The holiday season calls for elevated flavors, indulgent sips, and a touch of playful sophistication. These artisanal drinks bring world-class ingredients and expert craftsmanship straight to your home bar. Whether you're hosting a swanky cocktail party or savoring a quiet night by the fire, these festive creations will leave a lasting impression.
Nothing says “home for the holidays” quite like a Coquito. BACARDÍ’s version brings the flavors of coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon together in a creamy, rum-forward drink that's perfect for family gatherings.
1 L BACARDÍ Superior Rum
15 oz cream of coconut
14 oz condensed milk
12 oz evaporated milk
2 tbsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon to taste
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
This holiday season, BACARDÍ is taking the Coquito celebration to the next level with a coast-to-coast competition supporting the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Philanthropy and Development Program. Bartenders from top establishments in Florida, Texas, New York, California, and more will showcase their creative spins on this iconic cocktail. The grand finale in January will see the top 8 bartenders from each city battle for a chance to win a trip to CASA BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico.
Click here for a full list of locations and participating bars.
Tip: For a time-saving alternative, pick up BACARDÍ’s Ready-to-Serve Coquito—same deliciousness, no prep required.
The Gingerbread Café blends the robust notes of Cantera Negra’s Reposado Tequila with the velvety smoothness of their award-winning Café liqueur. Paired with espresso and gingerbread syrup, this cocktail is a spirited ode to the holiday’s coziest flavors.
1 1/2 parts Cantera Negra Reposado Tequila
1/2 part Cantera Negra Café
1 shot of espresso
1/2 part Frangelico
1/4 part gingerbread syrup (made with equal parts cinnamon and ginger syrups)
Barspoon Crème fraîche
2 dashes of pecan bitters
Grated cinnamon for garnish
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Dry shake (no ice) to incorporate the crème fraîche. Add ice, shake again, and strain into an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated cinnamon.
Tip: For an extra festive touch, serve with a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim.
Rich, velvety, and delightfully cool, the Winter Wonderland cocktail is the ultimate indulgence. Featuring Grand Brulot Coffee Cognac, mint schnapps, and a swirl of cream, it’s a decadent winter treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz vodka
1 oz mint schnapps
3 oz heavy cream
2 teaspoons sugar
Garnish: Fresh mint and crushed candy cane
Instructions: In a shaker, whip heavy cream and sugar until slightly thickened. In a rocks glass, add Grand Brulot, vodka, mint schnapps, and ice. Top with the cream mixture. Garnish with fresh mint and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.
Tip: Pre-chill the glasses for an ultra-refreshing experience.
Upgrade your holiday martini game with the Desolas Mezcal Xmas Dirty Martini. The savory notes of olive brine meet the herbal complexity of Desolas Mezcal, creating a sultry and sophisticated sipper.
2.5 oz Desolas Mezcal
0.5 oz dry vermouth
0.5 oz olive brine
Garnish: Sweet drop peppers
Instructions: Add mezcal, vermouth, and olive brine to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with sweet drop peppers for a vibrant finish.
Tip: Opt for gourmet brine from specialty olives to heighten the flavor.
Crème de Vie, a Cuban-style eggnog, is rich, creamy, and deeply comforting. Infused with Havana Club Añejo Blanco, this velvety treat will be the star of your holiday dessert table.
4 parts Havana Club Añejo Blanco
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
6 egg yolks
2 parts sugar
1 part water
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions: Using an electric mixer, cream the sugar and egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup of evaporated milk, mixing for 1–2 minutes. Add the remaining milk, cream, vanilla, and rum. Mix until thick and frothy. Serve in small glasses and garnish with nutmeg.
Tip: Serve with cinnamon sugar-dusted cookies for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Rich, fruity, and oh-so-smooth, the Ron Barceló Imperial Port-rise offers layers of flavor that captivate every sip. Rum meets port wine, and the result is a cocktail fit for cozy evenings and grand holiday feasts.
2 oz Barceló Imperial Porto Cask
3/4 oz port wine
3/4 oz lemon juice
1 oz pasteurized egg white
1/2 oz demerara syrup
Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions: Dry shake all ingredients (except nutmeg) to create a frothy texture. Add ice, shake again, and strain into a coupe glass. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.
Tip: Pair with spiced nuts or baked brie for a flavor-matching experience.
With its light, citrus-forward profile, the Trivento Polar White Malbec Cocktail is a refreshing alternative to heavier holiday drinks. Blackberry and orange notes bring vibrancy to every sip.
180 ml Trivento White Malbec
20 ml gin
120 ml tonic water
5 g blackberry juice
Garnish: 3 blackberries and an orange swirl
Instructions: In a shaker, combine Trivento White Malbec, blackberry juice, tonic water, and gin with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a skewer of blackberries and an orange swirl.
Tip: Swap the tonic water for sparkling wine to create a celebratory spritz.
Cozy up with the ultimate winter warmer — Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Mulled Wine. This comforting blend of spiced apple cider, rich red wine, and fragrant spices fills your home with aromas as inviting as the drink itself.
1 bottle Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir (750 mL)
4 cups apple cider
1/4 cup honey
3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
4 orange peels for garnish
Instructions: In a large pot, combine apple cider, Frank Family Pinot Noir, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and let it steep for 20 minutes. Strain and serve in heatproof mugs, garnished with an orange peel.
Tip: Add fresh cranberries for a festive pop of color and extra tartness.
This no-frills holiday cocktail channels the ethos of the U.S. Marines — efficient and bold. The Semper FIOR is made with Fior Scotch and cold brew coffee, offering a robust, energizing sip for those on the move.
1 oz Fior Scotch
4.5 oz cold brew coffee
Instructions: Pour the Fior Scotch and cold brew coffee over crushed ice in a mason jar. No muddling. No garnish. No straw. Marines don’t have time for that.
Tip: For a festive touch, consider serving it in a decorative holiday mug.
This twist on eggnog features VARA Noche Negra Dark Rum and is inspired by the beloved biscochito cookie, New Mexico’s official state cookie. It’s rich, spicy, and full of nostalgic warmth.
1.5 oz Noche Negra Dark Rum
3 oz store-bought or homemade eggnog
1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (or simple syrup with a dash of cinnamon)
1 dash ground anise
1 tsp crushed biscochito cookies (optional, for garnish)
Ground cinnamon or star anise for garnish
Instructions: Combine the rum, eggnog, cinnamon/anise syrup, and ice in a shaker. Shake briefly to chill. Strain into a festive mug or rocks glass over fresh ice (or serve warm). Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or star anise, and crushed biscochito cookies on the rim for an authentic touch.
Tip: Serve warm with fresh biscochito cookies for an authentic New Mexican experience.
This isn’t your typical margarita. The Margarita LOCA blends zesty lime, Meyer lemon, and tangerine for a bright, citrusy experience. The clean taste of Loco Tequila Blanco allows the vibrant flavors to shine.
2 oz Loco Blanco Tequila
1 oz freshly squeezed juice (equal parts lime, Meyer lemon, and tangerine)
0.5 oz agave simple syrup (equal parts agave and water, blended)
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice or serve "up" in a salt-rimmed glass.
Tip: For a pop of color, garnish with an edible flower or a citrus wheel.
This refined take on the Negroni uses handcrafted, artisanal bottles from Dalla Terra's incredible spirits portfolio, giving it a distinct depth of flavor. Juniper, wild herbs, and fresh citrus come together in a cocktail that feels like a stroll through the Italian countryside.
1 oz Elena Gin
1 oz Elena Vermouth di Torino Rosso
1 oz Distilleria dell'Alpe Rosen Bitter
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice, add all ingredients, and stir gently to combine and chill. Garnish with an orange peel for a bright, aromatic finish.
Tip: Serve with a charcuterie board for an authentic Italian aperitivo experience.
For the host who’s short on time but big on taste, oo-Lah Cocktails’ The Big O (Ho-Ho) is the ultimate hack. This ready-to-drink cocktail offers bright Florida orange notes, lemon-lime spritz, and a hint of triple sec—all neatly canned for no-fuss sipping.
Ingredients: This cocktail is pre-mixed and ready to pour, but its flavor profile includes:
Florida oranges
Lemon-lime essence
Triple sec
Premium vodka spritz
Serving Suggestion:
Crack open a can and pour over ice for an instant festive refreshment.
Tip: Add a rosemary sprig or an orange twist to each glass for an effortless holiday garnish.
No holiday feast is complete without the perfect wine pairing, and A to Z Wineworks has your menu covered. Known for their versatile, crowd-pleasing varietals, A to Z offers wines that complement every course, from appetizers to dessert.
1. A to Z Pinot Noir
Pairs beautifully with hearty main courses
This versatile Pinot Noir features ripe red and black fruits with hints of subtle spice. It’s the ideal pairing for holiday classics like roasted turkey, ham, or even tamales and pasteles. The rich depth of flavor makes it a showstopper on any table.
2. A to Z Pinot Gris
Light, refreshing, and made for appetizers
This crisp Pinot Gris showcases stone fruit and ripe melon notes, making it a bright companion to lighter fare. Pair it with cheese platters, chiles rellenos, or rice and pigeon peas for a fresh, fruit-forward sip.
3. A to Z Bubbles
The sparkle that makes every moment feel special
For those looking to add a touch of effervescence, A to Z Bubbles fits the bill. This sparkling wine has hints of tropical fruit and dried cherries, making it the perfect pairing for fried treats like crispy latkes or sweet bites like turron and fruit cake.
Holiday Tip: Mix and match bottles of A to Z wines to create your own wine flight experience for guests. It’s a tasting tour that pairs perfectly with every part of the meal.