Whether you’re raising a glass for the Christmas Eve toast or ringing in the new year, we’ve got drink recipes—from spiked cider and eggnog to bubbly champagne cocktails and warm toddies—that make the season bright. You’ll even find a few decadent better-than-dessert hot chocolates in the mix for added holiday cheer.

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Irish Coffee

It’s not rocket science, but there is an art to perfectly blending whiskey, coffee, and brown sugar, then topping it with light-as-a-cloud cream for this authentic Irish classic.

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Triple-Shot Eggnog

In this version of the holiday classic, three traditional spirits come together for a cocktail with a kick. Whisking frothy beaten egg whites into the eggnog base makes for a much lighter and less cloying drink than those found in containers at the supermarket.

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White Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Whipped Cream

Now this is the white Christmas Bing Crosby sings about. In this twist, hot chocolate is creamy white and the fluffy topping is flavored with cocoa.

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Hot Buttered Rum

Dark brown sugar and a dollop of whipped cream give this warm and soothing buttered rum a deep, rich flavor.

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Spiked Caramel Apple Cider

You haven't had warm apple cider like this before. It's festive and sweet, and the caramel and warm spices make it the perfect dessert cocktail for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any winter gathering.

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Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican chocolate has a grainy texture because it is made with toasted ground cocoa beans, granulated sugar, and cinnamon—making this better-than-dessert drink a must-make.

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Bourbon Hot Toddy

This soul-warming cocktail sets the tone of your casual gathering, though it is dressed up with a clove-studded lemon wedge.

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Orange-Scented Mulled Wine

This traditional cold-weather drink is just what its name implies: wine, usually red, infused with sugar, citrus, and spices, served warm. A seasonal clementine adds a sweet fruit note.

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Pear Sidecar

Pear brandy meets triple sec and fresh lime in a heady sidecar that makes for a sophisticated party drink.

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Sweet Ruby

Ruby port and amaretto liqueur make this a great post-meal warmer: It’s sweet, complex, and rich, but very easy to make.

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Irish Coffee Hot Chocolate

We can't promise this drink will help you stay awake past midnight. The classic combination of coffee and Irish whiskey makes this rich hot chocolate even more warming than usual.

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