50+ Holiday Drink Ideas for Large & Small Gatherings

50+ Festive Winter Drinksto Serve Around the Holidays

From mulled cider to hot chocolate and fancy Christmas cocktails to family-friendly drinks for a crowd, our list of 50+ holiday drink ideas has something for everyone!

With the holidays approaching fast, most of us have three primary goals in mind… staying warm no matter what it takes, getting our Christmas shopping done before the hoards of holiday shoppers take over the roads and stores, and planning our holiday celebrations. So, we decided to help you out with our favorite festive winter drinks to keep you warm on cold winter evenings and get you and your guests in the holiday spirit!

Whether you want to dazzle your holiday guests with a fancy Christmas cocktail, or you need something to sip on around the firepit after Thanksgiving dinner, we’ve got just what you’re looking for. We’ve even found the perfect concoctions to keep you warm and cozy while you wrap gifts, or to warm up the kids when they come in from the snow.

For those times when you want something super easy, try one of our slow cooker hot chocolate or mulled cider recipes.  Or, for a no-fuss New Year’s Eve brunch, you can serve up a sinfully delicious Christmas coffee or Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa with some fancy scones on the side.

Our Gingerbread Eggnog is the perfect holiday drink to serve while you decorate the tree and watch Christmas movies. We’ve got fancy Instagrammable drinks to serve with the ultimate holiday snack spread and spiked coffee cocktails that go perfectly with dessert.

No matter what kind of festive winter drinks you want to serve around the holidays, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s Our List of 50+ Holiday Drink Ideas to Get You and Your Guests in a Festive Mood

Cold Brew Coffee Butterscotch Martini

1.      Coffee Butterscotch Martini

This Cold Brew Coffee Butterscotch Martini is super easy to whip up and it’s incredibly delicious to serve after a fancy dinner or even around the bonfire on a chilly evening.

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Pink White Hot Chocolate
Pink White Hot Chocolate and Photo by Country Living

2.      Pink White Hot Chocolate

This isn’t your typical hot chocolate recipe! Not only does it look like a pretty pink cloud, but it’s also absolutely delicious! The presentation of this Pink White Hot Chocolate is so beautiful, your guests will be sharing it on Instagram!


Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate and Photo by Le Creme De La Creme

3.      Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Cozy winter drinks are all about spoiling yourself with something decadent and this Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate fits the bill nicely. Even better? It’s super easy to whip it up and serve it right out of your slow cooker!

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Spiked Peppermint Coffee | Festive Winter Drinks
Spiked Peppermint Coffee

4.      Spiked Peppermint Coffee

This Spiked Peppermint Coffee is the perfect treat to serve at holiday dinner parties. It’s also the perfect warm and cozy beverage to sip on any chilly winter evening at home.


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Chai Eggnog
Chai Eggnog and Photo by Gimme Some Oven

5.      Chai Eggnog

Here’s a delicious eggnog recipe that’s a bit lighter than your typical eggnog. This Chai Eggnog is infused with the flavors of vanilla and chai tea, but feel free to add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or rum to help you feel extra warm and fuzzy!

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Hazelnut Hot Cocoa
Hazelnut Hot Cocoa and Photo by Cooking Classy

6.      Hazelnut Hot Cocoa

This one could easily become your new favorite hot cocoa recipe! Dreamy Hazelnut Hot Cocoa is creamy, rich, and served up with marshmallows and shaved chocolate. It doesn’t get much better than that!


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Cranberry Orange Yule Mule
Cranberry Orange Yule Mule and Photo by Miss Allie’s Kitchen

7.      Cranberry Orange Yule Mule

Nothing says Christmas like fresh oranges, cranberries, and rosemary! This Cranberry Orange Yule Mule from Miss Allie’s Kitchen is fancy enough for any holiday get together, not to mention delicious and refreshing.


Jack Frost Cocktail
Jack Frost Cocktail and Photo by The Blond Cook

8.      Jack Frost Cocktail

This cozy winter drink may look frosty, but the Jack Frost Cocktail will actually transport you to faraway tropical destinations with the flavors of coconut and pineapple!


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Christmas Day Punch
Christmas Day Punch and Photo by the Kitchen Sanctuary

9.      Christmas Day Punch

This Christmas Day Punch is absolutely gorgeous, and it tastes as yummy and refreshing as it looks!

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Spiked Coconut Vanilla Steamer
Spiked Coconut Vanilla Steamer and Photo by Sugar and Soul

10. Spiked Coconut Vanilla Steamer

It doesn’t get much warmer and fuzzier than this Spiked Coconut Vanilla Steamer made with coconut milk, whole milk, spiced rum, vanilla bean, and a dash of coconut extract. Don’t forget to garnish it with a bit of toasted coconut before serving!



Frozen Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Frozen Gingerbread Hot Chocolate and Photo by My Fussy Eater

11. Frozen Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Gingerbread is a classic holiday flavor and this Frozen Gingerbread Hot Chocolate is a yummy take on your typical hot chocolate recipe. It sure makes a pretty presentation served in these adorable little milk bottles, too!


Peppermint Oreo Milkshake
Peppermint Oreo Milkshake and Photo by Belle of the Kitchen

12.  Peppermint Oreo Milkshake

Peppermint and Oreo cookies? Yes, please! When the snow is falling outside, this Peppermint and Oreo Milkshake is the perfect treat for a cozy evening snuggled on the couch watching Christmas movies with the kiddos.


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S'more Martini
S’more Martini and Photo by Baked by Rachel

13.  S’more Martini

Nothing says winter and cozy like S’mores, and this S’more Martini is the perfect adult winter drink to serve around the fire pit on a chilly night. It’s got chocolate, marshmallow vodka, and heavy cream to make it super decadent… and keep you warm!

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Mint White Hot Chocolate
Mint White Hot Chocolate and Photo by The Gracious Wife

14. Mint White Hot Chocolate

White chocolate and cool peppermint combine for a dreamy combination in this Mint White Hot Chocolate from The Gracious Wife. The pretty green color makes it extra festive!


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Santa's Magic Potion | Holiday Cocktail
Santa’s Magic Potion and Photo by Averie Cooks

15. Santa’s Magic Potion

What exactly is in Santa’s Magic Potion? Eggnog and Baileys of course!


Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa
Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa and Photo By the Lemon Tree Dwelling

16. Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa

The classic cookie flavor comes to life in this Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa that’s perfect for snuggling by the fireplace. The aroma of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon coming from this cozy winter drink will have your whole house smelling like Christmas!


Gingerbread Hot Cocoa
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa and Photo by The Hopeless Housewife

17. Gingerbread Hot Cocoa

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than sipping on a cup of Gingerbread Hot Cocoa?


Homemade White Hot Chocolate
Homemade White Hot Chocolate and Photo by Gimme Some Oven

18. Homemade White Hot Chocolate

It doesn’t get any more decadent than this delicious Homemade White Hot Chocolate from Gimme Some Oven. I couldn’t be any easier to make, and it’s the perfect drink to serve after dinner with your favorite dessert.


S'mores Hot Chocolate
S’mores Hot Chocolate and Photo by the Minimalist Baker

19. S’mores Hot Chocolate

This S’mores Hot Chocolate is ridiculously delicious! Who wouldn’t love a cup full of rich hot chocolate rimmed with graham crackers and toasted marshmallows?


Monogram Marshmallows Tutorial for Winter Drinks
Monogram Marshmallows Tutorial and Photo by the Etsy Blog

20. Monogram Marshmallows

Ok, so this isn’t technically a beverage, but I couldn’t resist including it anyway. These little Monogram Marshmallows are super cute for personalizing your holiday drinks and all you need are some cookie cutters and marshmallows.


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White Chocolate Steamers
White Chocolate Steamers and Photo by the Brown Eyed Baker

21. White Chocolate Steamers

White hot chocolate kicked up a notch with a splash of whipped cream vodka and infused with the flavors of crushed candy canes. Top it all off with whipped cream, of course!


Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate
Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate and Photo by the Cookie Rookie

22. Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate

There’s no need to serve dessert with this winter drink. Provide a spoon for  this Frozen Caramel Hot Chocolate and your guests will feel like you’re spoiling them rotten!


Apple Pie Milkshake
Apple Pie Milkshake and Photo by Fifteen Spatulas

23. Apple Pie Milkshake

The Apple Pie Milkshake is a combination of Granny Smith apples, sweet caramel, cinnamon, and Ice cream of, course! It’s your favorite cinnamon apple pie in a cup!


Warm Bourbon Cider
Warm Bourbon Cider and Photo by Country Living Magazine

24. Warm Bourbon Cider

Warm Bourbon Cider is easy to make but oh so good, not to mention warm and comforting. It’s easy to make, simply combine apple cider, nutmeg, ginger, and nutmeg in a stockpot, simmer, add bourbon and stir.



Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie and Photo by Oh She Glows

25. Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Here’s a healthy winter drink for those mornings when you just don’t have time for breakfast. This Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie has a combo of rolled oats, chia seeds, and pumpkin for a super creamy, yet healthy smoothie.


White Spiced Coffee
White Spiced Coffee and Photo by Country Living Magazine

26. White Spiced Coffee

This White Spiced Coffee is an irresistible blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and honey it hot milk and coffee. The result is a delicious holiday coffee drink that can be spiced up with a bit of dark rum if you like.


Gingerbread Eggnog
Gingerbread Eggnog and Photo by Country Living Magazine

27. Gingerbread Eggnog

Here’s a yummy, festive twist on traditional eggnog. This Gingerbread Eggnog is made with fresh ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and other spices.



Christmas Punch
Christmas Punch and Photo by Dinner at the Zoo

28. Christmas Punch

Break out your special punchbowl for this winter drink. This Christmas Punch has the delicious flavor and color of cranberries and it’s festive and fizzy, too.


Cranberry Thyme Spritz
Cranberry Thyme Spritz and Photo by Half Baked Harvest

29. Cranberry Thyme Spritz

This Cranberry Thyme Spritz is the perfect drink to serve at any holiday gathering. Serve up a couple of batches of this gorgeous ruby red drink and your guests will be making merry in no time!


White Christmas Mojito
White Christmas Mojito and Photo by Half Baked Harvest

30. White Christmas Mojito

A tropical Christmas drink? Oh, yeah! This White Christmas Mojito is all kinds of creamy coconut deliciousness with fresh mint and rum to get you and your guests in a festive holiday mood.


Almond Milk Chai
Almond Milk Chai and Photo by the Rhubarbians

31. Almond Milk Chai with Whiskey and Orange

When it comes to festive winter drinks, the name of this one really says it all! Almond Milk Chai with Whiskey and Orange will have you feeling warm and fuzzy in no time with the not too sweet, but not too spicy flavors of chai, oranges, and a generous splash of whiskey.


Cranberry Pomegranate Prosecco Sparklers
Cranberry Pomegranate Prosecco Sparklers and Photo by Aberdeen’s Kitchen

32. Cranberry Pomegranate Prosecco Sparklers

These Cranberry Pomegranate Prosecco Sparklers are the perfect bubbly drink for toasting at any holiday celebration!

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Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate
Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate and Photo by Country Living Magazine

33. Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate

There’s nothing like this boozy Spiced Mexican hot chocolate to keep you feeling warm and toasty all winter long!

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Nutella Hot Chocolate
Nutella Hot Chocolate and Photo by Cafe Delites

34. Nutella Hot Chocolate

We all love hot cocoa, but this Nutella Hot Chocolate is extra yummy and chocolatey. It’s even topped off with marshmallows, a sprinkle of chocolate chips and crushed hazelnuts, and a bit of Nutella for extra decadence.



Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa
Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa and Photo by Honey and Birch

35. Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa

This Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa is gorgeous and sparkly, not to mention super festive! It’s the perfect holiday cocktail for breakfast or brunch. This festive winter drink is made with vanilla vodka and sparkling wine with the Christmas ruby red color of cranberry juice.


Cinnamon White Russian
Cinnamon White Russian and Photo by Pinch of Yum

36. Cinnamon White Russian

Cream, cinnamon simple syrup, vodka, and coffee liquor play starring roles in this Cinnamon White Russian. It’s the classic cocktail all dressed up for the holidays!


Blood Orange Moscow Mule
Blood Orange Moscow Mule and Photo by Blahnik Baker

37. Blood Orange Moscow Mule

This Blood Orange Moscow Mule is so refreshing and delicious, you won’t want to put it down. It’s made with blood orange simple syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer for a warm and fuzzy festive winter drink worthy of any holiday celebration!

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Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Kahlua Hot Chocolate and Photo by Damn Delicious

38. Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Why should the kids have all the fun? This rich and yummy Kahlua Hot Chocolate is the perfect spiked winter drink to warm you up from the inside out!


Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
Cranberry Apple Cider Punch and Photo by Diethood

39. Cranberry Apple Cider Punch

Here’s a yummy blend of cranberry, apple cider, orange, lemon, and sparkling wine that’s perfect to serve in a beautiful punch bowl at any holiday get together. You can even keep it kid-friendly by switching out the sparkling wine for grape juice! This Cranberry Apple Cider Punch is garnished with dried cranberries, oranges, and apples to make it super pretty and festive.


Apple Cider Float
Apple Cider Float and Photo by Domestically Blissful

40. Apple Cider Float

This Apple Cider Float is super yummy, and festive winter drink that could easily double as dessert. You can whip it up in under five minutes with regular and sparkling apple cider and a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream. Garnish it with some whipped cream, caramel, cinnamon, and an apple slice for a super special festive presentation.


Spiced White Hot Chocolate
Spiced White Hot Chocolate and Photo by Mom on Timeout

41. Spiced White Hot Chocolate

A sweet and creamy Spiced White Hot Chocolate to make in your slow cooker. When it comes to festive winter drinks for the holidays, this recipe is easy whip up for a crowd, but special enough for guests.


Healthier Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Healthier Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Photo by Dessert for Two

42. Pumpkin Spiced Latte with a Healthy Twist

The classic Pumpkin Spiced Latte with a healthier twist using real pumpkin puree and honey for the sweetener.


Caramel Hot Chocolate
Caramel Hot Chocolate and Photo by Cooking Classy

43. Caramel Hot Chocolate

This Caramel Hot Chocolate is perfect for curling up on the couch to watch a classic Christmas movie with the family. It’s got creamy, rich chocolate, caramel, and whipped topping… what more could you want?


Spiced Vanilla Pear Apple Cider
Spiced Vanilla Pear Apple Cider and Photo by My Baking Addiction

44. Spiced Vanilla Pear Apple Cider

This Spiced Vanilla Pear Apple Cider is a warm and fuzzy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for Thanksgiving! It’s created and served right in your slow cooker, so it’s fuss-free. Keep it family-friendly or kick it up with some bourbon or rum for the adults.


Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate and Photo from Country Living Magazine

45. Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate

If you’re obsessed with peppermint bark like I am, you’re going to love this Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate cocktail. It’s a festive winter drink for the holidays that’s made and served right from your slow cooker.

 


Bourbon Pumpkin Milkshakes
Bourbon Pumpkin Milkshakes and Photo by Minimalist Baker

46. Bourbon Pumpkin Milkshakes

There’s nothing better than an indulgent, boozy treat like these Bourbon Pumpkin Milkshakes! Whip them up in minutes with almond milk, pumpkin-flavored ice cream, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and some good vanilla extract.


Toasted Marshmallow and Malt Milkshake
Toasted Marshmallow and Malt Milkshake and Photo by Fifteen Spatulas

47. Toasted Marshmallow and Malt Milkshake

These Toasted Marshmallow and Malt Milkshakes are super cozy and nostalgic. They’re perfect for dessert on family night or at any holiday gathering.


Old Fashioned Eggnog
Old Fashioned Eggnog and Photo by Brown Eyed Baker

48. Old Fashioned Eggnog

Our list of festive winter drinks wouldn’t be complete without a recipe for Old Fashioned Eggnog. This one can be whipped up in less than 15 minutes and it’s got all the creamy eggnog flavor you’ve been enjoying at Christmastime since childhood.


S'mores Frappuccino

49. S’mores Frappuccino

This S’mores Frappuccino is the perfect combination of coffee, graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow to serve the kiddos and the adults at any holiday gathering.


Pumpkin Spice Latte | Festive Winter Drinks

50. Pumpkin Spiced Latte

The Pumpkin Spiced Latte is a classic drink for Thanksgiving and fall with the delicious flavors of homemade pumpkin pie. It’s perfect to serve after dinner or on a chilly evening.


Affogato | Festive Winter Drinks

51. Affogato

If you’re looking for something that’s super easy but still special, this is the recipe for you! Affogato is an Italian dessert made with espresso and gelato or ice cream in the flavor of your choice. It can be whipped up in seconds and served as coffee and dessert in a pinch.

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