The holiday season is the perfect time for bars and restaurants to craft unforgettable guest experiences—and nothing sets the mood like a well-curated drink menu. With festive flavors and eye-catching presentation, these holiday cocktail recipes can help you stand out, drive customer engagement, and increase seasonal sales. From cozy classics to creative twists, each recipe in this list is designed to bring holiday cheer while boosting your bottom line. Let’s raise the bar with drinks that make your venue the go-to destination this season.
Diving into the holiday season, what better way to celebrate than with some of the best new delicious holiday bar drink recipes? Festive cocktails are sure to bring some holiday cheer to your gatherings. Whether you’re creating a menu for your bar, hosting a holiday party or just want to enjoy a tasty drink by the fire, these holiday cocktail recipes are the way to go. From cozy hot toddies to fruity punch bowls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget about the classic holiday cocktails like decadent nog, wassail, and mulled wine. It’s time to spread some holiday cheer and toast to the season with these fantastic holiday bar drink recipes.
What Are the Most Popular Holiday Cocktail Recipes Served at Bars and Restaurants?
The most popular winter cocktail is undoubtedly the classic Eggnog. This creamy and rich Christmas drink has been a staple of festive holiday celebrations for centuries. Made with a mix of eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and a hint of spice, this is the perfect beverage to bring the holiday flavor. Whether you prefer it spiked with a bit of rum or brandy, or enjoy it nonalcoholic-style, Eggnog is a beloved cocktail that is enjoyed by many around Christmas time. Its popularity continues to rise each year, and it has become a beloved tradition for many to indulge in this festive beverage during the winter season. So, if you’re looking for that perfect cocktail to get a spot on the nice list, look no further than the timeless classic, Eggnog.
Top Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Sip and Serve This Festive Season
We’ve compiled some of our favorite seasonal cocktail recipes that are sure to be a hit and get everyone in the holiday spirit! So let’s get started on crafting the perfect holiday drinks to sip for your special occasions.
Needed for most recipes: cocktail shaker, fresh ice, allspice, chilled coupe glass (or any glass you prefer). Any dairy ingredients can be substituted with any non- dairy alternative.
Spiced Rum Eggnog: A Classic in Holiday Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients:
6 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 ounces dark rum or brandy (optional)
Directions: In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs and sugar with a whisk until light in color. Add the milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat proof spatula. When it begins to steam (it should not boil), reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Stir in the rum or brandy. Refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight before serving. Serve chilled with extra nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Mistletoe Mule: A Refreshing Addition to Your Holiday Cocktail Recipes List
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces of vodka
• 4 – 6 ounces of ginger beer
• 1 teaspoon cranberry juice
• Squeeze of lime
Optional: Sprig of mistletoe, garnish with cranberries or limes.
Directions: Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice. Combine all ingredients except lime. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavors as necessary. Garnish with a sprig of mistletoe (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule: A Fruity Twist on Holiday Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces of vodka
• 4 – 6 ounces of ginger beer
• 1 teaspoon apple cider
• 1 teaspoon cranberry juice
Optional: Garnish with a lime wedge, and an apple slice.
Directions: Fill a copper mug or tall glass with ice. Pour in vodka, ginger beer, cider and cranberry juice. Squeeze in a fresh lime wedge and stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavors as necessary. Garnish with an apple slice (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Rosemary Martini: Herbal Elegance in Holiday Cocktail Recipes for Bars
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
Optional: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, and lime wedge.
Directions: Fill a shaker with ice. Add the vodka, lime juice and cranberry juice to the shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with rosemary sprig (optional).
Champagne Bourbon Cocktail: Sparkling Holiday Cocktail Recipes That Impress
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces of bourbon
• 2 ounces of champagne
• 2 – 3 dashes Angostura bitters
Optional: Garnish with an orange peel.
Directions: Fill a shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, chilled champagne and bitters to the shaker. Stir gently for 30 seconds until combined. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and stir again. Garnish with an orange peel (optional).
Mulled Apple Cider: Warm and Cozy Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Delight Guests
Ingredients:
• 2 quarts apple cider
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
Optional: Garnish with an orange peel.
Directions: In a medium saucepan, combine the cider, brown sugar, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Strain into heatproof glasses or mugs, discarding the solids. Garnish with an orange peel (optional).
Boozy Hot Chocolate with Crème: A Sweet Must-Have in Holiday Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• ¼ cup Irish cream liqueur
Optional: Garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
Directions: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until steaming. Add the chopped chocolate and whisk constantly until completely melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the Irish cream liqueur. Divide among four mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick (optional).
Pomegranate Sangria: A Colorful and Festive Holiday Cocktail Recipe for Restaurants
Ingredients:
• 2 bottles dry red wine
• ½ cup brandy
• ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
Optional: Fresh cranberries, oranges, lemons and apples for garnish.
Directions: In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur and pomegranate juice. Add in the fresh fruit (optional) for garnish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon to serve.
Baked Apple Tequila Margarita: Unique Holiday Cocktail Recipes with Seasonal Flair
Ingredients:
• 8 ounces tequila
• 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
• 1 cup apple cider, chilled
Optional: Cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses.
Directions: In a small saucepan, combine the tequila, lime juice and honey until heated through. Do not boil. Add in the cider and stir to combine. Rim each glass with cinnamon sugar, if desired. Fill glasses with ice and pour margarita mixture over top.
Cherry Brandy Old Fashioned: A Bold Classic in Holiday Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces brandy
• 1 teaspoon sugar or simple syrup
• 6-8 cherries, pitted and chopped
• 3-4 dashes of orange bitters
Directions: In a rocks glass, combine the brandy, sugar and chopped cherries. Muddle until all ingredients are combined. Add in the orange bitters and stir. Place ice in a rocks glass, then pour in club soda to fill the rest of the glass. Stir again before serving.
Vodka Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces espresso-infused vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add in the vodka, coffee liqueur and simple syrup. Shake with ice vigorously for about 10 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and serve.
Chai Toddy: Spiced Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Warm Up Winter Nights
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces whiskey
• 4 ounces chai tea
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions: In a mug, combine the whiskey, chai tea and honey. Stir to combine. Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir again. Top off with a few cubes of ice if desired.
Festive Mocktail Holiday Recipes for Everyone to Drink
If you’re a fan of holiday recipes, then you’ll definitely want to try these festive mocktail recipes that are sure to put you on the nice list with their delicious flavors. From ginger thyme blood orange sparkler to a peppermint hot chocolate, there’s a mocktail for every occasion this holiday season. These mocktail recipes are not only delicious, but they’re also easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or dietary restrictions.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Non-Alcoholic Holiday Cocktail Recipes for All Ages
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract
3/4 cup of milk (or non-dairy alternative)
1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
Directions: In a small pot, heat the milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Reduce the heat to low and add cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and sugar or honey. Whisk everything together until all of the ingredients are dissolved and fully incorporated into the milk. Serve warm in a mug with marshmallows, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Ginger Thyme Blood Orange Sparkler
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of freshly squeezed blood orange juice
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
3 slices of peeled ginger
4 ounces of sparkling water or club soda
Directions: Place the orange juice, thyme, and ginger into a glass. Muddle everything together until the juices from the oranges and aromatics from the thyme and ginger are released. Add the sparkling water or club soda to the glass and stir until combined. Serve over ice with a sprig of thyme for garnish.
Apple Spice Christmas Drink: Family-Friendly Holiday Cocktail Recipes with Flavor
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Directions: Heat the almond milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Once heated, add the honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg and whisk until everything is dissolved. Pour into a mug and enjoy. You can garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.
FAQs:
1. What are the most popular holiday cocktail recipes for bars?
Popular holiday cocktail recipes for bars include Spiced Rum Eggnog, Mistletoe Mule, and Mulled Apple Cider. These drinks are festive, profitable, and crowd-pleasers. Lavu POS can help track which holiday drinks are bestsellers so you can optimize your seasonal menu.
2. What are some must-have Christmas cocktails for a bar menu
Top Christmas cocktails include Peppermint Martinis, Cranberry Moscow Mule, and Boozy Hot Chocolate. These drinks blend seasonal flavors and visual appeal. Use Lavu’s menu management features to promote them on your digital displays and POS
3. How do I create a festive cocktail recipe list for my restaurant
To build festive cocktail recipes for your restaurant, include a balance of classics (like Eggnog) and unique options (like Rosemary Gin Fizz). Analyze past sales trends using Lavu POS to determine what your guests prefer during the holidays.
4. How can I promote my holiday cocktail menu effectively?
You can promote your holiday cocktail menu with social media teasers, email campaigns, and holiday bar promotions. Lavu POS supports customer engagement through loyalty programs and automated discounts to attract repeat customers.
5. Can I use Lavu POS to manage seasonal cocktail menus more efficiently?
Yes, Lavu POS makes it easy to manage your seasonal cocktails for bars by streamlining menu updates, tracking inventory, and analyzing performance data. This helps you make smarter decisions about what to promote and when.
