If 2026 had a drink order, it would be these. Explore cocktails that balance restraint and creativity, with flavors that will set you up for success in the new year.
Every January, I find myself flooded with inspirational content about “becoming the best version” of me and making the year count. One way to do that is by being intentional – even with the drinks you’re drinking.
I have rounded up three easy, budget-friendly, beginner, winter-themed cocktail recipes that will help you live life as if you came straight out of a mood board. I have also included mocktail versions of everything, so you can sip in style without the ABV.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker: If you don’t have this, no need to buy it! You can follow this video on how to make a shaken cocktail without it; the shaker will just make the process easier!
- Strainer (if not attached to shaker)
- Cocktail Jigger: If you have a shot glass, you can use this, but be wary that standard shot glasses range from 1, 1.5, and 2 oz – so your recipe may be imperfect and could have more alcohol than you intended. Always drink responsibly.
For the social strategist: A Mistletoe Martini
Did you decide 2026 was the year you were going to put yourself out there, romantically or platonically? Well, the mistletoe martini is for you.
The Mistletoe Martini is just a cranberry elderflower martini with rosemary. These flavors are refreshing and sweet, making it the perfect drink to sip on whether you’re making your rounds at a party or on FaceTime with your besties.
I made this drink for a Friendsgiving potluck last year, and it was a hit. It is the most complex cocktail recipe on the list, but it is still 100% beginner friendly.
Ingredients:
- Rosemary
- Sugar
- Cranberry juice
- Vodka
- I linked to Broken Shed, which has become my go-to recently. If you can afford to, buy a mid-to-high-tier vodka to help ensure you feel good after drinking.
- St-Germain Elderflower liqueur
- St-Germain is the classic option, but there are cheaper ones available for those more budget-conscious.
Instructions:
Making a batch of rosemary simple syrup:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove.
- Once boiling, combine 1 cup of white sugar with 3/4 cup of boiling water and at least three sprigs of washed rosemary.
- Stir and let the water boil off until the mixture is syrupy and faintly yellowish-green.
- Remove from the heat and let cool off to the side.
Prep time: about 10 minutes.
To make the drink:
- Combine 1.5 oz of vodka, 1 oz of elderflower liqueur, and 1 oz of rosemary simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake and pour into a glass (with or without ice). Martini glasses are chic but likely not large enough for this recipe.
- Top off with cranberry juice and enjoy.
Prep time: about 3 minutes.
If you’d like to spice up your presentation, you can serve the martini with a sugar rim. To do so, before adding ingredients to your glass, wet the edge of the glass with a paper towel or slice of citrus fruit. Place the glass face down on a plate sprinkled with sugar and twist to create a sugar rim.
Prep time: less than 2 minutes.
This cocktail can be enjoyed during any month, but removing the rosemary will make it feel a bit less winter-themed. You can also modify this recipe and make it a spritz in warmer months by adding sparkling wine or seltzer. If adding wine, be mindful that the alcohol content will now be far over a standard pour.
If you don’t drink, this recipe can easily be modified by using nonalcoholic vodka or skipping the vodka altogether. You can also opt for Giffard non-alcoholic elderflower liqueur or simply skip that ingredient, although it will dramatically change the taste of the drink.
Cost:
Prices vary locally, but vodka options often span budget limits, with my favorite, Broken Shed, being about $30. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur is about $23, but it comes in a 375 ml bottle, so it can be used repeatedly. There are also cheaper elderflower liqueur options.
Other ingredients like cranberry juice, sugar, and rosemary are generally under $5 each, depending on quantity.
If you’re looking to further limit costs and know you only need a few servings of the drinks, you could opt for shooter-size bottles of vodka.
For the Balance Seeker: A 12 Grapes Spritz
Did you decide that 2026 is finally the year you go to the gym, write in your planner, and keep your bed made? The 12 Grape Spritz is the cocktail recipe that will help you stay balanced amongst the chaos of everyday life.
The 12 Grape Spritz is prosecco, concord grape juice, and fresh grapes (not 12, unless you really want that many). This recipe is a playful take on the 12 Grapes tradition. This tradition is Spanish and done on New Year’s Eve. People eat one grape with each of the twelve clock chimes at midnight for good luck in each month of the coming year. This cocktail aims to bring you some of that same luck in helping you maintain a routine.
I originally made a grape spritz as a pregame drink a few years ago, simply due to a lack of ingredients. To my surprise, it hit perfectly. It is light, bubbly, and easy to sip. It was also super simple to throw together, making it one of my friend group’s unofficial kickoff drinks. I modified it this year for a party with the “12 grapes” title, and everyone loved it!
Ingredients:
- Prosecco
- I linked to La Marca, a classic and affordable option.
- Concord grape juice
- Grapes
Instructions:
- Pour 5 oz of prosecco into your desired glass.
- Add 2 oz of Concord grape juice. (Or to taste).
- Optional: throw in a few fresh grapes for added fun and to get your fruits in.
Prep time: Less than 2 minutes.
Forgo the garnish for a yummy grape spritz that can be enjoyed year-round. You can also play around with different fruit juices based on the season.
This recipe can also be adapted into a mocktail with non-alcoholic wine, sparkling grape juice, or sparkling water!
Cost:
Cost will vary depending on location, but prosecco ranges from $10-25 on average, with grapes and concord grape juice remaining under $5.
For The It-Girl Off Duty: A Sugar Plum Spritz
Did you envision 2026 as the year you’d finally become “her”? This cocktail will make you feel like the coolest version of yourself, even if your transformation is yet to be complete.
The Sugarplum Spritz is so simple and delicious. It only has 3 ingredients, and one of them is completely optional! This was the drink I made to ring in the new year last year at my best friend’s house, and I can safely say I felt much cooler in 2025 than I did in 2024.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- Plum Wine
- Plum wine, Umeshu, originates from Japan. I suggest researching brands before you buy if you are interested in the most authentic plum wine.
- Seltzer Water
- Optional: Sugar for the rim
- You can get any color, or even use classic white!
Instructions:
- Fill a large wine glass with ice to your heart’s content. I usually fill it about ⅓ of the way.
- Measure and add 4 oz of plum wine.
- Top off with seltzer water and enjoy!
If you’d like a sugar rim, before adding ingredients to the glass, use a wet paper towel or a lemon slice to wet the rim of your glass and place it face down on a plate sprinkled with sugar, and twist, creating a sugar rim.
Prep time: 3-5 minutes.
This cocktail recipe can be made year-round. But, if you get tired of plum, you can make a refreshing summer drink by using peach syrup and prosecco to make a peach spritz! Use 5 oz of wine and syrup to taste, 1 or 2 pumps.
This cocktail can easily become a mocktail by substituting plum wine for plum juice! Plum juice is super good for you, with reported benefits like better digestion, improved brain function, and supporting the management of blood sugar.
Cost:
Prices vary locally, but Total Wine has a variety of plum wines starting at $8.99. Seltzer water and sugar usually don’t cost more than a few dollars, depending on the quantities.
Using cocktails as a creative outlet adds inspiration to an often bleak season. I hope these recipes will inspire you to experiment and treat every day as an opportunity to do something fun.
Be sure to let me know if any of these cocktail recipes helped you become their archetype.
Please remember to always drink responsibly.
