Do you have a favorite holiday drink? Indulge at home this winter with our festive cocktails. Try these fun and fragrant drinks—from our Ho, Ho, Ho Cocktail to mulled wine, spiced cider, eggnog, a Christmas punch, and more!
10 Christmas Cocktails1. Traditional Wassail
For centuries, going back to Anglo-Saxon times, holiday revelers have wished each other, “Wes ha!”—Be Whole!—while sharing this drink. Wassail traditionally contained roasted apples, which would swell up and burst apart in the hot punch.
Traditional Wassail
Photo: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
2. Light Wassail
Even children will enjoy this spicy punch, which you can adapt as you wish. Taste as you go, adjusting the sugar to find a mixture you especially like.
3. Mulled Wine
This creates a delightful aroma. Use burgundy or any other full-bodied wine.
Mulled Wine
Photo: irina02/shutterstock
4. Cranberry Punch
Chill all the ingredients before making this colorful holiday punch. If you prefer, use unsweetened cranberry/raspberry juice and sweeten to taste with superfine sugar.
Cranberry Punch
Photo: Irina Burakova/Shutterstock
5. Mulled Cider
Hot cider fills the house with a delicious fragrance. Make it for brunch or just to have throughout a holiday.
Mulled Cider
Photo: irina02/shutterstock
6. George Washington’s Christmas Eggnog
We get the word nog from “noggin,” a small, wooden cup that English tavern owners used for serving drinks. Once you taste homemade eggnog, you’ll never again settle for the variety sold in cartons.
George Washington’s Christmas Eggnog
Photo: irina02/shutterstock
7. Nonalcoholic Eggnog
From the chef: “This recipe has been served by my grandmother every Christmas I can remember. I’m spoiled on it now and cannot tolerate commercial eggnog. Enjoy!”
Nonalcoholic Eggnog
8. Ho, Ho, Ho Cocktail
Garnet red in color and filled with bubbles, our festive Ho, Ho, Ho Cocktail fairly shouts “Happy Holidays” from its glass.
Ho, Ho, Ho Cocktail
Photo: Sebastien Coell/Shutterstock
9. Christmas Punch
This punch is not only pretty but flavorful as well. A very good nonalcoholic punch. Make plenty—it’ll go fast.
Christmas Punch
10. New Year’s Day Holiday Punch
If you prefer, substitute ginger ale for the champagne.
New Year’s Day Holiday Punch
Get more delicious punch recipes for any occasion!
What are your favorite holiday beverages? Tell us in the comments below!