1Rum Rum Rudolph
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
This Christmas version of a rum & coke is inspired by Rudolph the reindeer’s bright red nose. To get the vibrant hue, we use tart cherry juice. The juice imparts a mild tartness that balances the sweetness of the soda. To really bring the holiday spirit home, we use a cherry and rosemary sprigs to make our own adorable version of Rudolph.
Get the Rum Rum Rudolph recipe.
2Hot Toddy
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
A fire might be delightful when the weather outside is frightful—but the only way I want to warm up on a cold night is with a hot toddy. This hot cocktail comes together in just one mug. Simply combine all the ingredients in your cup, stir until the honey is dissolved, and enjoy!
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
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3Christmas Punch
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE
There’s no better way to liven up a holiday party than with a big pitcher of punch. A lot of recipes use Kool-Aid, liters of soda, and even ice cream to build their cocktails for sweetness, but this Christmas punch forgoes all the added sugar and instead derives its natural sweetness from apple cider.
Get the Christmas Punch recipe.
4Cranberry Paloma
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Just like a classic paloma, this cranberry paloma is made with a base of tequila and grapefruit. It gets a boost of sweetness and tartness with the addition of cranberry juice cocktail. This sweetened cranberry-based beverage replaces the need for sugary sodas or simple syrup. Bonus: It adds a gorgeous red hue to your glass.
Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.
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5Champurrado
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING:MAKINZE GORE
Unlike plain, watery hot chocolate you make with the powdered stuff, this champurrado is thick, rich, and decadent. It’s technically considered a type of atole, a warm drink invented by the Aztecs that’s thickened with masa harina. Instead of tasting like a Choco Taco, though, the masa lends a delicately sweet corn flavor and gives the champurrado a delightful richness.
Get the Champurrado recipe.
6Yule Mule
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
This Yule Mule is just as refreshing and bright as the traditional version, but makes a few festive swaps that make it perfect for the holidays. Instead of lime juice, we opt for the classic winter combination of cranberry and orange. We also give the mule a holiday twist by using rosemary instead of mint.
Get the Yule Mule recipe.
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7Kir Royale
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
The Kir Royale is a fixture at holiday celebrations, soirées hosted by the likes of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, and even episodes of Emily in Paris. Beyond its très chic reputation, it’s also simple to prepare and has a je ne sais quoi that makes any event extra-special.
Get the Kir Royale recipe.
8Brandy Alexander
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE
Making a Brandy Alexander couldn’t be easier: Just add equal parts of brandy, dark crème de cacao, and heavy cream for a sophisticated and luxurious post-holiday dinner cocktail. The Brandy Alexander is the perfect drink to round out a dinner party without having to make a complicated dessert. Think of it as a boozy, ultra-fancy chocolate milkshake!
Get the Brandy Alexander recipe.
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9Wassail
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Wassail is a warm, spiced punch that’s traditionally served when celebrating the ancient English Yuletide tradition of the same name. It can be served with or without the addition of bourbon or brandy. The combination of warm spices, like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, infuse a heady, wintery essence into each steaming mug.
Get the Wassail recipe.
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