10 Festive Drinks That Make Any Party Pop

Every great party has its spark, and sometimes it comes in a glass. Drinks do more than quench thirst; they set the mood, bring people together, and make every toast feel a little more special. From cozy mugs that warm chilled hands to sparkling flutes that catch the light, the right festive drink can turn an ordinary gathering into a memory worth savoring. Here’s a collection of celebratory sips designed to keep the conversation flowing and the night unforgettable.

1. Eggnog

Here’s the thing about eggnog: it reads like dessert and digestif in the same glass. Traditional eggnog blends whole eggs, sugar, milk or cream, and a spirit such as rum, bourbon, or brandy, producing a rich, silky texture that carries spice and sweetness evenly. Make it fresh by tempering eggs into heated milk to avoid curdling, or choose pasteurized eggs for no-risk hospitality. Keep chilled and lightly dusted with nutmeg just before serving; the cool temperature tightens the texture and makes the aromatic spices pop. For crowd service, make a large batch and offer small carafes of spirits at the table so guests can spike their own cups to taste.

2. Mulled Wine

What this really means is atmosphere in a pot: mulled wine transforms inexpensive red wine into a warming, aromatic centerpiece. Simmer gently with whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and citrus peels so essential oils bloom without boiling off alcohol. Sweeten to taste with honey or brown sugar and consider a splash of brandy for depth. Because the drink is served hot, it’s ideal for outdoor gatherings in cold weather; ladle into mugs and garnish with orange rounds or a cinnamon stick for both aroma and presentation. Keep heat low and avoid rapid boiling, which flattens the fruit and ruins the wine’s aromatics.

3. Hot Buttered Rum

Here’s the advantage of richness: hot buttered rum leverages butter and brown sugar to create a spiced batter that dissolves into hot water or cider and marries with dark rum for instant comfort. A small scoop of the spiced butter mixture yields a velvet texture and a rounded sweetness that softens the alcohol’s edge while amplifying warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Make the batter ahead to speed service: spoon it into mugs and top with near-boiling water and a generous pour of rum. Serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring; the fat carries flavor and leaves a lingering, cozy mouthfeel that’s perfect for slow conversations and cold nights.

4. Champagne Cocktails

Think celebration in a flute: sparkling wine instantly elevates any gathering because the bubbles lift aromas and add a bright, refreshing mouthfeel. Classic templates include the French 75, which pairs gin, lemon, and simple syrup with Champagne, and the Kir Royale, which adds crème de cassis for color and fruity depth. Keep your sparkling wine well chilled and add stronger-flavored modifiers or liqueurs sparingly so the effervescence can do the work. Build in chilled glasses and top with sparkling wine last to preserve the bubble structure. For big groups, pre-batch the non-sparkling components and top each glass individually for the best texture and presentation.

5. Spiked Hot Chocolate

What this really means is a dessert that doubles as a cocktail. Start with good-quality cocoa or melted dark chocolate and whole milk or a mix of milk and cream for body; then pick a spirit that complements chocolate, rum for molasses warmth, bourbon for vanilla and oak notes, or peppermint schnapps for a holiday twist. Toasted marshmallows, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or a cinnamon stick lift the experience and add tactile contrast. Serve in pre-warmed mugs so the drink stays hot longer, and offer syrups and liqueurs on the side so guests can tailor sweetness and strength. The result reads indulgent without being cloying when balanced properly.

6. Cranberry Mimosas

Here’s a brunch trick that looks festive without fuss: swap some orange juice for tart cranberry juice and top with chilled sparkling wine for a bright, ruby-hued mimosa. The cranberry brings color and tang that plays well with dry Prosecco or Cava, and a sugared rim or frozen cranberries on a skewer turns a simple glass into a centerpiece. For a nonalcoholic version, use sparkling water or a nonalcoholic sparkling wine. Keep juices cold and assemble glasses just before serving so the effervescence and color remain lively throughout the toast.

7. White Russian

What this really means is comfort with a kick. The White Russian’s core is simple: vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, but for a seasonal riff, you can fold in flavored liqueurs such as salted caramel, hazelnut, or a hint of peppermint, or finish with a dusting of instant espresso and grated chocolate. Serve over ice for a short, sippable cocktail that doubles as an after-dinner treat. Because the dairy softens the alcohol, this drink feels decadent; for larger groups, pre-batch the spirits and add cream to each glass to avoid curdling and preserve texture.

8. Peppermint Martinis

Here’s the scene setter: peppermint martinis deliver holiday charm via a crisp herbal note and a candy-cane rim. Use white chocolate liqueur or vanilla vodka with a measured splash of peppermint schnapps and shake with ice to create a silky, chilly drink. Garnish with crushed peppermint or a mini candy cane, but use the mint element sparingly; peppermint is potent and can dominate other flavors if overused. Serve in chilled martini glasses so the drink stays crisp and the rim remains intact, making each pour look as festive as it tastes.

9. Holiday Sangria

Think party in a pitcher: dress up sangria for the season with deep red wine, a splash of brandy or orange liqueur, and jewel-toned additions such as pomegranate seeds, cranberries, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks. Let the mixture macerate for a few hours so the fruit releases sugars and aromatics, then refrigerate and serve over ice or in a punch bowl. For a sparkling finish, add chilled Prosecco or hard cider just before serving to preserve effervescence. Sangria scales beautifully, which makes it ideal for potlucks and large gatherings where self-service keeps the flow going.

10. Irish Coffee

Here’s the classic closer: Irish coffee pairs hot-brewed coffee, brown sugar, and Irish whiskey, topped with gently floated cream for a layered sip, bitter, sweet, boozy, and silky all at once. Sweeten the coffee to taste, stir in whiskey, then pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so it floats. Serve in warmed glass mugs to maintain temperature, and offer raw sugar or bitters at the side for tiny personal tweaks. Because the cream softens the heat and the sugar balances bitterness, Irish coffee works as both a wake-up call and a soothing nightcap.