a shot of espresso for an extra kick or keep it as-is. (via Brit + Co)

Frosted Gingerbread Martini

Don't those gingerbread boys look like they're up to no good? Featuring four parts of well-balanced booziness to one part cream, shake up one of these classic holiday drinks and you just may join them. (via The Glitter Guide)

Charred Lemon Rosemary Sparkler

Together, rosemary and gin are quire the recipe for a festive holiday drink. You'll love how caramelizing the lemons lends each sip a richer, sweeter flavor. It's the perfect punch to satisfy a thirsty crowd. (via Serious eats)

"Naughty and Nice" Holiday Cocktail Recipe

With a few ingredients — including grenadine, citrus fruits, and whiskey — you can take your classic Coke to a whole new level. These fun holiday drinks are so flavorful that you can leave out the alcohol for the kids without sacrificing any of the flavor! (via Brit + Co)

Gelt Chaser

Break out the Manischewitz — you're about to mix up a delicious holiday alternative to the rusty nail. You don't even need to celebrate Hanukkah to enjoy this holiday drink idea. (via Thrillist)

Evergreen Swizzle

It may take you some time to gather up all the specialty spirits required, but it really doesn't get much more Christmassy than this easy holiday drink. It features gin, pine liqueur and a handful of other well-thought-out additions and we highly recommend sipping on this while you trim the tree. (via Tempered Spirits)

Cranberry-Ginger Cocktail

The usual vodka cran gets a holiday makeover, thanks to a double dose of ginger-flavored additions and a few dashes of bitters for balance. (via Jelly Toast Blog)

Cranberry Bourbon Negroni

Turn the typical negroni on its head with this festive holiday cocktail. Bourbon replaces gin, and a splash of cranberry soda gets thrown in. The latter creates a seasonal spin that tempers the trademark bitterness of ruby red Campari juuuust enough. (via Climbing Grier Mountain)

Oy Vey Iz Kir

Use Manischewitz instead of creme de cassis for a playful twist on the usual kir royale. Champagne's involved in this simple holiday cocktail — what's not to love about that? (via Bon Appétit)

Hot Buttered Rum

This classic couldn't be easier. The butter, sugar and spice mix keeps well for ages (and can even be spread on your morning toast). Just stir it together with a shot of hot rum when you're ready for a little indulgence and voilà. A must-have warm holiday cocktail. (via I'm Bored, Let's Go)

Coffee Holiday Cocktail

This funny holiday cocktail recipe combines beer and coffee for a drink like you've never had before! You'll be able to unwind and get a little caffeine kick at the same time. (via Brit + Co)

Raspberry Mojito

Dressed up in red and green, this summery sip calls to mind warmer days in a holiday-worthy way. (via Hairspray and High Heel)

Brandy Alexander Holiday Drink Recipe

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Have you heard? There's a hot new trend in holiday cocktails this year: slow cooker sips. This spiced wine sure knows how to take the chill out of your bones. (via The Law Student's Wife)

Which of these holiday drink recipes are you going to try? (All of them!)