Make Spirits Bright With Winter Holiday Cocktails

‘‘Tis the season to be jolly." And what’s more fun than a seasonal cocktail to put you in the spirit?

Whether you’re thinking winter wedding beverages or just something festive to serve the family, these cocktails and mocktails are sure to provide holiday beverage inspiration. And if you’re lucky enough to be saying “I Do!” this season, they make for gorgeous Lily & Lime wedding photos too.

One of our favorites here at Lily & Lime is a simple mix of ginger ale and sparkling grapefruit juice, garnished with cranberries and rosemary and served in a mason jar. Make it “adult” by swapping out ginger ale for champagne. Extra points for decoration. (We love these gold straws, confetti and snowflakes from Paper Source!)

Another twist on sparkling wine cocktails is the Plum and Thyme Prosecco Smash, courtesy of My Diary of Us. Juicy. Gorgeous. Simple. And no trips to the specialty market. Just lemon, thyme, plums, simple syrup and prosecco. Delicious! 

You might have to do a little sleuthing and shopping to prepare Liquor.com's Winter White Cosmopolitan or  Sweet ReciPEAs' Gingerbread White Russian but oh, it will be worth it. The Cosmo adds Elderflower Liqueur to vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, white cranberry juice and simple syrup. The White Russian (adorably garnished with tiny gingerbread men cookies) includes Gingerbread-flavored Kahlua and SNAP (Gingerbread flavored) liquor, putting a decidedly holiday twist on a classic cocktail.

Warm your cockles with Honey and Birch's Slow Cooker Kahlua Hot Chocolate. Toss in milk, half and half, semi-sweet chocolate chips and cinnamon sticks and cook on high for two hours, then add Kahlua and warm for another two. Add marshmallows and whipped cream for a do-it-yourself cocoa bar -- perfect for a party or winter wedding shower.

All that’s left to do is raise a glass. Cheers!