If you're looking for festive, seasonal cocktails, it can be a bit limiting around this time of year, when we tend to lean toward rich, creamy drinks like eggnog and twists on chocolate peppermint.
Of course, these are all wildly delicious, but it can feel like more of a challenge to find something fruity and perhaps a bit lighter while staying appropriate to the theme for those holiday parties.
Fortunately, I have a solution for you: cranberries! These distinctively tangy fruits just scream winter, especially when you pop a few of them in a drink for an utterly festive garnish.
1. Cranberry Mojito Punch
This big, sparkling cocktail can be made in a huge batch, and it's a great crowd-pleaser if you're throwing a bash.
2. Crock Pot Cranberry Cider
This tasty, set-it-and-forget-it beverage is chock full of subtle, seasonal spices -- plus, you can make it boozy or non-alcoholic, whatever you prefer.
3. Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa
With just three ingredients, these are super fast to make, and the vanilla brings a unique richness to the whole thing.
4. Cranberry Mulled Wine
This lovely mulled wine uses a sugar substitute, but if you want to use the regular stuff, you can use about a third of a cup of white or brown sugar. A glug of triple sec would be great too!
5. Crockpot Cranberry Apple Sangria
With red wine, white wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, brandy and spices, this easy slow-cooker warm sangria is perfect for winter -- plus there's an option to make it virgin if you don't want the booze.