12 Latin cocktails to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas! (RECIPES)

Merry Christmas! Today is Christmas and, well, the official start of the 12 Days of Christmas. 

In case you didn't know, the 12 days of Christmas isn't just a popular song (though, come on, who doesn't love that ditty?). The time period actually refers to the days from December 25, which is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ, to the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6 as the day that his glory was realized. 

Well, religious technicality aside, what I really love about the 12 days of Christmas is spending my time relaxing and loving spending time with my family. And, let me tell you, my family likes to enjoy our time together, too. So much so that this year I'm doing things a little differently and treating everyone to these 12 Latin cocktails during the holiday season. Drink up the Christmas cheer!

Read more ¿Qué más? Christmas menu: Delicious & traditional pan de jamón

Puerto Rican Coquito

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Enriqueta Lemoine

Absolutely no drink screams "Christmas" more than the traditional Puerto Rican coquito. Watch this great video and learn how to make it for yourself! 

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Cranberry Mojito

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We Are Not Martha

Mojitos are traditionally a Cuban summer cocktail but this unique take with cranberries is the perfect way to take this classic from summer to fall and winter. 

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Copa Verde

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Chow.com

Have you ever heard of putting avocados in your cocktails? Well, let me tell you, you'll fall over yourself with this delicious tequila concoction. Seriously delicious!

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Fruity Martini

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Christina Cruz Castaneda

This festive, fruity cocktail is one super-easy and delicious treat to share with friends and family this Holiday season. Plus, I mean, look at the pretty color!

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Banana Split Leite de Onça

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ciadosbotecos.com

This delicious version of a great Brazilian cocktail is one of my favorites. Plus, the combination of the different liqueurs is an extra special treat.

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Michelada

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Walter Rodriguez/flickr

This sort-of Latin take on a Bloody Mary (but with some yummy Mexican beer instead) is a great drink especially for those days after you may have had too many.

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Pumpkin Caipirini

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Gourmet Sleuth

This little cocktail is surpringly easy to make, considering that it uses pumpkin–something that I was VERY surprised by! But, hey, I'm definitely loving a little calabaza with my drink.

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Pomegranate Sangria

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Pink Parsley

Sangria is a classic and I especially love it alongside my dinners during the Holidays. This one with pomegranates is just perfect for the winter. I mean, really, YUM!

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Frozen Mango & Mint Spiced Daiquiri

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Drunken Monkey/flickr

Why not have a little bit of summer during the holidays? You can find fresh mangoes for this or you can even buy some frozen ones in your store and serve this up!

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Farmer's Market Margarita

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Ken Wilson/flickr

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find myself wanting a lighter cocktail than usual. This yummy take on the classic margarita is only 99 calories. I mean, is that perfect or what?!

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Paloma Brava

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Serious Eats

My favorite kind of drink is definitely the kind with plenty of citrus-y goodness, which is why this classic with lime, orange and grapefruit is such a winner in my book.

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.

Smoked Pineapple Mai Tai

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Zacapa Rum

I think this drink is simply pretty. It's gold and really reminds me of the Holiday season thanks to the coloring. Plus, it's got pineapple juice–and that's just a bonus!

Get the full recipe directions from Mamás Latinas.