The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in festive drinks, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or cozying up by the fire. This guide features four Christmas-inspired recipes that start as delicious mocktails and can be easily transformed into cocktails with a splash of your favorite liquor. To make it easier, we’ve included local liquor stores where you can pick up the ingredients you need for these merry beverages.

Cranberry Orange Sparkler

This sparkling mocktail combines the tartness of cranberry with the sweet, citrusy flavor of orange for a refreshing holiday sip.

Mocktail Ingredients:

1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Cocktail Addition:

Add 1.5 oz of vodka for a festive cocktail.

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice and add cranberry juice and orange juice.
Top with sparkling water or club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice.

Gingerbread Eggnog Delight

Rich and creamy with a hint of spice, this mocktail is a holiday classic that tastes like Christmas in a glass.

Mocktail Ingredients:

1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg for garnish

Cocktail Addition:

Add 1.5 oz of spiced rum for a boozy twist.

Instructions:

In a shaker, combine eggnog, ginger, and cinnamon. Shake until well mixed.
Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz

This elegant drink pairs pomegranate’s tangy flavor with rosemary’s earthy aroma for a refreshing mocktail.

Mocktail Ingredients:

1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup simple syrup infused with rosemary (boil equal parts water and sugar with rosemary sprigs, then cool and strain)
1/2 cup sparkling water
Pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary for garnish

Cocktail Addition:

Add 1.5 oz of gin to elevate this drink into a holiday cocktail.

Instructions:

Combine pomegranate juice and rosemary simple syrup in a glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling water and stir.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This cozy drink is a holiday favorite. It blends the comforting richness of hot chocolate with a hint of refreshing peppermint.

Mocktail Ingredients:

1 cup hot chocolate (your favorite recipe or mix)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish

Cocktail Addition:

Add 1.5 oz of peppermint schnapps for a minty adult version.

Instructions:

Prepare hot chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes.

Local Liquor Stores

If you’re planning to make these festive cocktails and mocktails, visit one of these local liquor stores for the best selection of spirits and mixers:

Grand Forks, ND: The Rock Bottle Shop
- Find a wide selection of liquor and mixers for your holiday drinks. Remember to grab a certificate on Forks Deals to save on your purchase.
St. Cloud, MN: Westside Liquor
- Known for its extensive selection of spirits and wines, Westside Liquor is a go-to spot for holiday drink essentials.
Detroit Lakes & Perham, MN: Seven Sisters Spirits
- This local spot has a large variety of spirits, wine, and beer to help you stock up for the season.
Winona, MN: Discount Liquor of Winona
- A local favorite for finding both classic and unique liquors perfect for your holiday creations.
Alexandria, MN: Alexandria Liquor
- Known for its large selection of wines and liquor, Alexandria Liquor provides an excellent selection of spirits to craft your cocktails.
Fergus Falls, MN: Fergus Liquor Store
- Has a broad selection of liquor, beer, and mixers to elevate your holiday drink menu.

Cheers To The Season: Final Thoughts

Whether you’re crafting a creamy Gingerbread Eggnog Delight or a refreshing Cranberry Orange Sparkler, these festive drinks are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to your celebrations. Visit one of the local liquor stores listed above to find everything you need to make these cocktails and mocktails come to life. Cheers to a season filled with joy, warmth, and delicious beverages!