60 Easy Christmas Cocktails Because You Deserve a Treat This Year

If you've started planning your holiday season, you likely have a few traditions on your schedule. Maybe you've penciled in Christmas cookie baking, Christmas dinner prep, and decorating the Christmas tree throughout the month of December, making sure there's enough time for all of your favorite Christmas activities. You've probably also scheduled time to visit family, get together with friends, and watch your favorite Christmas movies. In other words: The holidays are busy. It's easy to forget that having some evenings to yourself to unwind, listen to Christmas music, and have a cocktail or two isn't a terrible idea.

If you're in search of recipes to make for a festive date night in or you're trying to impress guests with a little yuletide mixology, having some delicious, go-to Christmas cocktail recipes is a very good idea. Whether you're a fan of bourbon, vodka, whiskey, or you're partial to sweet or smoky flavors, there are way more seasonal cocktail recipes out there than you may realize. Plus, there's almost always a quick and easy way to put a seasonal twist on traditional cocktails, so you don't have to worry about buying complicated ingredients or learning all new recipes from scratch. Want some ideas to get started? Here are some of the best Christmas cocktail recipes to spark your interest.

It might be easier for menu planning to create a cocktail that can be served out of a pitcher or punch bowl. This pomegranate-apple cocktail would look gorgeous in a glass pitcher, placed amongst charcuterie and other appetizers.

Get the Pomegranate-Apple Cocktails recipe.

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A lot of fruity cocktails can seem more spring and summer-y than Christmas-y, but this fig-based drink is an exception. Plus, you don't have to worry about it being too sweet.

Get the Fig Sidecar recipe.

If you love to get the family together to cozy up around a fire pit or fireplace, this toasted marshmallow cocktail would be an excellent addition. Plus, it could easily take the place of dessert — and who doesn't love a boozy sweet treat?

Get the Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail recipe.

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Apple cider might be more commonly associated with fall holidays, but it's an excellent option for Christmas, as well. Plus, it's versatile. Add some cranberries to this recipe for a Christmas-y touch.

Get the Apple Cider Mimosa recipe.

For fans of champagne or prosecco, cava is an excellent, slightly less common alternative. Add some colorful cranberries to the mix and you have a festive, wintery beverage that every adult is sure to love.

Get the Cranberry Cava Cocktails recipe.

This citrus-y bourbon drink is extra merry and bright, and it can be made in a large batch to serve all of your family or friends.

Get the Tropical Bourbon Punch recipe.

Sure, you've had apple cider...but have you had it in an apple? These cocktails might not be the most practical, but they are pretty fun. You can also add or subtract alcohol from the recipe depending on who you're serving for the evening.

Get the Apple-Cinnamon Cider Cups recipe.

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A hot toddy is a perfect drink to warm you up all winter, and this one adds a splash of cider to bring out even more cozy autumnal flavors.

Get the Cider Hot Toddy recipe.

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This cocktail is as beautiful as it is refreshing. Plus, if you have some leftover herbs from cooking, it would make even more sense!

Get the Pomegranate-Thyme Spritz recipe.

This champagne-based drink is the perfect way to add a bit of sweet bubbly to your holiday festivities.

Get the Elisa's Champagne Cocktail recipe.

Sip on this bubbly cocktail that uses pomegranate seeds to add some texture to it.

Get the Pomegranate Royale recipe.

Although a summer-y drink, these guilt-free margaritas, which only have 80 calories, will help you feel a little less guilty about indulging during the holiday season.

Get the Guilt-Free Margaritas recipe.

Sip on this bubbly drink Christmas morning or at holiday brunch.

Get the Orange-Cranberry Mimosa recipe.

It doesn't get any more festive than hot chocolate and peppermint. Combine the two and add crème de menthe or vodka for this comforting drink.

Get the Slow-Cooker Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate recipe.

Top off brandied plum with your favorite sparking wine for a fruity, bubbly cocktail you can whip up in five minutes or less.

Get the Low Country Pousse-Rapière recipe.

Cinnamon, bourbon, and cider come together here to form the most comforting cocktail to drink by a fire or around the Christmas tree.

Get the recipe at Country Living.

Turn the classic Cosmo into a holiday treat with a little pomegranate juice.

Get the Christmas Cosmopolitan recipe.

Add a kick to your favorite spicy brunch cocktail.

Get the Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary recipe.

Basically this is what happens when mulled wine and sangria meet, fall in love and have a baby. It has all the flavors of the holiday season, but it won't weigh you down.

Heat 4 cups red wine, ¼ cup sugar and ½ cinnamon stick or (½ tsp ground cinnamon) in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat just until the sugardissolves. Transfer to a large pitcher and let cool. Mix in ½ cup Grand Marnier(or Triple Sec), 3 clementines (sliced or cut into pieces) and 2 Bartlett pears (cut into½-in. pieces); let sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, mix in 2 cups blackberry or black cherry soda. Serve over ice.