December is the month for gatherings, and the right cocktail can make a holiday party feel like a tradition. These five drinks lean into the season with warm spices, deep colors, and festive presentation, while still being practical to serve at scale.
1. Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Bourbon, fresh cranberry juice, lime, ginger beer, and a rosemary sprig garnish.
The cranberry and ginger beer combo gives this drink the festive red color holiday photos love, and the bourbon-rosemary pairing reads sophisticated rather than novelty. We muddle a few fresh cranberries into the bottom of the glass before topping with the ginger beer.
Best for office holiday parties, family gatherings, and corporate events.
2. Spiced Rum Eggnog
Spiced rum, fresh eggnog, freshly grated nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick stirrer.
For traditionalists. We always make eggnog from scratch when it’s requested as a signature drink. The difference between fresh eggnog and store-bought is dramatic, and it’s the kind of detail people notice. The cinnamon stick stirrer doubles as a garnish and gives every sip a subtle warmth.
Best for intimate holiday dinners and traditional celebrations.
3. Pomegranate Champagne Punch
Champagne, pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, and a rosemary garnish with floating pomegranate seeds.
A toast-worthy punch that scales beautifully for larger groups. We typically serve this from a punch bowl with a clear ice block, or as individual flutes for more formal events. The pomegranate seeds are a small detail that elevates the presentation without slowing service.
Best for larger holiday gatherings and corporate end-of-year events.
4. Peppermint Espresso Martini
Vodka, fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, peppermint syrup, and a candy cane garnish.
The espresso martini went mainstream a few years ago and shows no signs of leaving. The peppermint twist makes it seasonal without losing the original drink’s appeal. We pull fresh espresso shots at the event whenever possible. The difference in flavor over pre-brewed coffee is significant.
Best for late-night holiday parties and adults-only events.
5. Winter Spice Old Fashioned
Bourbon, cinnamon syrup, walnut bitters, an orange peel, and a star anise garnish.
Our seasonal twist on the classic. The cinnamon syrup adds warmth without overwhelming the bourbon, and the walnut bitters bring depth that pairs beautifully with cold weather and holiday food. The star anise garnish is decorative but also slowly releases its flavor into the drink as the ice melts.
Best for cocktail-forward holiday dinners and fireside gatherings.
Planning Your Holiday Bar
Holiday events tend to have more variety in guest preferences than other events. Some guests want something festive and seasonal, others want their usual drink. We recommend offering two of these signature cocktails alongside a standard wine, beer, and champagne pour. This gives guests an option that feels seasonal without making them choose between novelty and what they actually want.
Want a custom holiday cocktail menu for your event? Reach out via our booking form and we’ll work with you to design something that fits your gathering.
