The holiday season is all about gathering, celebrating, and sharing something special. Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or filling the house with friends, one thing can instantly elevate your holiday beverages: quality ice.

Clear, clean ice doesn’t just chill your drink. It brightens the presentation, preserves the flavor, and adds that extra sparkle guests notice the moment their glass is set in front of them.

To help you kick off your festive hosting, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite seasonal cocktails and mocktails. Just add ice! These drinks are simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any holiday gathering.

Why Ice Matters More Than You Think

Holiday drinks often feature rich flavors: warm spices, fruit syrups, citrus, and spirits that deserve to be savored.

Clear ice melts slowly, keeping the drink chilled without diluting it.
Cloud-free cubes enhance presentation, letting deep reds, golds, and sparkling mixers shine.
Consistent ice supply means no frantic mid-party trips to buy bags of ice.

Whether you’re a home entertainer or a commercial kitchen gearing up for seasonal crowds, reliable ice makes all the difference.

❄️ Four Festive Holiday Recipes

These easy-to-make drinks will ensure you’re serving up drinks as festive as your holiday decor. 

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🎄 1. Cranberry Cinnamon Mule (Cocktail)

A cozy spin on the classic mule—bright, refreshing, and beautifully festive with deep crimson tones.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• 4 oz ginger beer
• ½ oz lime juice
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Fresh cranberries (optional)
• Clear ice cubes or crushed ice for serving

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with clear ice.
2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with cranberries and a cinnamon stick.

Why ice matters: Clear ice keeps ginger beer sharp and crisp, preventing the drink from tasting watered down.

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🕯️ 2. Maple Orange Old Fashioned (Cocktail)

A warm, woodsy holiday cocktail that feels like sipping by a fireplace.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• One large clear ice cube

Instructions:

1. Place a large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
2. Add bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
3. Stir gently to chill.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

Why ice matters: A large clear cube melts much more slowly, keeping the drink bold and balanced.

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✨ 3. Sparkling Caramel Apple Spritz (Mocktail)

Perfect for kids and adults alike—sweet, bubbly, and reminiscent of caramel apples at winter festivals.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz cold apple cider
• 2 oz sparkling water
• 1 oz caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• Apple slices for garnish
• Crushed ice or small clear cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
2. Add caramel sauce and apple cider; stir to combine.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with an apple slice and a caramel drizzle.

Why ice matters: Crushed ice distributes caramel sweetness evenly and keeps the drink cool without overwhelming carbonation.

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🎁 4. Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz (Mocktail)

A sparkling, jewel-toned drink that looks as festive as it tastes.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz pomegranate juice
• ½ oz lemon juice
• 4 oz lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
• Fresh rosemary sprig
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)
• Clear ice spheres or large cubes

Instructions:

1. Add a large clear ice cube or sphere to a glass.
2. Pour pomegranate juice and lemon juice over the ice.
3. Top with soda or sparkling water.
4. Garnish with rosemary and pomegranate seeds.

Why ice matters: Clear ice shows off the beautiful deep-red color—perfect for holiday tablescapes.

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Hosting Tips for Holiday Drink Success

• Chill mixers beforehand so your ice lasts longer.
• Use large ice cubes for punches and slow-sipping drinks.
• Create an “ice zone” for guests to serve themselves without melting your supply.
• Keep extra ice stored safely in a clean, insulated bin.

The right ice doesn’t just fill the glass, it elevates the entire experience.

Make Every Drink Shine This Season

Whether you’re serving spiced cocktails or family-friendly spritzers, beautiful clear ice is the secret to a holiday drink that tastes great and looks stunning.

At Memphis Ice Machine Company, we help ensure you never run short at home, in the kitchen, or behind the bar. With reliable machines, clean ice, and dependable service, your holiday gatherings are guaranteed to stay cool, delicious, and festive.

To be matched with the perfect ice machine with you, get in touch with us today.