20 Festive Cocktail Recipes

20 crowd-pleasing festive cocktails for brunch, happy hour, and everything in between!

Looking for a fun new cocktail recipe to make at home? Whether it's for a Zoom happy hour or a date night in, I love making craft cocktails at home. Depending on your mood or what seasonal fresh or frozen fruit you have on hand, this complete round-up of cocktail recipes has a little something for everyone.

If you love gin, try my Jalapeno Moscow Mules. Fan of rum? Be sure to try our Caribbean Rum Punch Cocktail. For all of my tequila lovers, this Spicy Grapefruit Paloma will hit the spot. Want something a little indulgent? These Chai Infused White Russian Cocktails taste more like dessert than a cocktail. You're welcome.

Tips for Hosting a Cocktail Party:

Stock up on 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 including food, add a variety of finger foods and appetizers such as 5-Ingredient Pizza Skewers or Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms.
Send invitations 2-3 weeks ahead of time.

To stay organized, take a look at this checklist to make sure you've ticked all the boxes before the party starts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute alcohol types?

Generally, I recommend sticking with the specified alcohol in each recipe.

Do different glasses serve a purpose or are they for looks?

When making cocktails at home, any glass will work. That 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. Simply remove any alcohol from the recipe. Also, feel free to experiment replacing the alcohol with a juice or other liquid of choice.

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.

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 recipes. Your glass is waiting.

Easy French 75 Cocktail

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.