22 Vodka Drinks That Will Help Get You Through The Holidays With Your Family
Updated: Oct. 10, 2019Spending the holidays with the entire extended family can get stressful. Take the edge off with one of these sweet, tart and herby holiday drinks with vodka.
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Rubies on Ice
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New YorkHave a new holiday drink every day with our 25 days of Christmas cocktails and mocktails.
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Irish Creme Drink
We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
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Pear & Ginger Sparkler
I created this twist on a Bellini when a friend gave me some Asian pears she grew in her backyard. If you like ginger and want more of a kick, try substituting ginger liqueur for the vodka. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, CaliforniaCozy up by the fire with these Christmas cocktails this year.
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Orange Cranberry Splash
I created this citrusy cocktail while tending bar on the Jersey shore. For a festive finishing touch during the holiday season, garnish each glass with fresh cranberries. —Ralph Florio, New York, New York 5 / 22
Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush
Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa 6 / 22
Perfect Lemon Martini
Time to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, CaliforniaThese are the most festive Christmas drinks to make this holiday season.
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Pumpkin Pie Shots
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 8 / 22
Pear-Apple Cocktail
Ah, the memories we made when we went to Hawaii and concocted this drink for our first toast on the island. That makes this drink special. —Noelle Appel, Arlington, Texas 9 / 22
Basil Liqueur
I used to teach herb classes at our farm and the local technical college. After attending, a friend gave me this recipe. Enjoy it as a refreshing after-dinner drink or as the base for a cocktail.—Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 10 / 22
Moscow Mule
Here's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 11 / 22
Black-Eyed Susan
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen 12 / 22
Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini
I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia 13 / 22
Martini
Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 14 / 22
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
My friends start requesting this cocktail in the fall and continue to ask for it throughout the holidays. Every delectable sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, IL 15 / 22
Cranberry Limeade Slush
Turn any get-together into an extra-special celebration with this slushy pink drink. If you like, add vodka before blending. —Misty Guye, Ardmore, Tennessee 16 / 22
Rosemary & Thyme Lemon Cocktail
A bubbly drink means it's time to celebrate! Try dressing up the usual hard lemonade with sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a refreshingly different cocktail any time of year. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York 17 / 22
Spiked Pink Lady
Why reserve lemonade and strawberries for the summertime? They’re just as refreshing during the holiday season. Add two more ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing cocktail. 18 / 22
Orange & Coffee Martini
With its pretty jeweled color and complementary orange-coffee flavor, this impressive martini lends an elegant, upscale feel to any party.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen 19 / 22
Blueberry Thirst Quencher
I first enjoyed this cocktail at a Derby day party and fell in love. With its beautiful color and zesty flavor, it’s a festive surprise for a summer picnic or party.—Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky 20 / 22
Raspberry Truffle Cocktail
This adults-only hot chocolate is a decadent addition to any holiday gathering. It can easily be adapted to dairy lovers' tastes by substituting chocolate milk and heavy cream for the almond products.—Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York 21 / 22
Cranberry Cocktail
I adore the combination of flavors in this recipe. The secret is to thaw the lemonade so it’s still slightly icy—this way the cocktail will be cool and refreshing. For a nonalcoholic option, use peach juice and lemon-lime soda instead of schnapps and vodka. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas 22 / 22
Homemade Limoncello
This limoncello recipe makes a drink better than any store-bought version. It's perfect as an after-dinner treat on its own, or whipped up in a cocktail. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Originally Published: October 10, 2019
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