But there are those times you should pull out something special and there's no time like the holidays to bring it. Be it served in a punch bowl, a fancified glass of bubbles, or served straight up, this list has something for everyone.
Armed with this list of 20 terrific tipples in your cocktail arsenal, you’ll shake things up, be the perfect party host, or just take the edge off the holiday season.
Opening photo by Cameron Whitman
With a hint of spicy ginger liqueur and a dash of fresh pomegranate seeds, this cocktail couldn't be simpler or more festive.
Originally crafted for the Golden Globes, this sparkling cocktail brings a little spice, a nice pear flavor, and a whole lot of glam.
Another cocktail crafted for Awards season, here bubbles are dressed up for the holidays a spiced blood orange syrup.
Like punch's more chill sibling, sangria is always wecome at any party. This white version with apples, cinnamon, and citrus is as appropriate at a Fall dinner as it is at a holiday cocktail party.
Speaking of punch, this whiskey punch — with apple cider, smoky lapsang souchong tea, citrus, cloves — brings all the holiday feels.
If you want a punch that's just as festive but lighter this is it. Here we combine pomegranate and apples in this punch that has been a major favorite this year. Pull out the vintage glassware and make a pomegranate seed ice mold and you'll be the mose festive hostess around.
The classic Negroni is a drink every cocktail lover should know. Bitter, sweet and appropriately boozy, it’s a balanced cocktail that’s as sophisticated as it is season-less. But during the holidays we swap the gin for bubbles because we love sparkling wine in the wintertime. And because it can be made in batches so you don't have to sit by the bar all night.
For something a little less obvious, turn to the classic whiskey cocktail, The Man O' War. Named after a race horse, this cocktail is usually served during the Triple Crown but we like it any time of year.
Another cocktail you don't see much this season? Daiquiris. An, honestly, we're not sure why. Give your favorite beach vacay cocktail a definitive wintry twist thanks to the addition of pomegranates.
If you just can't handle anymore apple anything but still love cider, check out this pear cider cocktail. Made with spiced pear liqueur, whiskey, and a flamed orange, one sip will transport you to the days of yore (even if we're not entirely sure when yore was)!
If sage if your thing, you're going to want to give this sage twist on this classic cocktail a go. Just know this is best made to order so plan on serving this for a smaller gathering so you're not playing bartender all night.
When it comes to gin, there's nothing more classic than a gin and tonic. And when made the Spanish way — with tons of ice in a balloon glass with lots of quality tonic — it feels more festive than ever.
Sometimes you need to pull out a total wild card cocktail and that's when this Spiked Horchata Latte Cocktail is in order. Made with homemade spiced horchata, coffee liqueur, and tequila, this is the drink a White Russian wished it could be.
Charring the citrus gives this classic cockail a more complex note. And, if you really wanted to up the smokiness and char, you could make it with mezcal instead of the tequila.
Yes, this is best when made with the St. George Spirits Spiced Pear Liqueur so it's a super specific cocktail. However, that liqueur is one of our favorite spirits for holiday cocktails so we encourage you to buy a bottle!
When you don't have time to make Aged eggnog or you just want something a little lighter, this rum-spiked soda is pretty much perfect!
To us, each of the most classic cocktails has an ideal setting in which to imbibe it. By our calcuations Margaritas are best during warm weather, Bloody Mary cocktails alongside a brunch, and Old Fashioned cocktails? Pretty much anytime a fire is roaring, snow is falling, and the ambiance is cozy, we want one of these in our hand.
Hang around here long enough and you'll quickly notice that we L-O-V-E us some persimmons. And when we get our hands on extra ripe hachiya persimmons, we make sure to stir up a few of these cinnamon-spiced and citrus-laced Old Fashioned cocktails.
Now that you've decided on a cocktail or two, may we suggest a few apps for your festivities?
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Salt & Wind Travel is a boutique travel company for the discerning food and lifestyle traveler. Through our food-first travel planning services, including private day tours, custom itinerary planning, small group trips, and our Digital City Guides For Food Lovers, we provide you with the resources to travel in good taste. Founded by food and travel expert, Aida Mollenkamp in 2015, Salt & Wind Travel is owned by Aida and filmmaker and travel expert, Kristen Kellogg.
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