As seen on the NBC TODAY Show

The holidays call for drinks that feel warm, intentional, and a little indulgent. This lineup balances easy wins for entertaining with a show-stopping recipe you can make at home. These are the exact picks I curated and presented live on national television—perfect for gifting, hosting, or elevating your winter bar.

For the Cider Lover

Cider Variety Pack — ~$18–$22

A cider variety pack is one of the easiest crowd-pleasers during the holidays. Crisp, festive, and food-friendly, it works equally well at brunch or late-night gatherings and gives guests options without overthinking it.

Shop here: https://www.totalwine.com/

Best Holiday Pairing

Spiced Apple Mixer & Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon — ~$55 (bourbon)

This is a bartender’s shortcut to a holiday cocktail. The rich oak and caramel notes of Woodford Double Oaked pair beautifully with a spiced apple mixer for a warming, seasonal drink that feels elevated but effortless.

Shop here: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/

Best Cozy Indulgence

Mozart Chocolate Liqueur — ~$29

This chocolate liqueur is silky, rich, and made for winter. I like to mix it directly into hot chocolate for an adult upgrade that feels luxurious without being overly sweet.

Shop here: https://www.mozartchocolateliqueur.com/

Brunch god Hot Chocolate Recipe

A holiday favorite

Yields: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

8 oz extra creamy oat milk
4 oz Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur
0.10 oz vanilla extract
1.5 oz cinnamon-ginger simple syrup
2 Cadbury chocolate cubes
2 Hershey’s chocolate cubes
2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the oat milk, Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur, vanilla extract, cinnamon-ginger simple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and both chocolates.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and simmer, stirring continuously, until the chocolate dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth and rich.

Carefully pour into a hot chocolate mug. Garnish with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Cinnamon–Ginger Simple Syrup

Combine 2 cups white sugar, 3 cups water, ½ cup cinnamon powder, and 1 tablespoon ginger powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

For Sweet & Spicy Cocktail Fans

Stoli Chamoy — ~$19

Bold, tangy, and spicy, this chamoy-flavored vodka is ideal for drinkers who like their cocktails loud. It shines in margaritas, micheladas, or simple highballs with citrus.

Shop here: https://stoli.com/

Best Ready-to-Drink Cocktail

On The Rocks White Negroni — ~$14

A perfectly balanced, pre-made White Negroni that actually tastes bar-quality. Crisp, bitter, and aromatic, this is a smart grab for hosts who want something sophisticated without mixing on the spot.

Shop here: https://onthrocks.com/

Brunch God’s Holiday Sips & Cozy Classics list