4 delicious holiday cocktails to get the party started

Winter is a great time to celebrate with specialty cocktails. The holiday season, in particular, is filled with friends, parties and yummy foods. So whether you're hosting your own event or are bringing a little something over to a friend's gathering, here are four delicious cocktail ideas to get the party started.

Few drinks are more seasonally appropriate than mulled red wine. It's a delicious, warm beverage that your guests will love. Plus it's super easy to make. Here's how:

1. Into a saucepan combine a bottle of light red wine; 3/4-cup of sugar; lemon and orange zest; one cinnamon stick, one crushed clove and 1/4-cup of brandy.
2. Allow mixture to simmer slowly until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Use a ladle to serve it out of the pan, but be careful because it will be hot.

Your guests will brim with the holiday spirit after a cup of this traditional Christmas beverage.

Nothing's tastier than rich hot chocolate with a little kick. To make this tasty treat:

1. First, combine whole milk and heavy cream with bittersweet chocolate. Add a little sugar and heat it all up in a small saucepan until the chocolate has melted completely.
2. Whisk the mixture until it's blended and serve in a mug. Depending on your preference, you can add a measure of either vodka or whiskey to give it a little more warmth.
3. Top it with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Creamy and flavourful, this special hot chocolate recipe for grown-ups will chase away the chills quickly.

The original hot toddy is one of the most classic holiday drinks. It's the perfect way to warm up your guests on a cold night. What's more, it's a breeze to make. Simply:

1. Boil a cup of water and add a shot of Irish whiskey, a drizzle of honey and a lemon punctured with four or five cloves.
2. Allow the mix to marinate for a few minutes.
3. Serve and enjoy!

In only a few minutes you'll have the perfect Christmas cocktail.

For a bigger party, consider serving a holiday punch so your guests can help themselves. The recipe is a snap to make:

1. Combine whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters in a large punch bowl.
2. Let the mixture chill for about an hour.
3. Before putting the punch bowl out for the guests, top it with Champagne or sparkling wine, soda water, ice, pineapple wedges and cloves.

This festive holiday punch makes a delicious, wintery cocktail your guests won't soon forget!