15 Christmas Party Cocktail Ideas

Christmas parties are a great time to enjoy festive drinks with friends and family. I love serving special cocktails that capture the holiday spirit and add a fun twist to traditional favorites. With so many tasty options to choose from, it’s easy to find crowd-pleasing drinks for any Christmas gathering.

My list of 15 Christmas party cocktail ideas offers something for everyone, from classic winter warmers to creative new concoctions. I’ve included a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to suit all guests.

These drinks feature seasonal flavors like cranberry, cinnamon, peppermint, and gingerbread, perfect for sipping by the fire or toasting with loved ones.

1. Classic Eggnog

Here’s my favorite recipe for Classic Eggnog:

Combine 4 egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 pint of whole milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours. Before serving, add 1/4 cup rum or bourbon (optional). Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

This recipe serves 4-6 people. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for holiday parties.

2. Peppermint White Russian

I love this festive twist on a classic cocktail. Here’s how to make a Peppermint White Russian:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz heavy cream
• Crushed peppermint candies

Rim a glass with simple syrup and crushed peppermint. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur. Top with cream and stir gently.

I like to garnish with a candy cane for extra flair. This drink is perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.

3. Cranberry Mimosas

Cranberry mimosas are a festive twist on the classic brunch cocktail. They’re perfect for Christmas parties and easy to make in large batches.

Here’s a simple recipe:

• Fill champagne flutes halfway with chilled champagne or sparkling wine
• Top with cranberry juice
• Add a splash of triple sec for extra flavor (optional)
• Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary

For a crowd, mix the champagne and cranberry juice in a large pitcher. Add ice and garnishes just before serving. This refreshing drink adds a pop of color to any holiday gathering.

4. Cinnamon-Spiced Whiskey Sour

I love this twist on a classic cocktail for holiday parties. Here’s how I make it:

2 oz bourbon whiskey 1 oz fresh lemon juice 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup 1 egg white (optional) Dash of Angostura bitters Cinnamon stick for garnish

I shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass over fresh ice. I garnish with a cinnamon stick.

The cinnamon syrup adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with the whiskey and bright lemon. It’s a festive upgrade to the traditional whiskey sour that guests will enjoy.

5. Pomegranate Moscow Mule

I love serving Pomegranate Moscow Mules at Christmas parties. They’re festive, tasty, and easy to make.

Here’s my recipe:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 4-6 oz ginger beer
• Ice
• Pomegranate seeds and lime wedge for garnish

I mix the vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice in a copper mug filled with ice. Then I top it with ginger beer and stir gently. For a finishing touch, I garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wedge.

The deep red color and tart-sweet flavor make this drink perfect for holiday gatherings.

6. Gingerbread Martini

I love making this festive cocktail for holiday parties. It tastes just like a gingerbread cookie in liquid form.

To make it, I combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz gingerbread syrup, 1 oz Irish cream liqueur, and 1 oz half-and-half in a shaker with ice.

I shake it well and strain it into a martini glass. For an extra special touch, I rim the glass with crushed graham crackers.

A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it look as good as it tastes. This sweet and creamy martini is always a hit with guests.

7. Christmas Sangria

Christmas sangria is a festive twist on the classic Spanish drink. I like to make it with red wine, cranberry juice, and apple cider for a seasonal flavor.

I add sliced apples, oranges, and fresh cranberries to the pitcher. A cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig give it a lovely aroma.

For extra kick, I include a splash of brandy or orange liqueur. Right before serving, I top it off with some sparkling wine or club soda for fizz.

This sangria is best when chilled for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully. It’s perfect for holiday parties and can be easily scaled up for bigger gatherings.

8. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a perfect Christmas cocktail for warm guests on chilly evenings. I love how easy it is to make and how it fills the room with festive aromas.

Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz spiced rum
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 4 oz boiling water

Mix the sugar, butter, and spices in a mug. Add rum and top with boiling water. Stir until everything is well combined. The drink’s warmth and rich flavors make it a holiday favorite.

9. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a cozy Christmas classic. I love how it warms you up on chilly winter nights.

Here’s an easy recipe:

Pour a bottle of red wine into a pot. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sugar. Heat gently until just below simmering.

Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. The spices will infuse the wine with festive flavors.

Serve hot in mugs. Garnish with extra orange slices and cinnamon sticks if you like.

This drink fills the house with amazing holiday smells. It’s perfect for parties or quiet nights by the fire.

10. Candy Cane Mojito

This festive twist on a classic mojito is perfect for holiday parties. It combines the refreshing flavors of mint with the sweetness of candy canes.

To make a Candy Cane Mojito, you’ll need:

• 1.5 oz light rum
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz candy cane syrup
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• Sparkling water
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Muddle the mint leaves with the candy cane syrup in a glass. Add rum, lime juice, and ice. Shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with crushed candy canes and a mint sprig.

11. Holiday Punch

I love serving a festive holiday punch at Christmas parties. It’s easy to make in big batches and looks beautiful in a punch bowl.

Here’s my go-to recipe: I combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda in a large bowl. Then I add some fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary for garnish.

For an adult version, I mix in some vodka or rum. The punch turns out sweet, fruity, and refreshing. It’s always a hit with guests and adds a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering.

12. Spiked Hot Chocolate

I love warming up with a spiked hot chocolate on chilly winter nights. It’s easy to make and so comforting. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 oz vodka or rum
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vodka or rum.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream if desired.

This cozy drink is perfect for holiday parties. I like to set up a hot chocolate bar with different liquors and toppings so guests can customize their drinks.

13. Winter Wonderland Cocktail

This festive cocktail looks like a snowy scene in a glass. It’s perfect for holiday parties and cold winter nights.

To make it, you’ll need:

• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz crème de cacao
• 1 oz light cream

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. For extra flair, rim the glass with white sugar to mimic snow.

The creamy white color and sweet flavors capture the magic of a winter wonderland. It’s like dessert in cocktail form – rich, indulgent, and sure to delight your guests.

14. Champagne Christmas Punch

This festive punch is perfect for holiday gatherings. I mix champagne with fruit juices for a bubbly, flavorful drink.

Here’s my recipe:

• 1 bottle of chilled champagne
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• Orange and cranberry slices for garnish

I combine all the juices and syrup in a punch bowl. Just before serving, I gently pour in the champagne. I add ice and fruit slices to finish it off.

This punch is easy to make in big batches. The fruity flavors blend nicely with the champagne’s bubbles. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings holiday cheer to any party.

15. Apple Cider Mimosa

Apple Cider Mimosas brings a festive twist to a classic brunch cocktail. They’re perfect for Christmas parties and holiday gatherings.

To make this cheerful drink, I rim champagne flutes with ground cinnamon. Then I pour 2 ounces of apple cider into each glass.

I top off the cider with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. For extra flair, I garnish with a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick.

This simple recipe takes just minutes to prepare. It balances the sweetness of apple cider with the bubbly brightness of champagne.

Apple Cider Mimosas work great for holiday brunches or as a welcome drink for evening parties. They’re sure to put guests in a merry mood.