25 Festive Hot Cocktails Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings

This cozy fall cocktail is smooth and inviting, with a rich bourbon base that even non-bourbon drinkers will love. Topped with whipped cream and a sweet caramel drizzle, it’s an ideal treat for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, or any crisp autumn day.

This traditional hot toddy combines warm brown liquor like whiskey, honey, and fresh lemon for a soothing, classic drink. Finished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, or lemon wedge, it’s simple, cozy, and perfect for chilly nights.

This warm mulled cider simmers apple cider with spices, citrus, and a splash of rum for cozy flavor. Served steaming with apple slices or cinnamon sticks, it’s a festive drink made for autumn nights and holiday gatherings.

This Baileys Irish Coffee blends hot coffee, whiskey, and Baileys for a smooth, creamy sip with a kick. Finished with whipped cream and optional spices or chocolate, it’s a cozy indulgence for any chilly evening.

Hot chocolate is a near-perfect comfort drink on its own. But sometimes, you need just a little more to get you through the day, and Baileys is a fantastic way to add a little kick.

Buttered brandy may have a quirky name, but it’s exactly what it sounds like: hot brandy with butter. This hot cocktail recipe adds brown sugar and cozy spices for a drink that feels like a comforting hug in a glass.

The Cinnamon Toast Crunch cocktail is designed to taste like the milk left over after a bowl of the cereal. Rumchata mixes perfectly with Fireball for a slightly spicy cinnamon kick.

The hot toddy is one of those drinks people think they know, but often don’t. One taste of this cranberry apple version will quickly prove just how delicious it can be.

The hot brandy rose is a super simple warm drink when you need something to soothe you just before bed. It’s hot tea flavored with brandy and rose petals, and it’s so good.

The night owl Empress hot toddy looks like nothing else out there, and tastes even better on a chilly night. And if it’s around Halloween, this purple-hued drink will fit right in with the decor.

One sip of this rum latte, and PSLs just won’t cut it anymore. The drink is super easy to whip up, and chock full of pumpkiny goodness.

Prepare for a burst of autumn flavor with this spiced apple cider. Enhanced with Fireball and easily made in the slow cooker, it’s both delicious and effortless.

The hot toddy’s simplicity makes it a playground for flavor experimentation. This bold version combines a mix of spices and extras, delivering a drink that’s both surprising and irresistibly warming.

Kahlua and hot chocolate are a match made in heaven. This version uses white hot chocolate for a creamier, smoother twist on the classic.

Baileys and coffee are a classic pairing, making this drink an easy favorite. Using a latte adds natural creaminess, creating the perfect match for Baileys.

Here’s another twist on the classic hot toddy, featuring spiced cider. Its clean, simple flavor lets other ingredients shine, making this recipe a delicious starting point for your own twist.

Here’s another slow cooker recipe, and this time it’s Spanish coffee. For anyone feeling extra fancy, the caramelized sugar rim adds the perfect finishing touch.

While there are all sorts of variants out there, the original hot toddy needs some respect. This super simple drink is known all over as the perfect cold weather relaxer.

Chai tea is another great twist on the toddy, and it’s as simple as adding a teabag. Since the drink uses hot water as a base already, adding in some spicy chai tea is just the perfect touch.

The apple cider toasty has one of the most perfect blends of flavors out there. Warm cider and bourbon are already fantastic together, and adding in maple liquor and cinnamon just makes everything better.

Hot buttered rum is such a soothing drink on its own, but this recipe takes it to the top. Adding in hazelnut rum gives it that extra something special, which makes it a surefire hit.

This cider punch not only tastes great, but it will have the house smelling amazing. Full of whole spices and cider, it can simmer for hours, so everything blends perfectly.

Eggnog coffee is a cozy holiday treat all by itself. For an extra kick, add a splash of rum or grab a pre-spiked version from the store.

Irish coffee, for purists, is coffee, Jameson, sugar, and just a touch of cream. But upping the ante with espresso just makes all the flavors that much richer.