This time of year, the holiday craziness seems to take over daily life (but really, who’s complaining?). And there’s no better way to toast the season than with a collection of handcrafted holiday cocktails. The best part? Mixology doesn’t have to be your forte—especially when you can batch these festive sips ahead of time.
Inspired by our favorite seasonal ingredients, these drinks bring flavors that range from spicy warmth to refreshing crispness, and each recipe is designed to scale effortlessly for a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a full-house soirée or a cozy gathering of friends, these holiday drinks for a crowd make it easy to pour, toast, and get back to the fun—no last-minute shaking or stirring required. Each one feels like a celebration of all that makes the season so magical.
How to Turn Any Cocktail Into a Batched Recipe
Serving holiday drinks for a crowd shouldn’t mean playing bartender all night. The easiest solution: batch it. With a few simple steps, almost any recipe can be scaled up and made party-ready.
Multiply the Ingredients. Take your original recipe and multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you want. Keeping the same ratios helps the flavor stay balanced.
Add a Little Water. Shaken cocktails usually get diluted with ice. To mimic that in a batch, stir in a splash of cold water. Start with ¼ cup per 4 servings and adjust to taste.
Save the Bubbles for Last. If your drink includes anything fizzy—like ginger beer, tonic, or prosecco—add it right before serving so it stays bright and bubbly.
Chill Before Guests Arrive. Mix your batch a few hours ahead and refrigerate. A well-chilled base means your drink stays cold without relying on melting ice.
Finish With a Garnish. A simple citrus wheel, rosemary sprig, or pomegranate seeds instantly makes a batch cocktail feel festive and intentional.
With these easy tips, any recipe can become a make-ahead moment—leaving you more time to enjoy the celebration.
7 Holiday Drinks for Every Crowd
These holiday drinks for a crowd are a simple way to elevate your gatherings, infusing the essence of the season into every sip. Whether you’re hosting a festive soirée or unwinding by the fireplace, these batch-friendly recipes make it effortless to serve something special without the stress.
Dairy-Free Eggnog Cocktail
This Dairy-Free Nogtini captures all the cozy nostalgia of classic eggnog—without any of the heaviness. Made with a silky nut-based nog and warmed with cinnamon-vanilla sweetness, it strikes that perfect balance of festive and refreshing. Topped with freshly grated nutmeg, it’s the kind of signature drink that instantly elevates any holiday gathering.
Boozy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Our holiday season go-to, with the volume turned up. All you need to throw together this winter fave is vanilla liqueur, cocoa, peppermint extract, and a few pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Lillet Rose Spritz
Okay, hear me out: a Lillet rosé spritz deserves a spot beyond your summer happy hour. While the drink is perfectly refreshing on a hot day, I also love its citrusy tang and effervescent sparkle during the holidays. Serve it at your next gathering and expect your guests to be pleasantly surprised.
Maple Bourbon Punch
This maple bourbon punch is a holiday favorite in my household. It’s naturally sweetened from honey and vanilla, and a bit zesty thanks to the orange juice. Add in some rosemary sprigs for an herbal touch, and you’ll have a great all-around drink to sip on (with a stunning presentation!).
Pomegranate Spice Champagne Cocktails
Pomegranate anything pairs perfectly with winter dishes. This champagne punch utilizes the flavor in a subtle and sweet way, with the addition of fresh fruit and spices from cinnamon sticks. Simply add it all to your pitcher, serve, and enjoy!
Mulled Wine
A true holiday classic, mulled wine fills the room with notes of citrus, spice, and deep red fruit—basically the scent of winter magic. This is the ultimate batch-friendly cocktail: simmer a large pot on the stove or keep it warm in a slow cooker, and guests can help themselves throughout the night. It’s cozy, communal, and effortlessly festive.
Superfood Hot Chocolate
Rich cocoa meets energizing adaptogens and warming spices for a sip that feels indulgent and restorative at once. Make a big batch to keep on the stovetop or in a thermos for easy serving, then let guests garnish their own with whipped cream, cinnamon, or a pinch of flaky salt. Perfect for adding a little wellness to the holiday decadence.
This post was last updated on November 22, 2025, to include new insights.