Well, it’s that time of year again! 🎄Welcome to our ultimate guide to holiday cocktails, where creativity meets tradition. In this post, we celebrate the season with ten unique recipes that bring a modern twist to classic flavors, perfect for any home bartender.
Every cocktail here is designed to be both delicious and inspired, adding a festive flair to your holiday celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, our recipes are easy to follow and crafted to impress.
Each drink is a labor of love, combining precise measurements with traditional techniques to create cocktails that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Let’s dive in and get your holiday mixology game on point!
1. Kentucky Christmas – Woodford Reserve

Ingredients:

- 2.50 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1 oz Mancino Vermouth Chinato
- .25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 2 dashes of Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters
- Bordeaux cherry for garnish
Directions:
In a mixing glass, stir all the ingredients (except the garnish) with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the cherry.
This cocktail is a rich and elegant tribute to holiday warmth, perfect for sipping by the fire.
2. Christmas Whiskey Cocktail

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon: Blanton’s Single Barrel
- .75 oz Sandman Royal Ambrosante Pedro Ximenez 20 Year Old Sherry
- Dash of Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters
- Dash of Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters
- 2 orange zest coins
Directions:
Muddle 1 orange zest coin with both bitters and the sherry at the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add the bourbon and 4 large ice cubes, then stir. Express the oil of the remaining orange zest coin over the top and drop it in for a bold garnish.
This cocktail brings depth and complexity to your holiday gatherings.
3. General Harrison’s Eggnog

Ingredients:
- 1.50 oz Bulleit Bourbon
- 1 whole emulsified medium egg
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 4 oz Fresh Apple Cider
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
Combine all ingredients (except the garnish) in a mixing glass with ice in the glass half of a Boston shaker. Shake well to emulsify the egg, then strain into an eggnog cup or mug. Top with nutmeg to add a warm and spiced finish. A classic eggnog with a spirited twist!
4. Ginger and Orange Holiday Old Fashioned

Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz Bourbon
- 2 orange zest coins
- 2 dashes of Aromatic Bitters
- .25 oz Ginger Syrup
- 1 barspoon of Marmalade
- Flamed orange zest coin for garnish
- Slice of candied ginger for garnish
Directions:
Muddle the orange zest coins with the bitters and ginger syrup in the bottom of a Boston shaker glass. Add the bourbon, marmalade, and ice cubes. Shake well and fine strain through a mesh strainer into an old-fashioned glass over ice.
Garnish with the flamed orange zest coin and candied ginger for an extra zesty touch. This cocktail is as dynamic as it is flavorful.
5. Bobby Burns

Ingredients:
- 1 oz Dewar’s 12 Year Old Scotch
- 1 oz Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth
- .25 oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes of Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters
- Shortbread cookie for garnish
Directions:
Stir all ingredients (except the garnish) with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve with the shortbread cookie on the side. This drink is a sophisticated and classic nod to holiday indulgence, offering a smooth finish.
6. Coffee Cocktail

Ingredients:
- 1 oz Courvoisier VSOP Cognac
- 1 oz Ten Year Tawny Port
- 1 small egg
- .75 oz Simple Syrup
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Directions:
Shake all ingredients (except the garnish) vigorously with ice to emulsify the egg. Strain into a port glass and dust with nutmeg for an extra aromatic lift. This cocktail is a robust and luscious treat for coffee and cognac lovers alike.
7. Brandy Milk Punch

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Cognac
- 1 oz Rock Candy Syrup (or simple syrup with a drop of vanilla extract)
- 4 oz Milk
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
Combine the Cognac, syrup, and milk in a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain and serve in a highball glass over ice, then dust with nutmeg for a classic finish.
For a richer version, add a small egg and substitute heavy cream for one part of the milk. Inspired by Arctic Regions from The Flowing Bowl, this punch is smooth and decadent.
8. Toasted Almond (Cold)

Ingredients:
- .75 oz Kahlua
- .75 oz Disaronno Originale Amaretto
- 2 oz Heavy Cream
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a small cocktail glass. This drink is a creamy and delightful dessert in a glass, offering a rich almond twist that is both comforting and indulgent.
9. Coquito

Ingredients:
- Light or Dark Rum (to taste)
- Cinnamon: Ground or Cinnamon Sticks
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Coco Lopez
- Coconut Milk
- Evaporated Milk
- Ground Nutmeg
- A splash of Vanilla Extract
- Shredded Coconut (Optional)
- Raisins (Optional)
Directions:
Soak the cinnamon sticks and raisins with rum for 24 to 48 hours. In a blender, combine Coco Lopez, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Optionally add the cinnamon-infused rum or raisins to the puree. Pour the mixture into a container and let it rest for at least 4 hours to thicken and meld flavors. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 2 weeks. When ready to serve, shake well, and enjoy your creamy and exotic Coquito, a true Caribbean delight.
10. Tom and Jerry

Ingredients for the Batter:
- 2 oz Añejo Rum
- 12 fresh large eggs, separated
- 6 cups Sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1 teaspoon Creme of Tartar (optional)
Directions for the Batter:
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until combined. While continuing to beat, gradually add the sugar, spices, and rum until the mixture is thick and pale. Separately, beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the yolk mixture until you have a light batter. Add a teaspoon of creme of tartar if desired to prevent the sugar from settling. This batter is light and fluffy, a key element for the final drink.
Ingredients for Each Drink:
- 2 tablespoons Batter
- 1.5 oz Brandy
- ½ oz Añejo Rum
- 3-4 oz Boiling Water or Hot Milk
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Directions for Each Drink:
Place the batter in the bottom of a ceramic mug. Add the brandy, Añejo rum, and boiling water or hot milk. Stir well, dust with nutmeg, and serve. This version of Tom and Jerry is creamy and comforting, wrapping up your holiday with a nostalgic treat.
Final Thoughts
What do you think about our list? We aimed to cover a spectrum of holiday flavors that are both innovative and classic. Whether you prefer the warmth of an eggnog or the rich decadence of a Tom and Jerry, there’s a cocktail here for every taste.
Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite or if you have any twists of your own. Enjoy the holidays, everyone—stay home, stay safe, and get festively spirited!