17 Delightful Winter Cocktails Recipes for the Holiday Season

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As the chill of winter settles in and the holiday lights twinkle, there’s something exciting about gathering with loved ones over a glass of cheer.

This collection of Winter Cocktails Recipes is not just about drinks; it’s about creating memories that warm the soul.

Each recipe, from easy Christmas cocktails to fun Christmas cocktails, tells a story of celebration and joy.

Share the laughter around the table as you sip on winter gin cocktails or indulge in creamy holiday cocktails.

Whether you’re toasting to the New Year or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, these winter alcoholic drinks will add a splash of happiness to your holiday season.

So, let’s raise our glasses to the spirit of togetherness and dive into these delightful recipes.

1. Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail

This recipe from Kristen Massad brings a festive twist to the classic Paloma. The Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail is a vibrant ruby red, combining the tartness of cranberry and grapefruit juices with the warmth of spiced simple syrup.

Ingredients

  • Spiced Simple Syrup:
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup water
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 2 whole cloves
    • 2 star anise
    • 1 vanilla bean (split open)
  • Spiced Cranberry Paloma:
    • 2 ounces cranberry juice (100% juice recommended)
    • 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
    • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
    • 1 ½ ounces spiced simple syrup
    • 2 ounces tequila
    • Sparkling water
    • Ice
  • Garnish (optional):
    • A sprig of rosemary
    • Sugared cranberries
    • Dried grapefruit slices

Drink Preparation

  • Prepare the Spiced Simple Syrup:
    • In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, anise, and vanilla bean.
    • Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
    • Remove spices and store the syrup in the refrigerator.
  • Make the Cocktail:
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, spiced simple syrup, and tequila. Shake well.
    • Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water.
    • Garnish with rosemary, sugared cranberries, and dried grapefruit slices if desired.

Expert Advice

  • For a festive touch, consider making a Spiced Cranberry Paloma Punch for larger gatherings by scaling up the ingredients.
  • The spiced simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored for up to two weeks, perfect for holiday entertaining!

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: 581 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Joy + Oliver

2. Jack Frost Winter Cocktail

This recipe from Amy Flanigan is a delightful escape from the winter chill, bringing a taste of the tropics right to your glass.

This drink is visually stunning with its vibrant blue hue, and also captures the sweet, creamy essence of a piña colada. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this tropical treat in no time!

Ingredients

  • Light corn syrup (for rimming glasses)
  • ⅓ cup sweetened coconut flakes (for rimming glasses)
  • 3-4 cups crushed ice
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup Blue Curacao liquor
  • ½ cup light rum
  • ½ cup cream of coconut (not coconut milk)

Drink Preparation

  • Prepare the Glasses:
    • Pour a thin layer of corn syrup onto a shallow plate and place coconut flakes on another plate.
    • Dip the rim of each cocktail glass in the corn syrup, then in the coconut flakes. Set aside.
  • Blend the Cocktail:
    • In a blender, combine crushed ice, pineapple juice, Blue Curacao, light rum, and cream of coconut. Blend until smooth.
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared glasses and serve immediately.

Expert Advice

  • Ensure you use cream of coconut for the best flavor; it’s thicker and richer than coconut milk.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and replace Blue Curacao with Blue Curacao syrup.
  • You can also make a martini version by shaking the ingredients with ice instead of blending.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: 368 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Belly Full

3. Cranberry Gin & Tonic with Rosemary

This recipe from Rachel Gurk offers a refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic, perfect for the winter season.

The Cranberry Gin & Tonic combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the herbal notes of gin, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Garnished with fresh rosemary and lime, this cocktail not only tastes great but also looks stunning.

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 3 lime slices (divided)
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries (divided)
  • 1 ½ ounces gin (chilled)
  • 1 ½ ounces 100% cranberry juice (chilled)
  • 3 ounces Indian tonic water (chilled)
  • Rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Drink Preparation

  • Fill a tall glass about ¾ of the way with ice. Add 2 lime slices and half of the cranberries.
  • Pour in the chilled gin and cranberry juice, then slowly top with tonic water.
  • Garnish with an additional lime slice, remaining cranberries, and place a rosemary sprig on the rim of the glass. Serve with a straw if desired.

Expert Advice

  • Use 100% cranberry juice for the best flavor; avoid cranberry juice cocktails with added sugars.
  • For a stronger cranberry flavor, increase the cranberry juice to 2 ounces.
  • Lightly crush the rosemary with your fingertips before placing it on the rim to enhance its aroma.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: 147 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Rachel Cooks

4. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

This recipe from Hadley Mendelsohn is a delightful winter cocktail that perfectly balances warmth and flavor.

With its sweet and spicy notes, this cocktail is not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Chai Simple Syrup:
    • 4 chai tea bags
    • ⅓ cup real maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chai Old Fashioned:
    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • 1 ounce lemon juice
    • 1 dash orange bitters
    • 1-2 ounces chai tea syrup
    • Sparkling water (for topping)
    • Cinnamon and star anise (for garnish, optional)

Drink Preparation

  • Make the Chai Simple Syrup:
    • In a medium pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the chai tea bags, cover, and steep for 10-15 minutes.
    • Remove the tea bags and bring the mixture back to a boil. Stir in the maple syrup and boil for an additional 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prepare the Old Fashioned:
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange bitters, and 2 tablespoons of the chai syrup. Shake well.
    • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass. If desired, top with sparkling water and garnish with cinnamon and star anise.

Expert Advice

  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of chai syrup to suit your taste.
  • This cocktail can be made ahead of time by preparing the chai syrup, making it easy to whip up drinks for unexpected guests.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 547 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Half Baked Harvest

5. Frostbite Cocktail

This recipe from Jassy Davis is a stunning winter cocktail that captures the essence of the holiday season.

The Frostbite Cocktail is inspired by the whimsical character Jack Frost, featuring a beautiful light blue hue that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink.

Combining the flavors of blue curaçao, blanco tequila, and white crème de cacao with a touch of cream, this cocktail is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. It’s a silky, dessert-like drink that will surely impress your guests at any winter gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 fl oz tequila blanco
  • 1 fl oz heavy cream
  • 0.75 fl oz blue curaçao
  • 0.75 fl oz white crème de cacao
  • 1 cherry (for garnish)

Drink Preparation

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, blue curaçao, crème de cacao, heavy cream, and cubed ice.
  • Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds until well mixed.
  • Strain the mixture into a lowball glass over a clear ice ball.
  • Garnish with a cherry on top.

Expert Advice

  • For a non-alcoholic version, consider using a blue sports drink or blue raspberry syrup in place of the alcohol.
  • This cocktail is best served immediately to enjoy its creamy texture and vibrant color.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: 365 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Novel Nightcaps

6. Winter Snowflake Cocktail

This recipe from Nicola is the ultimate warm winter cocktail, perfect for cozying up during the holiday season.

The Winter Snowflake Cocktail is rich, creamy, and delightfully festive, making it an ideal choice for sipping while wrapping gifts or enjoying a holiday movie.

With its soothing flavors of white chocolate, caramel, and Baileys Irish Cream, this cocktail is like a warm hug in a glass.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup skim milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
  • Optional: whipped cream and ground cinnamon for topping

Drink Preparation

  1. In a microwave-safe mug or glass, stir together the white chocolate chips, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, milk, and Baileys.
  2. Heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until piping hot.
  3. Remove from the microwave and stir to ensure all the chocolate and caramel have melted thoroughly.
  4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy!

Expert Advice

  • For a larger gathering, you can easily make a big batch in a slow cooker. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and keep it on low until ready to serve.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using less caramel or white chocolate, or by substituting with a lower-calorie option.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 200 kcal (can be reduced to about 140 kcal by using less Baileys)

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Happy Healthy Motivated

7. Winter Aperol Spritz

This recipe from Jessica offers a delightful twist on the classic Aperol spritz, making it perfect for the holiday season.

With cranberry juice and the classic flavors of Aperol and Prosecco,this refreshing cocktail is ideal for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces Aperol
  • 3 ounces Prosecco
  • 1 ounce cranberry juice
  • 2 ounces club soda (or cranberry Spindrift)
  • 1 orange wedge (for garnish)
  • 1 orange zest twist (for garnish)
  • 1 sprig of rosemary (for garnish)

Drink Preparation

  1. In a glass filled with ice, combine the Aperol, Prosecco, and cranberry juice.
  2. Add the club soda and gently stir to combine.
  3. Garnish with an orange wedge, a twist of orange zest, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Expert Advice

  • This cocktail is incredibly versatile; feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
  • For a larger gathering, you can easily scale up the recipe and serve it in a pitcher.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 200 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit How Sweet Eats

8. Hot Buttered Rum

This recipe from Paul Kushner is a quintessential winter warmer that will keep you cozy on cold nights.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire, this drink with velvety, sweet, and spicy flavors is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened, 1 stick)
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups hot water
  • ¾ cup dark rum
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Drink Preparation

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until well combined.
  3. Transfer the spiced butter mixture to an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
  4. To make the hot buttered rum, add 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter mixture to a mug.
  5. Pour in 2 ounces of dark rum and top with 1 cup of hot water.
  6. Stir until the spiced butter mixture is dissolved and the drink is smooth.
  7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or whipped cream, if desired.

Expert Advice

  • This drink can be made in larger batches for parties. Simply multiply the ingredients and keep it warm in a slow cooker.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste or add a splash of apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200 kcal (varies based on butter and sugar used)

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit MyBartender

9. Winter Wonderland Margarita

This recipe from Amanda McGrory-Dixon is a festive twist on the classic margarita, which combines sweet and savory rosemary simple syrup with bright coconut milk.

Garnished with a candied rosemary sprig, this drink is not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Ingredients

  • Rosemary Simple Syrup:
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • Several fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Winter Wonderland Margarita:
    • 2 ounces tequila (preferably reposado)
    • 2 ounces coconut milk (canned, unsweetened)
    • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
    • 1 ounce orange liqueur (preferably Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
    • 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
    • Ice
    • Coarse sea salt (for rimming, optional)
    • Candied rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)

Drink Preparation

  1. Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
    • In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs to a low boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
    • Once it comes to a low boil and the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the Candied Rosemary Garnish:
    • Lightly dip fresh rosemary sprigs into the rosemary simple syrup and sprinkle with sugar. Set on a wire rack to dry for about an hour.
  3. Mix the Margarita:
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, coconut milk, lime juice, orange liqueur, and rosemary simple syrup with a handful of ice.
    • Shake vigorously for about 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Serve:
    • If desired, rim the serving glass with coarse sea salt by running a lime slice along the rim and dipping it into the salt.
    • Add ice to the serving glass, strain the margarita into the glass, and garnish with the candied rosemary.

Expert Advice

  • To make a pitcher for a crowd, multiply the ingredients by eight for a batch that serves eight. Store in the refrigerator and stir before serving, as coconut milk may settle.
  • Ensure you shake the coconut milk can well before using to incorporate the solids and liquid.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 413 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Burrata and Bubbles

10. The North Pole Cocktail

This festive recipe from Tieghan Gerard is the perfect holiday drink with the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with a hint of ginger and molasses.

It gives a sweet and slightly spiced taste that embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces Kahlúa (or more to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 teaspoons molasses
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
  • Whipped cream, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies (for serving, optional)

Drink Preparation

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Kahlúa, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, molasses, and ground ginger. Shake until well combined.
  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into four glasses.
  4. Top each glass with heavy cream and dollop with whipped cream.
  5. Garnish with candy canes and gingerbread cookies, if desired. Enjoy!

Expert Advice

  • For a festive touch, consider rimming the glasses with crushed candy canes before pouring in the cocktail.
  • This drink can easily be made in larger batches for parties; simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 480 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Half Baked Harvest

11. Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail

This delightful recipe from Michael Wurm Jr. is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.

The sweetness of pear with the warmth of spices makes it an ideal signature drink for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce pear juice
  • 0.75 ounce spiced pear liqueur
  • 0.50 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 drops cardamom bitters
  • Slice of pear (for garnish)
  • Sprig of thyme (for garnish)

Drink Preparation

  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, pear juice, spiced pear liqueur, lemon juice, and cardamom bitters.
  2. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with a slice of pear and a sprig of thyme.

Expert Advice

  • For a larger gathering, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a pitcher. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
  • If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to adjust the amount of pear liqueur to taste.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 200 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Inspired by Charm

12. Peppermint Mudslide

This festive recipe from Milisa is a delightful twist on the classic mudslide, perfect for holiday gatherings.

The Peppermint Mudslide combines rich flavors of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, and peppermint schnapps, creating a sweet and creamy cocktail that embodies the spirit of the season.

Ingredients

  • Ice
  • 4 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
  • 4 ounces Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur
  • 4 ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces peppermint schnapps
  • Fresh mint (for garnish)

Drink Preparation

  1. Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Pour in the Baileys, Kahlúa, vodka, and peppermint schnapps.
  3. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously until well combined.
  4. Fill glasses about ¾ full with crushed ice.
  5. Strain the mudslide mixture over the ice in each glass.
  6. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

Expert Advice

  • For a frozen version, blend all ingredients (except ice) with 2 cups of vanilla ice cream until smooth. Serve in glasses with straws for a fun twist!
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of peppermint schnapps to suit your taste.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 713 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Miss in the Kitchen

13. The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail

This festive recipe from Tieghan Gerard is a fun and flavorful cocktail that combines vodka with fresh lime and grapefruit juices, spicy jalapeños, and is topped off with ginger beer for a refreshing kick.

Finished with a minted sugar rim, this cocktail is delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2-4 finely chopped fresh mint leaves (plus more for serving)
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • Juice from ½ lime
  • Juice from ½ small grapefruit
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1-2 jalapeño slices (to taste)
  • Ginger beer (for topping)
  • Pomegranate arils (for serving, optional)

Drink Preparation

  1. On a shallow plate, combine the granulated sugar and chopped mint. Rim your glass in the mint sugar, then fill it with ice.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey, and jalapeños.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well combined, about 1 minute.
  4. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
  5. Top with ginger beer and garnish with additional mint and pomegranate arils, if desired.

Expert Advice

  • For a larger batch, you can easily scale up the recipe and serve it as a punch. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed.
  • If you prefer a milder drink, adjust the amount of jalapeño to taste.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 564 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Half Baked Harvest

14. Frosty the Snowman – Peppermint Schnapps Cocktail

This festive recipe from Michelle Ordever is a delightful holiday drink that captures the spirit of winter.

Using peppermint schnapps, vanilla rum, and blue curaçao, to create a sweet and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

With a candy cane rim and a splash of lemon-lime soda, this drink is as fun to look at as it is to sip!

Ingredients

  • For the Cocktail:
    • 2 ounces peppermint schnapps
    • 2 ounces vanilla rum
    • 2 ounces blue curaçao
    • Ice
    • 10 ounces Sprite or other lemon-lime soda
    • Maraschino cherry (for garnish, optional)
  • For the Glass Rim:
    • Simple syrup
    • Crushed candy canes

Drink Preparation

  1. Prepare the Glass:
    • Pour some simple syrup into a shallow dish and the crushed candy canes into another dish.
    • Roll the rim of the glasses in the syrup and then dip them into the crushed candy canes. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Cocktail:
    • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the peppermint schnapps, vanilla rum, and blue curaçao.
    • Shake well until combined.
  3. Serve:
    • Pour the mixture into the candy cane-rimmed glasses filled with ice.
    • Top off with Sprite and garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.

Expert Advice

  • For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the schnapps and rum with flavored syrups and use blue food coloring for the color.
  • To make a frozen version, blend all ingredients with ice until smooth and serve with a straw.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 615 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit The Purple Pumpkin Blog

15. Christmas Cookie Cocktail

This festive recipe from Jaclyn Shimmel is a delightful dessert cocktail that combines the flavors of vodka, Kahlúa, and sweet sugar cookie coffee creamer.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces sugar cookie-flavored coffee creamer
  • 1 ounce vanilla-flavored vodka
  • 1 ounce half and half (or milk)
  • 1 ounce Kahlúa
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla frosting (for rimming the glass)
  • 1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles (for rimming the glass)
  • Ice

Drink Preparation

  1. Prepare the Glass:
    • On a shallow plate, spread a layer of Christmas sprinkles.
    • Add a thin layer of vanilla frosting to the rim of the glass and dip it into the sprinkles to coat.
  2. Mix the Cocktail:
    • Fill the glass with ice.
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine the sugar cookie coffee creamer, vanilla vodka, half and half, and Kahlúa.
    • Shake well until combined.
  3. Serve:
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Advice

  • If you prefer a less sweet drink, consider reducing the amount of sugar cookie creamer and substituting it with more half and half.
  • For a fun garnish, consider adding a sugar cookie on the rim of the glass.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 545 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Crayons & Cravings

16. Winter Sangria (2 Ways)

This festive recipe from Tori W. offers two delightful variations of winter sangria, perfect for holiday gatherings.

The Winter Sangria combines seasonal fruits and holiday flavors with wine, creating a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that will impress your guests.

Whether you prefer the rich flavors of red wine or the crispness of white, these sangrias are sure to elevate your holiday celebrations!

Red Winter Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 3 ounces brandy
  • 1 bottle dry red wine
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 2 apples, sliced or diced
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup ice
  • Star anise (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, add the sugar and muddle with half of the orange slices to release the juices.
  2. Add the orange juice, brandy, red wine, and cranberry juice. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the fresh fruit, cinnamon sticks, and ice. Stir again and taste; adjust flavors as desired.
  4. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and star anise, if using.

White Winter Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup white cranberry juice
  • 3 ounces brandy
  • 1 bottle prosecco
  • ½ bottle dry white wine
  • 2 sliced apples
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup ice
  • Star anise or rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, add the sugar and lightly muddle with half of the frozen cranberries and white cranberry juice until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the brandy and muddle again.
  3. Pour in the prosecco and white wine, stirring to combine.
  4. Add the apple slices, remaining cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and ice. Stir and taste; adjust flavors as desired.
  5. Garnish each glass with apple slices and star anise or rosemary.

Expert Advice

  • For a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed.
  • These sangrias can be made a few hours in advance; just keep them chilled until serving.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per serving: Approximately 319 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Fraîche Living

17. Cranberry Fizz Cocktail

This festive recipe from Krissy is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that’s perfect for the holiday season.

The Cranberry Fizz combines tart cranberry juice with vodka and a splash of sparkling water, creating a light and bubbly drink that’s sure to please your guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 3 ounces vodka (equivalent to 2 shots)
  • 12 ounces sparkling water

Drink Preparation

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry juice, sugar, and orange juice. Cook until reduced by half, swirling occasionally, about 15 minutes.
  2. Store the syrup in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  3. To make the cocktail, combine 2 ounces of the sweetened cranberry syrup with vodka in a glass filled with ice. Mix well.
  4. Top with sparkling water and stir gently to combine.

Expert Advice

  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply mix the cranberry syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your taste.

Portion Sizes or Calorie Info

  • Calories per cocktail: Approximately 364 kcal

Link to Detailed Recipe

For the detailed recipe, visit Self Proclaimed Foodie