Your Quick & Cozy Christmas Cocktail + Mocktail Mini-Guide

Simple ingredients, 2–3 minute assembly, and a pretty festive finish.

When the days get full and your energy is stretched thin, a holiday drink should feel easy — not like another task. These recipes keep things beautifully simple: minimal ingredients, quick assembly, and just enough sparkle to feel special.

1. Cranberry Orange Sparkler

Cocktail Version:

• 3 oz prosecco or sparkling wine
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• Fresh cranberries + orange slice for garnish
  How to Make:
  Pour everything into a flute, add garnish, done.

Mocktail Version:

• 3 oz sparkling water or 0% prosecco
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 tsp orange juice
  Same garnish — still gorgeous.

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2. Mistletoe Mule

Cocktail Version:

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz ginger beer
• ½ oz lime juice
• A few pomegranate seeds + mint sprig
  How to Make:
  Build in a copper mug over ice, stir, garnish.

Mocktail Version:

• Omit vodka
• Add a splash of cranberry juice for color and body

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3. Holiday Spice Old Fashioned

(Warm, cozy, and very December.)

Cocktail Version:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes cinnamon or orange bitters
• Orange peel & cherries for garnish

How to Make:
Stir over ice, strain, garnish.

Mocktail Version:

• 2 oz strong brewed black tea (chilled) or non-alcoholic whiskey
• Same maple + bitters
• Same garnish
  Surprisingly wonderful — rich, wintery, and grown-up.

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4. Frosted Rosemary Gin Fizz

Cocktail Version:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Top with soda water
• Add fresh raspberries, slice of lime and mint leaves

Mocktail Version:

• 2 oz lemonade
• Splash soda water
• Rosemary garnish

It looks high-end but is literally 20 seconds of effort.

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5. Silent Night Creamy Nog (Lightened)

Cocktail Version:

• 4-5 ozs light eggnog
• 1 oz rum or brandy
• Sprinkle with nutmeg, add 1-2 cinnamon sticks and an orange wedge

Mocktail Version:

• 4-5 ozs light eggnog
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Nutmeg, cinnamon sticks and an orange wedge

Put it in a pretty glass and it instantly feels intentional.

You don’t need complicated recipes to create a touch of holiday magic. A few good ingredients, a pretty glass, and a spare minute — that’s all it takes. May these simple cocktails and mocktails bring a little ease and joy to your gatherings this season.

Here’s to a season of simple sips and beautiful moments.
— Bev