8 Cocktails for any Holiday Gathering

We’ve got fresh takes on classic cocktails plus festive punches that are great for entertaining a crowd.

Sherried Cranberry Smash

Sherried Cranberry Smash Recipe opens in a new tab

It’s the season for making merry, and what better way than with the perfect cocktail for any occasion? While I have my personal favorites (the Aviation, hands down), not every cocktail is suited for every situation. Our Holiday Cocktail and Punch opens in a new tab recipes have the perfect drinks for any crowd. Grab a glass, throw on your favorite holiday playlist and start planning the perfect shindig — whether it’s a cozy night in, a formal affair or a fun fling for all.

Hosting your boss and colleagues for the holiday team gathering? Finish off the year on a good foot by greeting them at the door with a Sherried Cranberry Smash opens in a new tab. Make hosting a breeze by pre-shaking the cranberry syrup, cranberry juice and sherry, then simply top off with sparkling water and cranberries when guests arrive. Oh, and have a plate (or five) on hand of these Sweet Potato Bacon Bites  opens in a new tab— trust me.

Cider 75

Cider 75 Recipe opens in a new tab

Cider 75 opens in a new tab is a sassy spin on the French 75 featuring gin and Champagne stars hard cider, sparkling wine and honey. Serve to your closest gal pals for your annual holiday gathering and pair with aged cheeses and charcuterie.

Spiced Almondmilk Punch

Spiced Almondmilk Punch Recipe opens in a new tab

Houseguests for the holidays? Step up brunch at home with Spiced Almondmilk Punch opens in a new tab, a lighter twist on the classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch. If brandy isn’t your family’s thing, replace it with Cognac, dark rum or bourbon.

Cranberry Eggnog

Cranberry Eggnog Recipe opens in a new tab

Cozy up with your family to enjoy this creamy Cranberry Eggnog opens in a new tab for Friday night family night. Adults might consider adding a generous splash of brandy, bourbon or rum after the kids’ bedtime!

Fresh Cranberry Punch

Fresh Cranberry Punch Recipe opens in a new tab

Neighborhood block parties can extend beyond summertime to an indoor holiday open house with Fresh Cranberry Punch opens in a new tab. Parents and kids alike will flip if you pair with Pigs in a Blanket with Cranberry-Mustard Dipping Sauce opens in a new tab.

Cardamom-Carrot Sparkling Cocktails

Cardamom-Carrot Sparkling Cocktails Recipe opens in a new tab

If the classic mimosa and your favorite not-too-sweet juice blend had babies, they would be Cardamom-Carrot Sparkling Cocktails opens in a new tab. Invite your family over for a Christmas-morning style brunch turned modern. Consider pairing with a Wild Mushroom Tart opens in a new tab and light green salad or a sweeter, make-ahead option like Baked French Toast with Pine Nuts and Apples opens in a new tab.

Apple-Pomegranate Fizz Recipe opens in a new tab

Invite your whole contact list for an open house dessert party, and serve up Apple-Pomegranate Fizz opens in a new tab for your favorites. Bonus points if you have a nonalcoholic version for kiddos and those who are hitting multiple parties in one night. 

Honeyed Beet Sparklers

Honeyed Beet Sparklers Recipe opens in a new tab

Like-minded veg lovers (maybe your Saturday morning farmers’ market crew) will flip if you take beets off the plate and into the glass — and we don’t mean your morning green juice! A little elf told me your guests will love Honeyed Beet Sparklers opens in a new tab with Red Lentil Crackers with Spicy Vegan Cream Cheese opens in a new tab.

Which are you going to try first? Do you have a favorite holiday cocktail that’s great for a crowd?

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