12 Festive Holiday Drink Ideas You Can Prep in Only 15 Minutes

Cranberry Rosemary Prosecco Sparkler
Photo: Hannah Bigot

You can't throw a holiday party without drinks. These quick holiday cocktails and drink recipes can be ready in 15 minutes or less. Whether in the mood for festive cocktails or a bubbly nonalcoholic punch, there's a holiday drink here that's perfect for your menu.

01 of 12

Peppermint-Eggnog Punch

Peppermint-Eggnog Punch
Scott Little

Don't let the last-minute company get the best of you. You only need five ingredients and 15 minutes to make this sweet and refreshing holiday drink. Start with your favorite eggnog, then add colorful peppermint ice cream and candy canes for an irresistible classic holiday drink that doubles as dessert.

02 of 12

Nuts and Berries Cocktail

silver tray with Nuts and Berries cocktail and macarons
Brie Passano

This holiday cocktail recipe is about to become your go-to sipper of the season. Both hazelnut and raspberry liqueurs give the drink the perfect amount of nutty sweetness. A splash of half-and-half adds a nice creaminess.

03 of 12

Apple Cider Punch

Apple Cider Punch
Tina Rupp

Punch makes any holiday party sweeter. Stir up 15 servings in minutes by combining orange and lemon juice with tangy apple cider. For an alcoholic holiday punch, use chilled sparkling wine instead of grape juice.

Buy It: Godinger Dublin Crystal Punch Bowl Set ($140, Bed Bath & Beyond)

04 of 12

Cranberry-Orange-Rosemary Cocktail

Cranberry Rosemary Prosecco Sparkler
Hannah Bigot

This holiday cocktail tastes as festive as it looks. Rosemary-infused water, cranberry juice, and Triple Sec become the frosty base for chilled Prosecco. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary for a tasty, colorful finish.

05 of 12

Earl Grey Hot Buttered Rum

Earl Grey Hot Buttered Rum
Brie Passano

Need an easy holiday cocktail for one? This warm alcoholic drink featuring Earl Grey tea and rum serves one and comes together in just 10 minutes (obviously, you could make a couple extra mugs if you have guests). Our secret ingredient to make it rich is the homemade spiced butter made with pumpkin pie spice.

06 of 12

Chocolate Blitzen

Chocolate Blitzen
Kritsada Panichgul

Relax after the big meal with a decadent holiday cocktail that is perfect for chocolate lovers. Chocolate ice cream brings a hint of decadence to each sip, and sprinkles on the rim make a fun accent.

07 of 12

Hot Chocolate-Stout Float

Hot Chocolate Stout Float Dessert with sauce pan
Andy Lyons

This is one hot chocolate recipe you won't have to share with the kids. Mix your favorite stout beer with our easy fudge sauce and vanilla bean ice cream for a warm, cozy holiday cocktail you can mix up in 15 minutes.

08 of 12

Hot Orange Sipping Tea

Hot Orange Sipping Tea
Jason Donnelly

Grand Marnier, lemon juice, and vanilla vodka help spruce up regular black tea. The result is a citrusy, grown-up warm holiday drink that's ready to serve in just 10 minutes.

09 of 12

Gingered Framboise Martini

Gingered Framboise Martini
Jason Donnelly

Looking for a healthier holiday cocktail to serve the guests? Look no further. Ginger liqueur and fresh cilantro spice up this sweet raspberry martini. Simple syrup sweetens while helping keep each festive holiday drink under 200 calories.

10 of 12

El Diablo Cocktail

El Diablo cocktail on tree background with shortbread cookies
Brie Passano

El diablo may mean devil, but we promise this is a fun holiday cocktail you'll make again and again. Tequila and créme de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) spike the drink while ginger beer adds bubbles. Lime wedges and fresh blackberries make for festive garnishes.

11 of 12

Mulled Cranberry Punch

Mulled Cranberry Punch
Peter Krumhardt

This fiery-red holiday punch recipe mulls with cinnamon, cloves, and cranberry juice to create the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. It takes just 15 minutes to prep, then simmers for a few hours in your slow cooker so you'll have drinks ready to pour when the party starts.

Buy It: Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker ($50, Target)

12 of 12

Bourbon Ball Cocktail

Bourbon Ball cocktails in glasses
Brie Passano

Bourbon fans will love this fun holiday cocktail recipe. It's got a blend of créme de cacao and hazelnut liqueur for a rich, nutty chocolate taste. Top with chocolate shavings for a pretty (and tasty) finish.

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