13 Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and festive drinks. The holiday season brings with it a chance to enjoy special cocktails that capture the spirit of the season. From warm and cozy sippers to refreshing fruity blends, there’s a Christmas cocktail for every taste.

These 13 Christmas cocktails offer something for everyone, whether you’re hosting a party or just relaxing by the fire. They mix traditional holiday flavors like cranberry, peppermint, and ginger with classic spirits to create drinks that are perfect for toasting the season.

Let’s explore some delicious cocktail recipes that will add extra cheer to your Christmas gatherings.

1. Eggnog Martini

The Eggnog Martini is a perfect holiday cocktail that combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the sophistication of a martini. I love how it transforms a classic seasonal drink into an elegant cocktail.

To make an Eggnog Martini, I start with 2 ounces of vanilla vodka and 2 ounces of store-bought eggnog. I add 1 ounce of amaretto for a nutty sweetness.

I pour all the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. After shaking vigorously for about 15 seconds, I strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

For a festive touch, I dust the top with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick. The result is a creamy, indulgent drink that’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.

2. Peppermint White Russian

The Peppermint White Russian is a festive twist on the classic cocktail. It’s perfect for sipping by the Christmas tree.

I love how the peppermint schnapps adds a cool minty flavor to the rich, creamy drink. The candy cane rim makes it extra festive.

Here’s how I make this holiday favorite:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 2 oz heavy cream
• Crushed candy canes for rim

Steps:

1. Rim a glass with crushed candy canes
2. Fill glass with ice
3. Pour in vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps
4. Top with heavy cream
5. Stir gently to combine
6. Garnish with a candy cane or peppermint stick

The blend of coffee, cream, and peppermint flavors is so cozy and delicious. It’s like dessert in a glass!

3. Cranberry Bourbon Fizz

The Cranberry Bourbon Fizz is a perfect Christmas cocktail that blends warmth and festivity. I love how it combines the richness of bourbon with the tartness of cranberries.

To make this drink, I start with 2 ounces of good bourbon in a shaker. I add 1 ounce of cranberry juice and 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Next, I pour in 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to balance the flavors. I shake all these ingredients with ice until well chilled.

I strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. To finish, I top it off with a splash of club soda for some fizz.

For garnish, I like to add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. This adds a nice festive touch to the drink.

The result is a refreshing cocktail with just the right mix of sweet, tart, and boozy notes. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.

4. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a classic Christmas cocktail that warms you from the inside out. I love how it fills my home with festive aromas as it simmers.

To make mulled wine, I start with a bottle of dry red wine. I pour it into a large pot and add sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.

I stir in some honey or brown sugar to sweeten it up. Then I gently heat the mixture over low heat for about 20 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.

The spices infuse the wine with rich flavors. I ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs and garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

It’s perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night. The spices and citrus complement the wine beautifully. Mulled wine always puts me in a cozy holiday mood.

5. Christmas Mule

The Christmas Mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule. I love how it combines the warmth of ginger with holiday flavors.

To make this cocktail, I start with a copper mug filled with ice. I pour in 2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz cranberry juice, and 4 oz ginger beer. Then I add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

For garnish, I like to use fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, and a sprig of rosemary. The rosemary adds a nice pine scent that feels very Christmas-y.

The result is a refreshing yet cozy drink. The ginger beer gives it a spicy kick, while the cranberry adds a tart sweetness. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at holiday parties.

6. Candy Cane Cocktail

The Candy Cane Cocktail is a festive drink that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas. It blends the minty sweetness of candy canes with vodka and other ingredients for a delightful holiday treat.

To make this cocktail, you’ll need:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz heavy cream
• Grenadine
• Candy cane for garnish

Here’s how I make it:

1. I fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps.
2. I shake it well for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
3. Then, I add the heavy cream to the shaker and give it a quick shake.
4. I pour a small amount of grenadine into the bottom of a chilled martini glass.
5. I strain the cocktail mixture over the grenadine.
6. Finally, I garnish with a candy cane hung on the rim of the glass.

This drink looks beautiful with its layers and tastes just like a liquid candy cane. It’s sweet, minty, and creamy – perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.

7. Gingerbread Eggnog

Gingerbread eggnog is a festive twist on the classic holiday drink. I love how it combines the creamy richness of eggnog with warm gingerbread spices.

To make this cocktail, I start with 1 cup of eggnog and 1 cup of vodka in a shaker. Then I add 1 cup of Kahlua for a coffee kick.

Next, I pour in 2 tablespoons of molasses and a dash of gingerbread spice mix. This gives it that distinctive gingerbread flavor.

I shake everything with ice for about 15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients. Then I strain it into glasses.

For a final touch, I top each glass with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of molasses. It’s the perfect cozy sip for a chilly winter evening.

8. Spiced Apple Margarita

I love this festive twist on a classic margarita. It combines the warmth of apple and cinnamon with the kick of tequila.

To make it, I start by rimming a glass with cinnamon sugar. Then I fill a shaker with ice and add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz apple juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup.

I shake it well and strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. For a finishing touch, I garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

The spiced apple flavor pairs perfectly with the tequila. It’s a great choice for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.

9. Christmas Mimosa

Christmas Mimosas is a festive twist on the classic brunch cocktail. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to make.

I start by pouring champagne into a flute, filling it about halfway. Then I add a splash of cranberry juice for a beautiful red color.

For extra flavor, I mix in a bit of orange pineapple juice. This adds a tropical touch to balance the tart cranberry.

To garnish, I drop in a few fresh cranberries and a small sprig of rosemary. The green herb looks like a mini Christmas tree in the glass.

These mimosas are customizable. I can adjust the juice ratios to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a dash of cinnamon for a cozy winter flavor.

Making a batch is simple. I mix the juices in a pitcher, then pour them into glasses and top them with champagne just before serving.

10. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy winter drink that warms you from the inside out. I love making this classic cocktail during the holiday season.

To make it, I start by mixing softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This creates a flavorful batter that’s the base of the drink.

In a mug, I add a spoonful of the batter and pour in some dark rum. Then I top it off with hot water and stir until everything is well combined.

The result is a rich, comforting drink with a smooth texture and warm spices. It’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace on a cold winter night.

I like to garnish my Hot Buttered Rum with a cinnamon stick and a small pat of butter on top. This adds a nice touch and enhances the aroma.

11. Poinsettia Cocktail

The Poinsettia Cocktail is a festive and refreshing drink that’s perfect for holiday parties. I love how its bright red color matches the iconic Christmas flower it’s named after.

To make this cocktail, I start by chilling a champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes. This keeps the drink nice and cold.

In a shaker with ice, I combine 3 ounces of cranberry juice and 1/2 ounce of orange liqueur. I shake it well to mix and chill the ingredients.

Next, I strain the mixture into the chilled flute. The final touch is topping it off with 3 ounces of chilled champagne or sparkling wine.

For a pretty garnish, I like to float a few fresh cranberries on top and add a small sprig of rosemary. The herb adds a nice aroma that complements the fruity flavors.

This cocktail is easy to make and always impresses my guests. Its balance of tart cranberry, sweet orange, and bubbly champagne is just right for celebrating the season.

12. Winter Sangria

Winter sangria is a festive twist on the classic summer drink. I love how it captures the flavors of the season.

For this cozy cocktail, I start with a bottle of red wine. I add diced apples, oranges, and cranberries for a fruity punch.

To bring in those warm winter spices, I toss in a few cinnamon sticks and star anise. A splash of brandy gives it an extra kick.

For sweetness, I pour in some apple cider and a drizzle of honey. The mix needs to chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

Just before serving, I top it off with a bit of sparkling wine for some fizz. It’s perfect for holiday parties or quiet nights by the fire.

13. Grinch Cocktail

The Grinch Cocktail is a festive green drink perfect for Christmas parties. It’s a fun way to add some holiday cheer to your celebrations.

This cocktail gets its vibrant green color from Midori, a melon-flavored liqueur. The sweetness of the Midori is balanced by rum and lemon-lime soda.

To make a Grinch Cocktail, I start by filling a glass with ice. Then I pour in 1 ounce of Midori and 1 ounce of rum. I top it off with lemon-lime soda and give it a gentle stir.

For an extra festive touch, I like to rim the glass with green sanding sugar. I finish by adding a maraschino cherry on top, which represents the Grinch’s small heart.

This cocktail is easy to make and looks great. The bright green color and cherry garnish make it a real eye-catcher at parties. It’s sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces, just like the Grinch at the end of the story.