Life
13 Red and Green Christmas Cocktails That Will Make You Feel Jolly This Holiday Season
We’ve just about reached the Christmas finish line, with the ginormous magical day within our grasp — and it's probably safe to say we could all use a few festive holiday cocktails. Just because Santa is tying up some loose ends and about to hop aboard the sleigh doesn’t mean the season is quite over yet. There are still puh-lenty of Christmas-y movies to watch, songs to listen to, and snacks to consume.
Also, one of the best parts of this holiday is the booze. ‘Tis the season of indulgence, right? Wine, seasonal beer, and the cocktails… oh, the cocktails! Booze also makes it that much easier to partake in spreading Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear. I know Buddy the Elf only requires sugar to get there, but the rest of us humans raised by humans need the liquid courage. Plus, holiday cocktails are fun to make and pretty to look at. And they will undoubtedly go with whatever crazy ugly Christmas sweater you’re rocking. Here are the best red and green cocktails to mix up and throw back in these last few days of merriment and joy.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Candy Cane Martini
Is doesn’t get much more festive than this cocktail from the folks at Jelly Toast. Also, it’s a way to get saucy while maintaining fresh, peppermint-y breath, so that’s fun.
Image: Jelly Toast
Basil Gimlet
The impeccable flavor combination of basil, gin, and lime is enough to make you want to turn this beverage from The Crepes of Wrath into your signature drink for the rest of your life. It’s refreshing, delightfully stiff, and easy to make.
Image: The Crepes of Wrath
Pomegranate Margaritas
A margarita is the best drink to kick off the start of a vacation with. It signifies that an extended period of leisure has begun, and all nutritional bets are off for the time being. A sugary blended beverage with giant salt crystals along the rim? Yes, please.
Image: How Sweet It Is
Rosemary Sloe Gin Fizz
A glass of bubbly goodness concocted by the geniuses at The Kitchn, and topped off with an earthy rosemary garnish. It’s equal parts delicious and fun.
Image: The Kitchn
Pineapple Basil Cocktail
The temperature outside is in the negatives, and the snow keeps falling in buckets. This would be a good time to drink something that reminds you of summer. Something refreshing that makes you feel like the winter is not going to last 100 years.
Image: The Kitchn
Cherry Whiskey Smash Cocktail
Forget the fact that this cocktail from How Sweet It Is is made with ginger brandy, cherry cola, and amaretto, making it quite possibly the sweetest drink in history — it’s also the prettiest beverage I’ve ever seen.
Image: How Sweet it is
Cranberry Ginger Cocktail
I feel like this is what Joan Holloway would drink at the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce holiday party.
Image: Jelly Toast
Green Tea Mojito
Green tea is basically the herbal form of medication for every possible ailment, right? I mean, it seems to have insane healing and preventative powers, which would make this cocktail an alcoholic version of the Fountain of Youth. Drink up, y’all!
Image: The Kitchn
Campari + Orange IPA Cocktail
Cocktails that use both beer and hard alcohol AND actually taste good are rare liquid jewels, and should be treated as such. The master mixologists at A Better Happier St. Sebastian crafted this delicious drink that’s flavorful and super unique.
Image: A Better Happier St. Sebastian
The Paloma
A fizzy and fresh alternative to margaritas, this yummy recipe from The Kitchn uses grapefruit soda, tequila, lime, and salt. It is absolutely amazeballs.
Image: The Kitchn
Hibiscus Hot Toddy
Hot Toddies are made for the Christmas season, and this one from A Spicy Perspective uses hibiscus tea, honey, white rum, and lime. It’ll warm and soothe your soul, which basically makes it a drink that you need in your life.
Image: A Spicy Perspective
The Last Word Cocktail
This concoction uses Green Chartreuse, making it the perfect drink and accessory for St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas. Probably the Grinch’s signature cocktail too, right?
Image: The Kitchn
Festive Cranberry Fizz
With homemade cranberry rosemary syrup, this recipe is great for mixing in large batches. An ideal pick for a party punch, or if you’re just in the mood to drink by yourself in large quantities. Either way.
Image: The Kitchn
