Entertaining
20+ Cocktail Recipes To Celebrate The Holiday Season
Published on November 1, 2022
From a boozy Nutella hot cocoa to a bubbly alcohol-free aperitif, we’ve rounded-up some of our favorite festive cocktails to celebrate the season.
Greet your guests with one of our favorite holiday drink recipes!
The Red Sky
While admiring the interiors at the recently redesigned rooftop bar at Park Hyatt Toronto, you’ll want to order a Red Sky cocktail. The refreshing drink is crisp, bubbly and has a hint of peppermint.
Get the recipe for the Red Sky cocktail here.
French 75 Cocktail
If you’d like some bubbly with brunch, try a lemony, gin-infused French 75 cocktail. It’s sweet, tart and delicious.
Get the recipe for the classic cocktail here.
Cranberry Kir Royal
Impress your guests with this festive looking (and tasting) drink the moment they arrive at your door.
Get the Cranberry Kir Royal recipe here.
Kombucha Moscow Mule
If you’re looking to serve something a little healthier this year, this version of Moscow mule replaces ginger beer with Kombucha.
Get the recipe for the Kombucha Moscow Mule here.
The Alfonso
The head barman from Toronto’s popular Alo restaurant shares the recipe for this sparkling holiday drink.
Get the recipe for the Alfonso here.
The Everyone Brave is Forgiven
At Toronto bar Famous Last Words, every drink has a story. This Earl Grey-infused concoction is based on the book Everyone Brave is Forgiven by British author Chris Cleave.
Get the recipe for the cocktail here.
Mulled Wine Punch
Invite your guests to serve themselves with a mulled wine station. Pro tip: the longer this punch stands, the spicier the mixture will be.
Get the recipe here for the Mulled Wine Punch.
Sparkling Elderflower Cocktail
Cap off your holiday season with this sparkling and floral cocktail that includes cava, sherry and absinthe.
Get the recipe for the Sparkling Elderflower cocktail here.
The Double Double
Swap out your espresso martini with this new cocktail recipe that goes great with dessert.
Get the recipe for The Double Double.
The Canadian
This classic drink with a twist could be likened to a traditional Old-Fashioned, made with maple sugar candy in place of a sugar cube.
Get the recipe for The Canadian.
Hot Buttered Rum
This riff on the classic Hot Buttered Rum is brightened by the use of a compound butter that blends salted butter and Bakeapple. It’s equally spiked and spiced, making it the perfect drink to warm up with this season.
Get the recipe for Hot Buttered Rum.
Spiced Rum & Chocolate Caramel Eggnog
This festive, sweet and creamy cocktail recipe from Chef Lynn Crawford is a spicy spin on a classic holiday drink.
Get the recipe for Spiced Rum & Chocolate Caramel Eggnog.
The Donald Draper
This elegant cocktail is made from fine French liqueurs. Swap the lemon peel for a maraschino cherry to give it a sultrier presentation.
Get the recipe for The Donald Draper.
The Cranberry Pearl
From Thanksgiving to New Years Eve, cranberries are a holiday staple. Their ruby red hue adds a splash of color to dishes and cocktails.
Get the recipe for The Cranberry Pearl.
Seedlip’s Alcohol-Free Peel Cocktail
Distilled from oranges, ginger, peppercorn and lemongrass, this non-alcoholic spirit makes for the perfect sweet and savory mocktail.
Get the recipe for Seedlip’s Alcohol-Free Peel Cocktail.
The Classic Negroni
This Italian aperitif is a pre-dinner cocktail meant to waken the palate and prime your appetite. This bitter cocktail is balanced by sweet orange — giving it a smooth finish.
Get the recipe for The Classic Negroni.
The Christmas Sweater
Maple, peppermint and cranberry come to life in this rum-based festive favorite.
Get the recipe for The Christmas Sweater.
Papa Don’t Peach
This drink is a refreshing departure from other holiday classics, with a unique tanginess and complexity. Combining the sweetness of vanilla, the sharpness of peach and the crisp acidity of Prosecco, this cocktail is inspired by the flavors of a grilled peach salad.
Get the recipe for Papa Don’t Peach.
Nutella Melt
Inspired by your favorite cocoa-hazelnut treat, this comforting drink is the ideal companion for gatherings around the fireplace or television.
Get the recipe for Nutella Melt.
Peppermint Chocolate Frost
Dairy-free and non-alcoholic, this mint and chocolate beverage can be enjoyed by kids and adults. Pro tip: serve with a peppermint stick to give it a flavorful boost.
Get the recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Frost.
Mulled Wine Sangria
Frozen cranberries and cognac take this chilled mulled wine recipe to the next level. Batch-mix this signature cocktail ahead of time for easy pouring, and be sure to make extra for second and third helpings.
Get the recipe for Catriona Smart’s Mulled Wine Sangria.
French 227
This champagne cocktail is named for 227 Ossington Ave. — the address of La Banane. Make a batch before counting down to midnight by multiplying the ingredients by eight, then combining the gin, liqueur and lemon juice in a container.
Get the recipe for French 227.