25 Christmas Cocktails to Make Your Holidays Extra Merry
Looking for some fun and festive Christmas cocktails to enjoy during the holidays?
We’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll share some delicious and easy-to-make drinks that are perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Get ready to sip on some holiday cheer.
Let’s get started!
1. Eggnog
A classic holiday staple, eggnog is rich, creamy, and perfect for warming up during those chilly Christmas nights.
Typically made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, this drink can be spiked with rum, bourbon, or brandy for an adult twist.
Sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg on top for that cozy, festive finish.
It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and a must-have for any Christmas celebration.
2. Mulled Wine
This warm, spiced wine is like Christmas in a glass.
Combining red wine with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and a touch of honey, mulled wine is gently simmered until fragrant and flavorful.
It’s the ultimate holiday drink to serve at a Christmas party or while snuggled up by the fire.
3. Candy Cane Martini
The candy cane martini is a fun and flavorful choice if you’re looking for something festive and sweet.
This peppermint-flavored cocktail, often made with vodka and peppermint schnapps, is rimmed with crushed candy canes for that extra holiday flair.
It’s minty, colorful, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
4. Hot Buttered Rum
A perfect winter warmer, hot buttered rum combines dark rum with hot water, butter, sugar, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
It’s decadent and comforting, making it a wonderful drink to enjoy after a day of holiday shopping or decorating.
Rich, flavorful, and classic, it’s pure Christmas indulgence.
5. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Give your traditional Moscow Mule a holiday twist by adding cranberries!
This festive version includes vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of cranberry juice, served over ice in a copper mug.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary or a lime slice for a pop of color and a nod to the season.
6. Spiked Hot Chocolate
This isn’t your typical hot cocoa!
Spiked hot chocolate takes the comforting, rich flavors of traditional hot chocolate and adds a kick with the addition of Baileys, Kahlua, or whiskey.
Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a dash of cinnamon to elevate it to holiday perfection.
7. White Christmas Mojito
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, this mojito is for you.
Made with white rum, coconut milk, lime juice, and fresh mint, it’s refreshing yet creamy, bringing a tropical twist to the cold holiday season.
It’s a beautiful snowy drink that feels festive and different from the usual winter cocktails.
8. Poinsettia Punch
Poinsettia punch is a light, bubbly cocktail made with cranberry juice, orange liqueur (like Cointreau), and sparkling wine or Champagne.
It’s perfect for toasting with friends and family during a Christmas brunch or holiday party.
The bright red color and fizzy finish make it both visually appealing and delicious.
9. Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Put a holiday spin on the classic Old Fashioned by incorporating gingerbread flavors.
This version adds ginger syrup and a touch of cinnamon to the bourbon, creating a cocktail that’s smooth with a spicy kick.
It’s the ideal drink for those who prefer something strong yet festive during the holiday season.
10. Christmas Sangria
This seasonal sangria is a festive take on the summer favorite.
Made with red wine, brandy, apple cider, and seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries, Christmas sangria is both sweet and tart.
It’s easy to make in large batches, making it a perfect drink for holiday gatherings.
11. Peppermint White Russian
For a creamy and indulgent Christmas cocktail, try a peppermint white Russian.
This holiday version of the classic drink swaps out the regular vodka for peppermint vodka, giving it a festive twist.
Combine it with coffee liqueur and cream, and garnish with crushed candy canes for a drink that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
12. Christmas Mimosa
Perfect for Christmas morning or holiday brunch, a Christmas mimosa adds a festive touch to the classic cocktail.
Swap out orange juice for cranberry or pomegranate juice, and top it with Champagne or Prosecco.
Garnish with a few fresh cranberries to give it that holiday sparkle.
13. Cinnamon Bourbon Sour
The warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon blends beautifully with the tartness of lemon in this festive bourbon sour.
With a dash of cinnamon simple syrup, this cocktail delivers a smooth, sweet, and tangy profile, perfect for sipping by the fire or enjoying with a holiday meal.
14. Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
For those who love a margarita but want something wintery, try a spiced apple cider margarita.
This cocktail blends tequila, apple cider, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus to create a refreshing yet warm drink.
Serve it over ice with a cinnamon-sugar rim for a festive twist.
15. Holly Jolly Gin & Tonic
This is a holiday twist on the classic gin and tonic.
Add a splash of cranberry juice and garnish with rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries for a merry and bright version of the popular cocktail.
It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for gin lovers who want to get into the holiday spirit.
16. Chocolate Peppermint Martini
This decadent martini combines chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and vodka for a cocktail that tastes just like a chocolate peppermint candy.
It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Rim the glass with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
17. Irish Coffee
For a warming after-dinner drink, Irish coffee is a holiday favorite.
Combining hot coffee with Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and topped with whipped cream, this cocktail is comforting and energizing.
It’s the perfect way to end a Christmas feast or to enjoy while unwrapping presents.
18. Christmas Punch
A colorful, fruity punch is always a crowd-pleaser during the holidays.
Christmas punch is often made with a blend of cranberry juice, orange juice, and a splash of vodka or rum, topped with sparkling soda.
Add fresh fruit like cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch.
19. Winter Aperol Spritz
Give the summer favorite a winter twist by adding seasonal flavors like cranberry and pomegranate to the traditional Aperol spritz.
This version features Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of cranberry juice, served over ice and garnished with fresh berries.
It’s bubbly, refreshing, and a great option for holiday sipping.
20. Nutcracker Martini
The nutcracker martini is a creamy, nutty cocktail that brings together amaretto, Frangelico, and cream liqueur for a deliciously festive drink.
With its smooth, dessert-like flavor, it’s ideal for those who prefer a sweeter cocktail to enjoy after a holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Amaretto liqueur
- 1 oz Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur)
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (like Baileys)
- 1 oz vodka
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Chill a martini glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the amaretto, Frangelico, Irish cream, and vodka. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.
- Shake: Shake the cocktail mixture well for about 15-20 seconds until it’s thoroughly chilled and creamy.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish: Top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or a whole nutmeg for an aromatic, nutty touch that enhances the cocktail’s festive flair.
Enjoy!
21. Jack Frost Cocktail
This icy blue cocktail combines vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream for a fun, tropical twist during the holidays.
The frosty blue color and coconut-rimmed glass make it visually striking and perfect for a winter wonderland-themed holiday party.
22. Rum Punch
A warm, spiced rum punch is a perfect choice for a cozy holiday gathering.
Combining dark rum with fruit juices like pineapple, orange, and cranberry, this cocktail is sweet, fruity, and festive.
Add a cinnamon stick for garnish, and it becomes the ultimate holiday punch.
23. Snowball Cocktail
The snowball cocktail is a retro holiday favorite, made with Advocaat (a Dutch eggnog-like liqueur), lemonade, and a splash of lime.
Creamy, tangy, and lightly fizzy, it’s a deliciously unique drink that brings a bit of nostalgia to your Christmas party.
24. Maple Old Fashioned
For a holiday twist on the Old Fashioned, add a splash of maple syrup to the mix.
This version blends bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters for a smooth, slightly sweet take on the classic.
It’s a warming, cozy cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a cold Christmas evening.
25. Champagne Cocktail
End your Christmas festivities on a sparkling note with a simple yet elegant Champagne cocktail.
A dash of bitters, a sugar cube, and a splash of brandy are added to Champagne, creating a celebratory drink that’s perfect for toasting to the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 4 oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Glass: Place the sugar cube at the bottom of a chilled Champagne flute.
- Add Bitters: Pour 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters over the sugar cube, letting it absorb for a few seconds.
- Add Champagne: Slowly pour the Champagne into the flute, allowing the bubbles to mix with the bitters and sugar.
- Garnish: Finish with a lemon twist for a burst of citrus aroma.
Wrap Up
With so many fun and festive Christmas cocktails to try, your holiday celebrations are sure to be full of cheer!
Whether you love sweet, spicy, or bubbly drinks, there’s something for everyone.
Mix up something special and make your Christmas extra merry this year!
Cheers!