With Christmas right around the corner, people are getting more and more into the festive mood. Along with holiday lights and gift shopping, it's the time of year for holiday parties and festivities. No party would be complete without some holiday cocktails. So if you're having a Christmas party this year, or maybe just need a drink while spending time with your family during the holiday, toast to good cheer with one of these festive drinks.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

With the recent snow throughout much of the country, this warming drink is the perfect end to a walk through the snow, or just a special holiday treat.

All you have to do is make your favorite Hot Chocolate and a bit of Peppermint schnapps to put a little pep in your step or that of your guests. Garnish with some marshmallows or peppermint sticks if you wish.

Candy Cane Martini

Just one look at this cocktail will put you and your guests in the holiday spirit. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake. Strain into a glass. Garnish with peppermint candy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 oz. vanilla vodka
  • 1 1/4 oz. white crème de cacao
  • 3/4 oz. peppermint schnapps
  • Peppermint candy

Spiced Holiday Punch

Perfect for any holiday party, this chilled punch starts with apple juice simmered with cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Glasses are topped off with cranberry juice and sparkling wine.

You can use ginger ale instead of wine if you need a non-alcoholic version.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups apple juice
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 12 cloves
  • 1 2-inch piece peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 cups cranberry juice
  • sparkling wine or ginger ale

Bring all ingredients except cranberry juice and wine or ginger ale to a simmer over medium heat.

Lower the heat and simmer for another fifteen minutes. Strain and chill. Once chilled, combine the punch with the cranberry juice in a pitcher. When ready to serve, fill glasses partway with the punch, then top off glasses with sparkling wine.

Peppermint White Russian

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 oz. peppermint schnapps
  • 1 oz. Kahlua
  • 1 oz. vodka
  • Half and half milk
  • Ice
  • Candy canes, finely crushed

Combine sugar and crushed candy canes in a bowl.

If desired, rim each glass with sugar/candy cane mixture and fill with ice. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, Kahlua, and peppermint schnapps. Shake until cold, then pour into prepared glasses. Top off glasses with milk or half-and-half.

Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer

If you're looking for an easy holiday spritzer, then look no further. This sparkling orange drink might just turn your nose red, just like Rudolph. Need a non-alcoholic version? Leave out the vodka and add more soda or orange juice. This cocktail is the picture of simplicity. Just stir all ingredients together and serve over ice.

Ingredients:

  • 5 cups orange juice
  • 2 cups chilled lemon-lime soda
  • 1 1/2 cups vodka
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice