December 11, 2025

Pitcher Perfect Holidays: Easy Winter Cocktails for a Crowd

Holiday Hosting Made Easy with Virginia Spirits

There’s nothing quite like gathering with friends or family during the holidays, and having a big batch of a delicious cocktail ready to go makes entertaining a breeze. Using Virginia-made spirits adds a special touch, letting guests toast the season with a local pour. 

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering by the fire or a lively celebration, these five seasonal recipes scale beautifully for holiday celebrations. Want even more ideas? Check out our full cocktail catalog below.

winter holiday cocktails with virginia spirits
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Wassail Cocktail Recipe

Nothing says cozy and classic like a mulled cider punch.

Ingredients

Makes 8-10 servings.

  • 2 quarts apple cider
  • 1½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ½ cup lemon juice, 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1–2 cups of your favorite Virginia spiced rum

Instructions

Combine the cider, juices, spices and sugar in a large pot and simmer (do not boil) for two hours. Remove from heat, stir in the rum, then ladle into mugs. Garnish with a seasonal cinnamon stick, fresh orange peel or warming star anise.

plantation punch

Merry & Bright Cocktail Recipe

Bright, tropical and packing a “punch,” this one is ideal for New Year’s parties or a holiday brunch. It’ll have you dreaming of warmer days.

Ingredients

Just one serving, so multiply proportions by the number of guests.

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a punch bowl or large pitcher, stir and serve chilled (or over ice) for an easy, festive crowd-pleaser.

P.S. Belmont Farm happens to have another recipe on deck that incorporates its Kopper Kettle Bourbon. This “Cream of the Crop” cocktail is heavy on the sweet and indulgent, so be sure to check it out for the perfect holiday night-cap.

jingle juice cocktail

Jingle Juice Cocktail Recipe

Bring the party with this show stopper!. A festive, flavorful cocktail balancing sweet, tart and herbal notes.

Ingredients

Single serve, scale as needed! 

  • 1½ oz Virginia-Highland Whisky
  • 1 oz cranberry-sage simple syrup* (make ahead – it’s worth it!)
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz orange liqueur
  • Garnish with fresh red cranberries!

Instructions

Mix the whisky, syrup, citrus juices and liqueur. Serve it on the rocks (glasses optionally sugar-rimmed), stir gently and garnish by the glass.

*Cranberry-sage simple syrup is made by simmering equal parts sugar and water with whole cranberries, cinnamon sticks, sage leaves — steep, muddle and strain.

rye spiced cider cocktail

Rye Spiced Cider Cocktail Recipe

A simple, warming sip — perfect for smaller gatherings or as a mellow apéritif.

Ingredients

Single or a few servings, batch to your heart’s desire!

Instructions

Stir the rye and pumpkin-pie spice until smooth, then add the cider. Serve chilled over ice, or gently warm it up on the stove for a cozy hot drink.

white christmas vodkarita

White Christmas Vodkarita Cocktail Recipe

A creamy, winter-twist on a margarita! This cocktail is ideal for holiday parties when you want something a bit whimsical.

Ingredients

Again, just for you, so make the proper adjustments.

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a blender, then pour over ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch.

Make It Virginia

No matter your holiday plans, these Virginia-made, batchable cocktails make entertaining smooth, simple and seasonal. So mix up a pitcher, ladle it into mugs (or serve over ice) and raise a toast to good company and even better libations. Here’s to a (Virginia-) spirited holiday season!

Merry & Bright Punch

Belmont Farm Distillery

Apple Pickin’

Belmont Farm Distillery

Jingle Julep

Belmont Farm Distillery