9 Gin Cocktails That Were Made For the Festive Season

If there's ever a time for cocktails, it's Christmas. Not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also the perfect excuse to bust out your bartending skills and impress your friends, family and, most importantly, yourself. As soon as it strikes Dec. 1 in my house, we dust off the cocktail shaker, combine our alcohol stashes, and begin experimenting.

Whether you're a complete cocktail rookie or a full-time professional bartender, gin cocktails are a great place to start this Christmas. Bursting with flavor and often quite fruity, they're lighter than egg nog, meaning there's plenty more room left in your belly for food. Plus, almost everyone has a bottle of gin floating around the house somewhere. Pomegranate, cranberry, and blood orange concoctions are all hits in my house, but no matter your creation, finish it off with a seasonal garnish and you're guaranteed all the festive feels.

Get into the Christmas spirit and click ahead to see nine of our favorite gin cocktails.