The holidays are here! If you are hosting Christmas dinner or planning a winter holiday party, you may be looking for some easy winter cocktails to serve your guests. Read on for a roundup of some of my current faves!
Please Note: This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission). This helps keep my blog up and running at no additional cost to you.
Vodka Winter Cocktails
Vodka cocktails are always a popular choice so this year I decided to set up a self-serve vodka bar. I like to include cocktail recipe cards along with liquor, glasses, ice, mixers, and garnishes. Even though recipes will be provided, I think simple drinks that don’t require a cocktail shaker are the best choice. I selected these festive vodka cocktail recipes from the Absolut Vodka website.
Jingle Buck
The Jingle Buck should appeal to Cosmopolitan-lovers.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1 oz. vodka, ¾ oz. cranberry juice, ¾ oz. lime juice, and 2 oz. ginger ale.
- Stir and garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Yule
The Yule is a variation of the traditional Moscow mule.
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1 oz. vodka, 1 oz. apple cider, ½ oz. lime juice, and 2 oz. ginger beer.
- Stir and garnish with an apple wedge.
Vodka Soda
This is the simplest recipe and also the lowest in calories!
- Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 1 oz. vodka and 4 oz. soda water (tonic/club/seltzer).
- Stir and garnish with lime wheels, fresh cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary.
Tip: Remember to have lots of ice on hand. Supply some festive garnishes such as fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, and lemon and lime wheels. Decorative straws, swizzle sticks, and cocktail napkins are super fun too!
Punch Recipes
A party punch that serves a crowd is one of my favorite winter cocktails. Here are three that would be perfect!
Tip: For chilled punch recipes, remember to create an ice ring for the punch bowl the night before.
Champagne Winter Cocktails
There is nothing I love better than a glass of champagne. Although straight-up tastes the best to me, I do like to jazz it up a bit, especially for the holidays. Here are two easy additions that will be a hit with your guests.
St-Germain
St-Germain is an elderflower liqueur. Pour 1½ oz. St-Germain into a champagne flute. Top with 4 oz. Champagne and 1 oz. club soda.
Cointreau
Cointreau is an orange-flavored liqueur. Pour 1 oz. Cointreau into a champagne flute. Top with 4 oz. Champagne and garnish with an orange twist.
Happy Hosting!
For more sparkling wine recipes, download my free “Seasonal Champagne Cocktails” printable below.
