Trying to figure out what to make for those holiday parties and gatherings this year? Try one of these four cocktails and guests will be begging you to come back next year. Photo: pinkbasil.com

Spiced Eggnog

This tried-and-true cocktail is perfect for a quiet Christmas Eve with family or a lively party to bring in the New Year. Ingredients

  • 6 separated eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • nutmeg
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • ½ cup spiced rum

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and half a cup of sugar together until the mixture turns light in color. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, bourbon and rum. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a quarter-cup of sugar until soft peaks are formed. Fold a third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Refrigerate the drink until cold and serve topped with freshly-grated nutmeg.       Photo: Yummly.com

Southern Cider

For a strong, earthy cocktail, try this cider drink.Ingredients

  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ¾ cup cranberry juice
  • ½ cup apple cider

Shake ingredients together and serve.   Photo: foodandwine.com

Grape Sparkler

For an upscale and delicious drink, give this sparkling cocktail a try. Ingredients

  • 4 lbs seedless grapes
  • One bottle champagne
  • 8 mint sprigs

Slice a cup of grapes and refrigerate. Coarsely chop the rest of the grapes in a food processor. Toss the chopped grapes in a pan and bring to a simmer. Cook the grapes for about five minutes or until they’ve released most of their juice.  Strain the grape juice into a bowl in batches. Once you have about 3 ½ cups of juice, refrigerate until cold. Divide the sliced grapes equally amongst eight champagne flutes. Pour the chilled grape juice into the glasses and top with sparkling wine. Garnish each flute with a mint sprig and serve immediately. Recipe from David Page.   Photo: delish.com

Cranberry Cava Cocktail

Make this comforting cocktail for a holiday party or family gathering. Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water 
  • 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup halved fresh cranberries
  • 4 bottles sparkling cava

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar divides. Remove from heat and add cranberries and vanilla extract. Refrigerate for 12 hours. After the mixture is chilled, add 1 tbsp of the cranberry simple syrup to each flute. Add four cranberries from the syrup and top with sparkling cava.  Recipe by Delish.