Festive Christmas Cocktails

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Festive Holiday Cocktails

If you start your holiday party with one of these festive cocktails, we can assure you, guests will be dazzled from the very first sip.

First up, a luxurious confection with a whitty moniker.

The flavor of this Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, distilled from sour cherries, captures the essence of the pristine fruit.

View Recipe: The G-Word

Photo: Brian Woodcock

The Sun Also Rises

Not to be confused with cheap imitations, Plymouth Sloe Gin—a sweet-tart spirit featuring sloe berries—is made from a time-honored recipe and worthy of a special libation.

View Recipe: The Sun Also Rises

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Sweet Adeline

Be sure to use Clear Creek brandy—you'll actually experience the fragrance and texture of fresh Oregon pears—the pear is grown inside the bottle.

View Recipes: Sweet Adeline

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Haymarket

Suze, a bitter French liqueur that's immensely popular in Europe, is newly available in the U.S. Order online, or look in boutique liquor stores.

View Recipe: Haymarket

Photo: Charles Masters

Clementine Sparkler

Sweet and sunshiny, this sophisticated twist on a standard mimosa is ideal for a holiday brunch.

View Recipe: Clementine Sparkler

Photo: Charles Masters

Campari and Orange Sparkling Cocktail

A little rosé pairs wonderfully with Campari, an Italian aperitif which gives the drink a bitter edge and beautiful rosy color.

View Recipe: Campari and Orange Sparkling Cocktail

Photo: Charles Masters

Cognac Sparkling Wine Cocktail

A classic combo—sparkling wine, cognac, sugar, and a dash of bitters—makes for an elegant drink worthy of a special celebration.

View Recipe: Cognac Sparkling Wine Cocktail

Photo: Charles Masters

Pomegranate Fizz

If the recession has been thumbing its nose at you, dip into Spanish cava or Italian prosecco for bubbles: Some cost less than $10 per bottle and are delicious in this lime-tangy crowd-pleaser.

View Recipe: Pomegranate Fizz

Photo: Charles Masters

Sparkling Pear Cocktail

Pear liqueur and a dry sparkling wine make for a heady combo in this beautifully aromatic sipper.

View Recipe: Sparkling Pear Cocktail

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Pomegranate Gin Sling

A classic gin sling is dressed for festive parties when made with seasonal pomegranate juice and decorated with crimson pomegranate fruit. Both simple syrup and agave syrup are widely available at liquor stores. To make your own simple syrup, boil 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, stirring just until sugar dissolves; reduce until thickened. Cool before using.

View Recipe: Pomegranate Gin Sling

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Eggnog

No need to forgo one of the holidays' favorite indulgences—creamy, rich eggnog. This version gives you all the satisfaction of the full-fat version without the guilt, and it can be made up to a week in advance.

View Recipe: Eggnog

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Pomegranate-Rosemary Royale

This simple twist on the traditional kir royale blends tart-sweet pomegranate juice with subtle herbal notes from a rosemary-infused syrup. Float rosemary leaves on the drinks for a pretty garnish.

View Recipe: Pomegranate-Rosemary Royale

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Winter Sangria

For the best flavor, let the sangria chill overnight so all the ingredients can meld together. If you can’t find satsumas, tangerines will also do the trick.

View Recipe: Winter Sangria