This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A special drink makes any holiday party feel festive. Here are four easy favorites: a classic gin fizz, a pretty pink cranberry martini, a bubbly berry sparkling cocktail, and a cranberry fizz mocktail so the kids (and anyone skipping alcohol) can join the toast. Each one takes just a few minutes and a few ingredients.
Please enjoy alcoholic drinks responsibly, only if you’re 21 or older, and never drink and drive.
Tips for a holiday drink station
- Make a big batch. Mix the base of any drink in a pitcher and add the bubbly right before serving.
- Chill everything. Cold glasses and chilled ingredients keep drinks fizzy longer.
- Dress up the glasses with sugared rims, fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs or lemon twists.
- Always offer a mocktail and plenty of water.
Classic Gin Fizz
Classic Gin Fizz
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice and powdered sugar and shake well.
- Strain into a glass, top with club soda and garnish with a cherry.
Cranberry Martini
Cranberry Martini
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry juice and vermouth and shake about 10 times.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Berry Sparkling Cocktail
Berry Sparkling Cocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Simmer the berries, sugar and water about 10 minutes, mashing the berries, until syrupy. Strain and cool.
- Add 2 tablespoons of syrup and the vodka to a glass with ice.
- Top with berry sparkling water and stir gently.
Cranberry Fizz Mocktail (Kid-Friendly)
Cranberry Fizz Mocktail
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the cranberry and orange juice together in a pitcher.
- Pour into ice-filled glasses, top with soda and garnish with cranberries and an orange slice.
Hosting a holiday get-together? The Christmas Planner has a party planner, a holiday grocery list, a budget page and a Christmas dinner menu, so you can plan the whole menu in one place. Get the Christmas Planner ($8) →
FAQ
Can I make any of these alcohol-free?
Yes. Leave out the spirits and top with extra sparkling water, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale.
How do I make a sugared rim?
Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it in sugar.
Can I make the berry syrup ahead?
Yes. It keeps in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Save this recipe for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.
You might also like:
Leave a Reply