Easy Cocktails You Can Make with What You Have

The holiday season often brings unexpected guests, last-minute gatherings, or the need for a quick, festive drink. Thankfully, you don’t need a fully stocked bar to create delicious, crowd-pleasing cocktails. With a few pantry staples—like whiskey, tequila, coffee liqueur, and spices—you can shake up impressive drinks with what you already have at home. These simple yet satisfying recipes are perfect for spreading cheer without the stress.

1. The Pantry Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is timeless, and it doesn’t require fancy ingredients—just whiskey, a sweetener, and a touch of spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)

• 1 tsp sugar (or 0.5 oz maple syrup or honey)

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (or a pinch of cinnamon if bitters are unavailable)

• Orange peel (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Add sugar (or your alternative sweetener) to a rocks glass and mix with bitters or a small pinch of cinnamon.

2. Add a splash of warm water to dissolve the sugar, then add whiskey and stir.

3. Add ice, stir gently, and garnish with an orange peel if available.

2. Spiced Holiday Margarita

Turn pantry staples into a festive tequila cocktail with warming spices and a touch of citrus.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (silver or Añejo)

• 1 oz fresh lime juice (or bottled if fresh isn’t available)

• 0.5 oz honey or agave syrup

• Pinch of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper

• Salt for the rim (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with salt if desired.

2. Shake tequila, lime juice, honey, cinnamon, and cayenne with ice in a shaker.

3. Strain into a glass over ice and enjoy this spicy seasonal twist.

3. The Coffee Liqueur Winter Warmer

If you have coffee liqueur, you can easily whip up a creamy and comforting cocktail that tastes like the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

• 1 oz whiskey or dark rum

• 3 oz milk or cream (substitute almond or oat milk for a lighter option)

• Sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Combine coffee liqueur, whiskey, and milk or cream. Stir until smooth.

3. Top with a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a festive finish.

4. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

With just a few pantry basics, you can craft this winter-inspired take on a Whiskey Sour.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (or bottled)

• 0.5 oz maple syrup

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.

3. Garnish with a lemon slice or a cinnamon stick if you have one.

5. Hot Spiked Cocoa

When it’s cold outside, a warm, boozy hot chocolate is the perfect drink to cozy up with.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot cocoa (use a mix or make your own with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk)

• 1.5 oz dark rum, bourbon, or tequila

• Pinch of sea salt

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your hot cocoa.

2. Stir in your spirit of choice and a pinch of sea salt for balance.

3. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

6. Holiday Cranberry Spritz

If you have leftover cranberry sauce or juice from holiday meals, this refreshing cocktail is a perfect way to repurpose it.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka or tequila

• 2 oz cranberry juice (or 1 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce, thinned with water)

• 0.5 oz lime juice

• Sparkling water or soda

• Garnish: Fresh cranberries or lime wedge

Instructions:

1. Mix vodka or tequila with cranberry juice and lime juice.

2. Pour into a glass over ice and top with sparkling water.

3. Garnish with cranberries or a lime wedge for a festive touch.

7. Warm Spiced Cider with a Kick

Transform store-bought apple cider into a warming winter cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider

• 1.5 oz bourbon, dark rum, or Añejo tequila

• 1 cinnamon stick (or a pinch of ground cinnamon)

• Dash of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat apple cider in a small pot or microwave-safe mug.

2. Stir in your chosen spirit and a cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon.

3. Garnish with a dash of nutmeg for added holiday spice.

Why Pantry Cocktails Work for the Holidays

The holidays are all about enjoying time with loved ones, and these simple recipes let you focus on the moments that matter without the stress of complicated preparations. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering or just unwinding after a long day, these cocktails prove that you don’t need an elaborate bar setup to serve something special.

With everyday ingredients like whiskey, tequila, coffee liqueur, and a few spices, you can create drinks that feel indulgent and festive—perfect for toasting the season.

Cheers to keeping it simple, delicious, and effortlessly festive this holiday season!