Sip Into the Holiday Season with the Best Festive Cocktails!
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
Raise Your Spirits…
If you’re a boozy-baddie like me, you’re always on the hunt for exciting new recipes to shake up your drink game. While I’m a whiskey girl at heart, I can never resist indulging in some sparkling bubbly or a creative cocktail when the occasion calls for it. And let’s face it, the holiday season gives us endless excuses to sip something special.
Whether you’re planning to impress your date during cuffing season, hosting a chic bow-themed dinner party, or simply unwinding after a marathon day of holiday shopping, these stunning creations from William Grant & Sons are here to elevate your celebrations. Each cocktail is crafted to bring a little extra magic to the season, whether it’s the comforting warmth of a spiced hot toddy or the dazzling sparkle of a pear-infused Prosecco.
With the festive spirit in full swing and so many recipes to try, this is the perfect time to flex your cocktail-making skills. Break out the fancy glassware, shake up some cheer, and create memorable moments for yourself and your guests. From cozy and indulgent warm drinks to bright, bubbly delights, this curated collection of holiday cocktails will ensure your holiday nights are nothing short of unforgettable. Cheers to making every sip a celebration!
Bubbly Delights
Midnight Pear-secco
Make your celebrations shimmer with the Midnight Pear-secco. Combining Reyka Vodka with pear syrup and sparkling wine, this cocktail is topped off with edible gold dust for an extra festive touch. Garnished with pear slices, it’s THE drink to have in hand when the clock strikes twelve.
Created by Reyka Vodka Brand Ambassador, Jeff Naples.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Reyka Vodka
- 1 part pear syrup
- 2 parts prosecco or sparkling wine
- Edible gold dust
- Pear slices
Sparkling Cristalino
Add a dash of elegance to your gatherings with the Sparkling Cristalino. A mix of Milagro Cristalino Añejo, champagne, and Cointreau, this citrusy, effervescent cocktail is garnished with a grapefruit peel for a chic holiday sparkle.
Ingredients:
- 1 part Milagro Cristalino Añejo
- 5 parts Champagne
- 1⁄4 part Cointreau
- Grapefruit peel to garnish
Method: Pour all ingredients into a champagne flute to combine. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
Cozy Comforts
The Glenfiddich Highlander Cocoa
For a luxurious treat, the Highlander Cocoa combines Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old whiskey (AKA a personal favorite of mine) with rich hot chocolate, whipped cream, and dark chocolate shavings. A must-try for cocoa enthusiasts seeking an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 part Glenfiddich 14 Year Old
- 4 parts Hot Chocolate (the richer the better)
- Top with Heavy whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings
Method: Make your favorite hot chocolate to taste. Add hot chocolate to mug/glass then add Glenfiddich and stir. Top with a layer of whipped cream and grate chocolate shavings in top.
Reyka Yule Nog
Warm up your holiday spirit with the Reyka Yule Nog. A mix of Reyka Vodka, eggnog, and your choice of whiskey, this creamy delight is topped with whipped cream and grated nutmeg. It can be served cold or warmed by a crackling fire.
Created by Reyka Vodka Brand Ambassador Jeff Naples.
Ingredients
- 2 parts Reyka Vodka
- 2 parts Eggnog or Eggnog Liqueur
- ½ part Balvenie, Hudson Whiskey, or Tullamore Dew (whichever you prefer)
- Grated nutmeg to top
- Whipped cream to top
Method: Shake ingredients together in shaker with ice and strain into your favorite mug. Garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg. Can be warmed over a stove or campfire if preferred.
Twists on Classics
Vanilla Bean Old Fashioned
This holiday-ready Old Fashioned gets a warm, comforting edge with vanilla simple syrup. Made with Monkey Shoulder and garnished with maraschino cherries, it’s the perfect drink to sip by the tree.
By Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador, Anna Mains,
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Monkey Shoulder
- 1 tsp vanilla simple syrup
- 1 shake angostura bitters
- 1 or 2 maraschino cherries
Method: Combine ice and ingredients in mixing glass. Stir for 15 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in DOF/Rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel.
Grand Manhattan
Using the luxurious Glenfiddich 23-Year Grand Cru, the Grand Manhattan incorporates maple syrup and Nonino Amaro for a festive spin on the timeless favorite. Stirred to perfection, it’s the epitome of seasonal sophistication.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Glenfiddich 23 Year Grand Cru
- 1 part Nonino Amaro
- 1 bar spoon maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Method: Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.
Citrus & Spice
Hendrick’s Pocket Full of Posies
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice gin combines with red grapefruit juice and a garnish of cucumber and grapefruit for a bright, zesty cocktail. Salt the rim for an optional savory touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 parts Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
- 5 parts red grapefruit juice
- 1 grapefruit slice for garnish
- 1 cucumber slice for garnish
Method: Salt the rim of a highball glass. Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice. Lightly stir and serve. Garnish with a thin wedge of pink grapefruit and cucumber slice.
Hendrick’s Wintertide Spritz
Elevate the holiday spritz game with this sparkling blend of Hendrick’s Gin, elderflower tonic, and a splash of sparkling wine. Garnished with rosemary, pomegranate seeds, and cucumber, it’s as refreshing as it is festive.
Created by Hendrick’s National U.S. Ambassador, Vance Henderson.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ part Hendrick’s Gin
- 3 parts Elderflower Tonic
- Splash of Sparkling Wine
- Rosemary Sprig & Pomegranate Seeds, and cucumber wheel to garnish
Method: Combine ingredients in a wine glass filled with cubed ice and lightly stir.
Creative Coffee Cocktails
Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Coffee
Nothing says cozy like an Irish Coffee, and this version by Tullamore D.E.W. blends Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and lightly whipped cream. Sweetened with brown sugar, it’s a winter classic for good reason.
Created by Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey U.S. Ambassador, Clodagh Mai O’Callaghan,
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey
- 6 parts coffee (strong, rich, brewed, hot)
- 2 parts brown sugar
- 1 part heavy cream (lightly whipped)
Method: Place boiling water in an Irish coffee glass while you prep ingredients. Dump water and add 2 cubes of brown sugar to your glass. Add hot coffee and mix to dissolve sugar. Add Tullamore D.E.W. and stir, pouring the cream over the back of a bar spoon, and serve.
Tully Honey Espresso Martini
For a decadent yet energizing sip, the Tully Honey Espresso Martini pairs Tullamore D.E.W. Honey with espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup. Garnish with coffee beans for an elegant finish.
Created by Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey U.S. Ambassador, Clodagh Mai O’Callaghan.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Tullamore D.EW. Honey
- 1 part fresh espresso
- .5 parts coffee liqueur
- .25 parts sugar syrup (regular or dark sugar)
Method: Combine, shake and strain into glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
Bold & Unexpected
A Hint of Spice in Manhattan
The Balvenie’s DoubleWood 12-Year-Old whisky anchors this spiced Manhattan, featuring Amaro di Angostura, ancho chile, and allspice dram. Garnished with black pepper, it’s a bold choice for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ Parts The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year-Old
- ½ Part Amaro di Angostura
- ¼ Part Ancho Chile
- ¼ Part Allspice Dram
Method: Add all ingredients to a rocks/old fashioned glass. Add ice and stir briefly. Garnish with fresh ground black pepper.
Milagro Spiced Pumpkin Miracle
Celebrate the season with the Spiced Pumpkin Miracle. Milagro Reposado Tequila, pumpkin purée, and orgeat create a creamy, spiced cocktail that’s as stunning as it is delicious. A smoked cinnamon stick and star anise garnish complete the festive vibe.
Created by Milagro West Coast Ambassador, Luis Lopez.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Milagro Reposado Tequila
- 1 part Lemon juice
- 1 part Orgeat (Liquid Alchemist)
- 1 part Pumpkin puree
- Garnish: Smoked cinnamon stick, 2 star anise
Method: Add all ingredients to shakers, shake for 10 seconds to allow all ingredients to dissolve. Finally strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, garnish and enjoy.
No matter your preference—classic, creative, or cozy—these holiday cocktails offer something for everyone. Shake, stir, or mix your way into the season, and let the festive spirits flow. Cheers to a sparkling holiday season! 🥂
