Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
WVU | Culture

10 FESTIVE DRINKS FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY PARTY

Talia Cartwright Student Contributor, West Virginia University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The holiday season is here, which means it is time for cozy nights, sparkly outfits, and drinks that taste like Christmas cheer. Whether you are hosting a chill night with friends or a full holiday party, these festive drinks will keep the mood bright and the vibes merry.

1. Gingerbread Martini

This drink tastes like a gingerbread cookie in cocktail form.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 1 oz gingerbread syrup
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • Crushed graham crackers (for the rim)
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Gingerbread cookie (for garnish)

Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with crushed graham crackers. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the glass, sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with a cookie.

2. Mrs. Claus Cranberry Whiskey

A drink that is sweet, tart and perfectly festive for the season.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 2 oz whiskey
  • 1 tbsp rosemary syrup
  • Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass with fresh ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

3. Christmas Dirty Chai

The perfect mix of caffeine and holiday spice for late-night wrapping or studying.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1.5 oz KahlĂşa
  • 1 oz espresso
  • 1 tsp molasses
  • 1 oz coconut milk

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass and enjoy the creamy, spiced flavor.

4. Sugar Cookie Martini

A dessert drink that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients:

  • Vanilla frosting and sprinkles (for the rim)
  • 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1.5 oz Irish cream
  • 2 oz milk
  • 1 oz amaretto

Instructions:
Rim a glass with frosting and dip into sprinkles. Shake the remaining ingredients with ice and strain into the glass.

5. Peppermint White Russian

A winter twist on the classic White Russian with a minty touch.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz vodka
  • 1 oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 2 oz heavy cream
  • Crushed candy canes (for garnish)

Instructions:
Shake vodka, schnapps, and coffee liqueur with ice. Pour into a glass, top with cream and finish with crushed candy canes.

6. Spiced Apple Cider Mule

A refreshing mix that feels like autumn and winter in one glass.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Ginger beer
  • Cinnamon stick and apple slices (for garnish)

Instructions:
Mix apple cider, bourbon, and lime juice in a glass. Add ice, top with ginger beer and garnish.

7. Eggnog Bourbon Punch

A creamy classic for eggnog lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz eggnog
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz amaretto
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions:
Shake everything with ice, strain into a glass and sprinkle nutmeg on top.

8. Pomegranate Fizz

Light, fruity and perfect for anyone who loves a pop of color.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
  • Sparkling water
  • Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:
Shake gin, pomegranate juice, and elderflower liqueur with ice. Strain into a glass, top with sparkling water and garnish with pomegranate seeds.

9. Hot Buttered Rum

The ultimate cozy drink for sitting by the fire.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz dark rum
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • Hot water

Instructions:
Combine butter, sugar, and spices in a mug. Pour in rum and hot water, stir until the butter melts and enjoy!

10. Winter Sangria

A big-batch drink that is perfect for sharing with friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • Cinnamon sticks

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate for at least four hours. Serve over ice and toast to winter break.

These cocktails are easy to make, perfect for parties and guaranteed to bring the holiday spirit to any gathering. Whether you want something creamy, cozy, or bubbly, there is a drink here for everyone.

Talia is the president and editor in chief of West Virginia University’s Her Campus chapter, where she studies journalism and marketing. She hopes to pursue a career in fashion and beauty journalism or marketing in New York City. Her interests include creating social media content and writing articles focused on fashion, pop culture, beauty and lifestyle.