13 Holiday Sips So Satisfying, Guests Will Forget You Also Served Food
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Holiday drinks can be the star when you’re short on time or energy. With festive cocktails and zero-proof options, you can keep guests happy and mingling while skipping extra prep. These easy, flavorful drinks make it look like you planned something special—even if the main focus is what’s in everyone’s glass.
Cranberry Lime Spritzer
Cranberry lime spritzer brings sparkling holiday energy to the room before the snacks even hit the table. The bright citrus, bubbly fizz, and deep ruby color make each glass feel special enough to toast with all night long. Set out a pitcher near the appetizers so guests keep topping off while the party rolls right through midnight.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Lime Spritzer
Ginger Beer Mocktail
Ginger beer mocktail brings a little sparkle to long holiday nights with its spicy kick and apple base. The combo of ginger, citrus, and fizz feels special enough for party photos while still being easy on everyone’s head the next day. Line up a tray of frosty glasses before guests walk in so the first round is ready the moment coats come off.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Beer Mocktail
Blueberry Mocktail
Blueberry mocktail keeps things fun for everyone at the party, especially guests skipping the booze but not the celebration. Fresh berry flavor, a little lime, mint, plus plenty of bubbles make it feel just as festive as any cocktail on the tray. Pour it into a pretty glass with frozen berries so each refill feels like a treat made just for them.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Mocktail
Paloma Mocktail
Paloma mocktail brings a relaxed, classy vibe to holiday get togethers with its mix of tart grapefruit and fragrant rosemary. The soft bubbles and citrusy aroma make it a perfect drink to sip while catching up before the countdown. Mix up a big batch before guests arrive so you can relax into the countdown with your own glass too.
Get the Recipe: Paloma Mocktail
Apple Cider Cocktail
Apple cider cocktail tastes like all the cozy parts of the season poured into one glass. Warm spices, crisp apple flavor, plus just enough booze make it ideal for sipping while everyone lingers around the tree or the snack table. Serve it in short glasses with a cinnamon stick so every sip feels like cozy sweater weather in cocktail form.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Cocktail
Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Frozen cranberry margarita shows up looking party ready with its frosty texture and bold red color. The sweet tart flavor hits that perfect middle ground between fun cocktail and grown up slushie. Blend a big pitcher just before midnight so everyone can toast the new year with something frosty, bright, unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cranberry Margarita
Electric Lemonade
Electric lemonade turns any gathering into a mini celebration with its bright blue color and citrus kick. Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, plus a little fizz make it an instant favorite at casual parties and dressy nights alike. Pour it over ice in tall glasses so each sip feels like a little vacation tucked inside your holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Electric Lemonade
Candy Cane Martini
Candy cane martini brings pure Christmas joy in a glass with its creamy texture and cool peppermint twist. The pale pink color and candy rim feel playful enough for a festive girls night or a cozy New Year’s toast at home. Shake up a tray of candy cane martinis just as the lights dim so the toast feels extra magical, grown up, playful.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Martini
Vodka Cranberry
Vodka cranberry slides perfectly into any holiday drink lineup with its light feel and pretty ruby color. The sweet tart mix with a handful of fresh cranberries on top makes every glass look ready for photos and toasts. Five ingredients in five minutes means you can refill glasses all night without disappearing into the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Vodka Cranberry
Lemon Drop Martini
Lemon drop martini brings a bright, zippy twist to winter get togethers when you want something that cuts through all the rich party food. The sugar rim, icy chill, and bold lemon flavor make it feel extra fun to raise a glass at midnight. Shake up a batch just before the countdown so everyone starts the new year with a sparkling, citrusy clink.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drop Martini
Virgin Mojito
Virgin mojito keeps the celebration fun for everyone at the party, including guests skipping alcohol. Fresh lime, mint, and bubbles make each sip taste like a clean reset in the middle of all the holiday snacks. Serve in tall glasses with crushed ice so the drink feels just as special as any cocktail on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Mojito
Cranberry Margarita
Cranberry margarita shows up to the party with that bold red color that instantly reads “festive.” The mix of lime, tequila, and cranberry hits the perfect note for a Christmas open house or New Year’s Eve toast. Salted rims with a little lime wedge give every glass a fun, cocktail bar moment right at home.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Margarita
Healthy Mint Julep
Healthy mint julep brings a cool, refreshing break to long holiday evenings when you want something lighter in your glass. Crushed ice, fresh mint, and a gentle sweetness make it easy to sip while you mingle or play games. Serve in frosty glasses with a big mint sprig so each drink feels like a little breath of fresh air in the middle of the celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mint Julep
