20 of my favorite easy and festive cocktail recipes perfect for every occasion from brunch, barbecues, holiday parties, and more!
It’s the holiday season, and that usually means entertaining! Looking for a fun new cocktail recipe? Whether it’s for a party or just a date-night in, I love making craft cocktails at home. Depending on your mood, the season, or what you’re celebrating, this complete round-up of cocktail recipes has a little something for everyone. In my opinion, there is no wrong way to enjoy a good cocktail. So, to help make your life easier and ensure you have the perfect drink for every occasion, I’ve gathered 20 of my favorite festive cocktail recipes!
What do You Need For A Cocktail Party?
- Lots of ice!
- Have twice as many glasses available as those attending.
- For standard two-hour parties, have one bottle of alcohol per every two guests.
- If serving food, keep it simple with finger foods like Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms or Crispy Oven Baked Egg Rolls.
- Send invitations 2-3 weeks ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do different glasses serve a purpose or are they for looks?
For the most part when serving drinks at home, use whatever you have! That being said, glassware does have a purpose. For example, a snifter glass has a very short stem that is supposed to be cradled in the hand, helping warm the drink it contains. Sparkling wine, on the other hand, is best in a tall, narrow flute glass which helps preserve the bubbles and stop it from going flat too quickly. Moscow mules are best in copper mugs because they retain the cold the best which keeps the drink nice and chilled.
Can cocktails be non-alcoholic?
Most cocktail recipes can be made non-alcoholic (or into mocktails). Simply remove any alcohol from the recipe, and typically replace with club soda or additional juice from the recipe.
Which cocktails are easiest to serve at parties?
Typically, when serving large groups, I prefer to make large batch recipes like a Caribbean Rum Punch or easy White Wine Ginger Beer Sangrias that can be stored in the fridge.
Drink It, Like It, Share it!
Did you try any of these festive cocktails? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.
20 Festive Cocktail Recipes
Easy French 75 Cocktail Recipe
5 minutes
The ultimate celebratory cocktail recipe, the French 75 is bright, refreshing and effervesacent. Made with just three simple ingredients including gin, champagne and lemon juice.
Try: Easy French 75 Cocktail Recipe Pin
Pomegranate Sangria
10 minutes
This easy, make-ahead pomegranate sangria wine cocktail is fresh and fruity – perfect for entertaining or sipping by the fire.
Try: Pomegranate Sangria Pin
Rosemary Moscow Mule
10 minutes
This bright and herbal Moscow Mule recipe is infused with fresh rosemary and muddled with fresh mint and lime juice. It's the ultimate refreshing drink recipe!
Try: Rosemary Moscow Mule 
Homemade Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
30 minutes
This light and refreshing blueberry flavored vodka lemonade is sweetened with blueberry syrup and made with a splash of fragrant orange blossom water.
Try: Homemade Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Pin
Caribbean Rum Punch Cocktail
15 minutes
This fresh and fruity rum punch recipe is made with three types of fruit juice and coconut rum. Perfect for entertaining!
Try: Caribbean Rum Punch Cocktail Pin
Orange Blossom Citrus Mojitos
5 minutes
Perfect for warm weather sipping, these orange blossom citrus mojitos are a refreshing new twist on the classic mojito.
Try: Orange Blossom Citrus Mojitos Pin
Seabreeze Cocktail Recipe
10 minutes
This tart, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail will transport you to a warm ocean breeze after a single sip. Made with fresh grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice, it tastes great with either vodka or gin.
Try: Seabreeze Cocktail Recipe Pin
5 Ingredient Spanish Sangria
10 minutes
Using just 5 simple ingredients, this fresh and fruity sangria recipe is ideal for entertaining and perfect for making ahead of time.
Try: 5 Ingredient Spanish Sangria Pin
Jalapeño Moscow Mule
10 minutes
A spicy twist on the traditional Moscow mule recipe, this version is made with gin, jalapeños and ginger beer. The perfect drink that’s zesty, spicy and not too sweet.
Try: Jalapeño Moscow Mule Pin
Classic Tom Collins
5 minutes
A gin cocktail, this classic Tom Collins recipe is made with fresh orange and lemon juice then topped with sparkling club soda. The ultimate party drink!
Try: Classic Tom Collins Pin
Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas
5 minutes
The perfect cocktail recipe for entertaining or date night-in, these spicy jalapeño margaritas are sweet, sour, and slightly spicy.
Try: Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas 
New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail
5 minutes
The hurricane cocktail is a fruity rum punch made famous in New Orleans. The ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail recipe!
Try: New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail Pin
Spicy Grapefruit Paloma
10 minutes
This traditional Mexican cocktail made with fresh grapefruit juice and tequila is given a spicy kick from a chili-infused simple syrup.
Try: Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Pin
Apple Cider Sangria
10 minutes
The ultimate fall punch for entertaining, this apple cider sangria recipe is made with spicy ginger beer, fresh apple cider and dry white wine.
Try: Apple Cider Sangria Pin
Sparkling Pomegranate Mimosas
5 minutes
A seasonal twist on the classic mimosas, pomegranate juice and sparkling wine come together to create the perfect brunch cocktail recipe.
Try: Sparkling Pomegranate Mimosas Pin
Cranberry Moscow Mules
10 minutes
These light and refreshing Moscow mules get a splash of color from cranberry juice. The perfect cocktail recipe for entertaining!
Try: Cranberry Moscow Mules Pin
Kir Royale
5 minutes
The Kir Royale is a festive French cocktail made with sparkling wine topped with blackberry liquor such as Chambord.
Try: Kir Royale Pin
Skinny Orange Margarita Cocktail
10 minutes
Made with freshly squeezed citrus juice, silver tequila, and sparkling water, this low carb skinny orange margarita recipe is refreshing, and not too sweet.
Try: Skinny Orange Margarita Cocktail Pin
Classic Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe
5 minutes
This fresh and fruity vodka cocktail is made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a salt rim. Ideal for two or a crowd!
Try: Classic Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe Pin
White Wine Ginger Beer Sangria
15 minutes
This sparkling white wine sangria is made with ginger beer and three types of citrus juice. This recipe is ideal for entertaining a crowd!
Try: White Wine Ginger Beer Sangria Pin
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