Holiday Cheers: Crafting the Perfect Bourbon Cocktails & Festive Mocktails

The holiday season brings together some of our favorite traditions—gathering with friends and family, sharing delicious meals, and of course, raising a glass in celebration. Whether you enjoy a rich, warming bourbon cocktail or prefer a spirit-free sip, this season offers endless opportunities to toast in style.

Bourbon, with its smooth caramel notes, vanilla warmth, and subtle spice, remains the star of holiday mixology. Paired with seasonal flavors like cranberry, maple, cinnamon, and citrus, it becomes the perfect base for elevated craft cocktails that feel both timeless and fresh. And for those who choose not to drink alcohol (or simply want to pace themselves), holiday mocktails can be just as sophisticated and satisfying.

Below are a few standout creations to inspire your holiday hosting.

🍂 The Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

A seasonal twist on a classic, this cocktail adds a hint of maple for depth and warmth.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • ½ oz pure maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions

Stir bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters over ice. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Express an orange peel over the top and garnish with the peel and a cinnamon stick.

Why it works: The sweetness of maple enhances bourbon’s caramel notes, making this a cozy fireside favorite.

❄️ Cranberry Bourbon Spritz

Festive, bright, and perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened)
  • ½ oz simple syrup or honey syrup
  • Splash of sparkling water
  • Fresh cranberries & rosemary for garnish

Directions

Shake the bourbon, cranberry juice, and syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish.

Pro tip: Freeze cranberries for a decorative “ice cube” effect.

Spirit-Free Holiday Mocktails

Whether you're hosting guests who don’t drink alcohol, offering options for daytime gatherings, or simply looking to balance the evening, thoughtfully crafted mocktails bring inclusivity and style to the holiday bar.

🍎 Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

Warm and comforting with seasonal spice. This drink delivers the same cozy holiday feel as a bourbon cocktail—no spirits needed.

Ingredients

  • 4 oz apple cider (heated or chilled)
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Ginger beer to top
  • Apple slice garnish

Directions

Mix cider, lemon, and cinnamon, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with an apple slice.

✨ Holiday Rosemary Sparkler

Light, refreshing, and elegant.

Ingredients

  • Sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine
  • ½ oz rosemary simple syrup
  • Splash of cranberry juice
  • Rosemary sprig garnish

Directions: Add syrup and cranberry to a flute or coupe, top with bubbles, and garnish.

Hosting Tip

Create a holiday cocktail station with:

  • a featured bourbon cocktail
  • a matching mocktail version
  • garnishes, glassware, and recipe cards

For more delicious cocktail recipes, check out Bourbon and Biscuits.

The holidays are about connection, celebration, and savoring moments together. Whether you toast with bourbon or a beautifully crafted mocktail, raise a glass to gratitude, family, friends, and the joy of the season.

Cheers and Happy Holidays!