There are thousands of new recipes posted online every day. We love trolling sites like Pinterest, Gojee, and Tastespotting as much as the next person, but we realize that can be a huge time drain. This week, we decided to let our hair down and feature some festive holiday drink recipes. Get out the cocktail shakers and citrus zesters, because these delicious libations are perfect for a holiday party or New Year’s Eve bash. Just remember to drink responsibly.
Christmas Sangria via Katie at the Kitchen Door This easy recipe combines wine, apple cider, brandy, and plenty of fresh fruit.
Spicy Spiked Cider via Inspired Taste Get ready for some serious spices — this libation includes cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and anise. Make it non-alcoholic by taking out the rum.
Light Nutella Eggnog via The Realistic Nutritionist Who doesn’t love a rich glass of eggnog? This version combines the classic holiday flavor with delicious Nutella. The bonus? It has less fat and fewer calories than the store-bought stuff.
Honey Sage Gin Fizz via How Sweet It Is This grown-up drink is perfect for a holiday get-together. The recipe recommends coating part of the glass rim with bacon crumbles (!), but regular sea salt can sub in for those who don’t like to mix Christmas dinner and cocktail hour.
Scandinavian Glogg via Boulder Locavore Mix up a batch of this spiced wine for your next party. Glogg is a traditional Scandinavian holiday beverage that includes orange, raisins, cloves, and blanched almonds. Serve it hot to stay warm from the inside out!
Aperol Champagne Cocktail via Chez Us This classy cocktail will set the tone for a swanky New Year’s Eve party. Just combine Aperol (an Italian aperitif) and champagne, and add a lime twist as garnish.
Peppermint Cosmo via Some Kitchen Stories A dash of peppermint extract makes this ruby-red drink perfect for sipping around the fire. Add fresh mint leaves and candy canes to make the mint flavor really stand out.
Sparkling Rosemary and Pear Cocktail via Glitter Guide This elegant drink combines unexpected flavors and a touch of fizz. To make a virgin version, sub in sparkling white grape juice for the wine or champagne.
Hot Toddy via Indiaphile This holiday beverage is a favorite among Greatist staffers. The perfect combination of lemon, cinnamon, anise, and bourbon is a winter classic for a reason.
Blood Orange French 75 via Cookie and Kate Use this oh-so-classy cocktail to toast the New Year in style. This version of the French 75 has the usual champagne and gin, plus tangy blood orange juice.
Have a theme you want to see on The Greatist Table or have another recipe suggestion for us to include next week? Share with us in the comments below or tweet the author @sophbreene.