When the Christmas carols [1] are playing, lights are twinkling on the tree, and you're about to indulge in a mouthwatering meal [2], there's nothing that could make your evening better . . . well, that is, besides a stiff cocktail. The holiday season is the best time of year to put your bar cart to use and whip up some of the cutest and most creative libations [3] of all. From winterized margaritas to warm mulled wine [4] to cheeky Jingle Juice that even Santa himself would approve of, these recipes will give you even more to celebrate this season. There are even some fun takes on holiday classics (spiked hot chocolate, anyone?), as well as some fun new drinks to try (a Buddy the Elf cocktail!). We'll cheers to that!
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Sweet, creamy, and infused with a peppermint twist, this holiday drink just might make you sing Christmas carols before you even take your first sip. With white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and peppermint schnapps, this recipe will make you feel merry, bright, and oh so buzzed.
Get the recipe: white chocolate peppermint martini [6]
Santa's Nightcap
Ho, ho, hold up! This cheeky cocktail is made with chai tea, cinnamon, and ginger — and let's not forget a hefty pour of bourbon. It pairs well with your favorite Christmas cookies and a cozy night in, so plan accordingly.
Get the recipe: Santa's nightcap [7]
Poinsettia Spritz Punch
If you've been craving champagne this holiday season, then this punch was made for you. This fizzy cranberry cocktail has a dash of St. Germain, a splash of vodka, and all the champagne you want. Fresh cranberry juice gives it its festive hue, which you'll be cheersing to all night.
Get the recipe: poinsettia spritz punch [8]
Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
Jingle all the way to the holidays with this pretty pink punch. With a mix of whipped vodka, pink champagne, and Cherry 7Up, you can make this in just minutes. Top it off with cranberries or cherries to make it even more festive.
Get the recipe: jingle juice holiday punch [9]
White Christmas Mojito
With a coconut-y twist, this classy Christmas cocktail will whisk you away to a tropical paradise. Made with white rum, coconut milk, and fresh mint leaves, this mojito will have you coming back for (so much) more.
Get the recipe: white Christmas mojito [10]
Gingerbread White Russian
If White Russians are your go-to drink, then make way for this holiday libation. It has the classic White Russian ingredients of vodka, Kahlua, and heavy cream along with a homemade gingerbread syrup. Pair it with gingerbread cookies for best results.
Get the recipe: gingerbread white Russian [11]
Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
With a mouthwatering mix of vodka, St. Germain, and freshly squeezed clementines, this cheery cocktail is easy to make and even easier to drink! With bubbly ginger beer and festive pomegranates, it's about as good as it gets.
Get the recipe: holly jolly Christmas citrus cocktail [12]
Pomegranate and Peppermint Moscow Mule
Give the traditional Moscow mule a Christmastime kick when you whip up this delightful drink. Peppermint and pomegranate juice work together to make this a real treat for your taste buds. Garnish each cup with candied mint for best results.
Get the recipe: pomegranate and peppermint Moscow mule [13]
Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
Think of this Grinch drink as a vodka spicy marg with a hint of bubbly ginger beer. It's light, refreshing, and has a hint of jalapeños. Don't drink too many of these or you might end up on the naughty list . . .
Get the recipe: spicy sweet Grinch cocktail [14]
North Pole Cocktail
Let's get to the point: this cocktail is Christmas in a cup. Rich chocolate, spunky peppermint, and sweet gingerbread make this recipe one to remember. Coat the rim of each glass in chocolate or sugar to make it even sweeter.
Get the recipe: North Pole cocktail [15]
Sparkling Christmas Party Punch
Cheers to the season with this fun and festive party punch! White wine, fresh pomegranate juice, stiff vodka, tangy citrus, and bubbly ginger beer work together to make this punch a Christmas miracle. This recipe makes eight servings so be sure to have a cute pitcher to keep it in. We suggest making two batches, just in case!
Get the recipe: sparkling Christmas party punch [16]
Pomegranate Champagne Mule
If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail to keep you up after a long day of Christmas shopping, this drink has got just what you need. With fresh pomegranate juice, zesty limes, and a splash of grapefruit, even Santa will be hoping that you leave out a glass for him.
Get the recipe: pomegranate champagne mule [17]
Poinsettia Pomegranate Martini
It's martini time! These bright red libations consist of only four ingredients, meaning it's super easy to make. Just whip together gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, and your work here is done. Add pomegranate seeds to make it stand out.
Get the recipe: poinsettia pomegranate martini [18]
Peppermint Espresso Martini
It's common sense that you can't go wrong when you drink an espresso martini, and this holiday-themed drink proves it. The bold espresso perfectly mixes with the sharpness of the peppermint, making it a dream come true.
Get the recipe: peppermint espresso martini [19]
Very Merry Ornamentini
If you want to serve something up that will wow everyone, this. is. it. This luxe ornamentini is a holiday martini that's served in a glass ornament. With a vibrant red hue, it perfectly encompasses the fun and excitement of the season.
Get the recipe: very merry ornamentini [20]
Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned With Brûléed Oranges
This warming old fashioned is concocted with a homemade cinnamon and rosemary simple syrup, and is seriously good. Mixed with rich bourbon, tangy orange slices, and sparkling water, you'll be thinking about this every night of the season.
Get the recipe: cinnamon bourbon old fashioned with brûléed oranges [21]
Christmas Snowstorm Margarita
Put a wintery twist on the classic margarita with this holiday-inspired drink. Just mix silver tequila with a splash of coconut rum, orange liquor, and sweet coconut milk to make your new favorite drink of the season. Cheers to that!
Get the recipe: Christmas snowstorm margarita [22]
Buddy the Elf Cocktail
Get in the full holiday spirit with this sweet drink. Named after everyone's favorite elf, this cocktail is essentially the perfect combination of Christmas and sugar. Kahlua, maple syrup, and whipped cream will instantly make your Christmas celebrations merrier.
Get the recipe: Buddy the elf cocktail [23]
Christmas Sangria
Put a spin on the traditional sangria for the holiday season when you whip up this delightful drink. White wine, apple cider, rich brandy, and fresh fruit make this the cocktail that keeps on giving (you a buzz).
Get the recipe: Christmas sangria [24]
Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzer
Kick up your favorite wine with some extra flavors when you indulge in this spunky spritz. Homemade spiced cranberry jam, rosemary, rosé, and ginger beer go hand-in-hand to make this drink as refreshing as it sounds.
Get the recipe: spiced cranberry Rosé spritzer [25]
White Christmas Margarita Punch
No matter where you are, you can enjoy a white Christmas when you make this holiday libation. It has a blend of silver tequila with coconut water, cream, and rum, and it tastes just like a tropical holiday. Add cranberries and rosemary to garnish each glass with.
Get the recipe: white Christmas margarita punch [26]
Spiced Wine
Why have plain wine when you can jazz it up for Christmas? With rich spices and good wine, this drink will warm you up on even the coldest winter night. We suggest adding two cinnamon sticks to really bring out the seasonal flavor.
Get the recipe: spiced wine [27]
Grapefruit Bourbon Yule Mule
With a fun name like this, you know this drink is going to be good. The recipe only calls for three ingredients (freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, brown sugar Bourbon, and ginger beer), meaning you can make it in no time. And to that we'll raise our glass!
Get the recipe: grapefruit bourbon yule mule [28]
Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The secret to this drink is the homemade spiced chai simple syrup, and wow, is it good. Mixed with warming bourbon and fresh fruit, you won't be able to get enough. Try serving this drink hot if you really want to warm yourself up.
Get the recipe: vanilla chai old fashioned [29]
Cranberry Jell-O Shots
Throw a real party complete with festive Jell-O shots when you whip these bad boys up. All you need is cranberry cocktail juice, Jell-O mix, and orange vodka. Let the fun begin!
Get the recipe: cranberry Jell-O shots [30]
Pomegranate Prosecco Smash
Bright, bubbly, and boozy, you'll want to drink this up in one gulp. With bold pomegranate juice, sweet maple syrup, and refreshing prosecco, this drink will be smash (hence the name!).
Get the recipe: pomegranate prosecco smash [31]
Eggnog White Russian
Combine two favorites into one with this festive cocktail. All you need is a dash of vodka, a splash of coffee liqueur, and a glass of eggnog to make this holiday drink a hit. Pro tip: dunk your favorite Christmas cookies in it for best results.
Get the recipe: eggnog white Russian [32]
Cranberry Rosemary Shrub Cocktail
We bet your taste buds will love this cheeky cocktail. With hints of black pepper, rosemary, and cinnamon, it'll wake you up no matter how late you were wrapping presents. Add those flavors with warming bourbon and fresh seltzer, and you'll be over the moon.
Get the recipe: cranberry rosemary shrub cocktail [33]
Mistletoe Punch
Flirty and fun, this mistletoe punch is packed with vibrant flavor (and vodka!). You'll get hints of sweet pineapple juice and rich cranberry juice that'll make you swoon. Pair that with some mistletoe, and you just might fall in love.
Get the recipe: mistletoe punch [34]
Sparkling Holiday Flirtini
There's no other way to say it: this flirtini belongs on the naughty list. Cranberry and pineapple juice are mixed with orange vodka and topped off with red Moscato champagne, meaning not only is it tempting, but it's also pretty strong.
Get the recipe: sparkling holiday flirtini [35]
Coffee Martini
If you've been running around Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, and singing loud for all to hear, then this is the pick-me-up you need. It's easy to make and oh so decadent, meaning you can drink it any hour of the day.
Get the recipe: coffee martini [36]
Maple Old Fashioned
Warm up after a long day in the cold when you make this maple old fashioned. It's rich in flavor and bold in booze, so we suggest enjoying this right before bed while you're sitting by a fire. Trust us, it doesn't get much better than this.
Get the recipe: maple old fashioned [37]
White Christmas Martini
You'll be dreaming of a white Christmas with each sip of this divine drink. Not only is it so gorgeous to serve, but it's equally as delicious! If you want to make it even more festive, add a mini candy cane to each glass and give them a stir.
Get the recipe: white Christmas martini [38]
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
Don't let the name of this one fool you — it's for adults only. Hot chocolate, gingerbread liqueur, and whipped cream work together to make this libation a Christmas must-have. Feel free to dunk everything from cookies to candy canes in it.
Get the recipe: gingerbread hot chocolate [39]
Yuletide Moon Holiday Cocktail
Settle in for a Christmas movie marathon with one of these bright red drinks. Red wine, bourbon, cherries, and spices make this taste as cheery as it sounds.
Get the recipe: yuletide moon holiday cocktail [40]
Cranberry Martini
Sorry, olives, but cranberries are just so much better. This festive martini is made with cranberry-infused vermouth that'll give you the buzz you've been looking for since last Christmas. You can thank us later.
Get the recipe: cranberry martini [41]
Apple Cider Hot Toddy
Take the typical hot toddy to a place it has never been before with this fun recipe. The added apple cider gives it a winterized kick while the cinnamon sticks tie all the flavors together. Yes, please.
Get the recipe: apple cider hot toddy [42]
Spiked Eggnog
The only thing better than eggnog is spiked eggnog! This holiday recipe is frothy and fabulous, and will have you wishing that you could drink eggnog year-round.
Get the recipe: spiked eggnog [43]