One of the best parts about Christmas for me is having all our family and friends round about a week or so before the big day. We always put together some festive food and drinks, and I love to be able to offer a few Christmas cocktails to really add to the festive spirit. We’ve tried out a few cocktails over the years, and everyone has their favorites – in all honesty, I love every single Christmas cocktail we’ve ever tried!
I’ve put together 30 different Christmas cocktails for you to try out with your own friends and family this festive season. There is plenty of variety here so there’s something to suit every taste and budget!
Make sure you also try out my Christmas smoothie recipes and my Winter Cocktails.
30 Christmas Cocktails
1. Classic Eggnog
A traditional holiday favorite, eggnog is a creamy, rich, and spiced drink that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 cup rum (optional)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of sugar, beating until dissolved.
- Stir in the milk, cream, bourbon, rum, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
2. Cranberry Mimosa
A festive twist on the classic mimosa, this cranberry version is perfect for Christmas morning or a holiday brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a champagne flute halfway with cranberry juice.
- Top off with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
- Serve immediately.
3. Peppermint White Russian
This holiday version of the White Russian adds a cool peppermint twist to the creamy coffee-flavored cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes.
- Serve immediately.
4. Mulled Wine
Warm and spicy, mulled wine is a cozy drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the wine, brandy, and honey or sugar.
- Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, allspice berries, and black peppercorns.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until just below boiling.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain out the spices and orange slices.
- Serve warm in mugs or heatproof glasses.
5. Gingerbread Martini
This dessert-like cocktail captures the flavors of gingerbread cookies in a creamy, spiced martini.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys)
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup
- Crushed gingerbread cookies for rimming the glass
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a martini glass with crushed gingerbread cookies.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, Irish cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, and gingerbread syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Serve immediately.
6. Hot Buttered Rum
This warm and comforting cocktail is perfect for chilly winter nights, combining the rich flavors of butter, spices, and rum.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 cup hot water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mug, combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Pour in the dark rum.
- Add hot water and stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- Serve warm.
7. Poinsettia Cocktail
A festive and refreshing cocktail, the Poinsettia is a simple yet elegant mix of cranberry juice, Cointreau, and champagne.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- Champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a champagne flute, combine the Cointreau and cranberry juice.
- Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a few fresh cranberries.
- Serve immediately.
8. Spiced Apple Cider Margarita
This twist on the classic margarita incorporates the flavors of apple cider and warm spices, making it a perfect holiday drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz apple cider
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.
- Serve immediately.
9. Christmas Punch
A crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering, this Christmas punch is fruity, bubbly, and easy to make in large batches.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 1 bottle of ginger ale
- Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, vodka, and triple sec.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add ginger ale just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and mint leaves.
- Serve over ice.
10. Snowball Cocktail
The Snowball is a creamy, frothy cocktail with a hint of citrus, making it a delightful and festive drink for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz advocaat
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7-Up)
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a highball glass filled with ice, combine the advocaat and lime juice.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
- Serve immediately.
11. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
This whiskey sour variation incorporates the warm flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup, making it a cozy holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick and lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wheel.
- Serve immediately.
12. Holiday Sangria
This festive sangria combines red wine with seasonal fruits and spices, making it a perfect addition to any holiday party.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup soda water
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey or sugar.
- Add the orange slices, apple slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the soda water.
- Serve over ice.
13. Candy Cane Martini
A festive and visually striking cocktail, the Candy Cane Martini combines the flavors of peppermint and vanilla for a holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white crème de cacao
- Crushed candy canes for rimming the glass
- Mini candy cane for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a martini glass with crushed candy canes.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vanilla vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a mini candy cane.
- Serve immediately.
14. Holiday Mule
A festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this version incorporates cranberry juice and rosemary for a holiday flair.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a copper mug filled with ice, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
- Serve immediately.
15. Gingerbread Old Fashioned
This holiday-inspired Old Fashioned incorporates the warm spices of gingerbread, making it a cozy and sophisticated cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz gingerbread syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- In a rocks glass, combine bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and Angostura bitters.
- Add a large ice cube and stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately.
16. Winter Wonderland
A creamy and delightful cocktail, the Winter Wonderland combines white chocolate liqueur and peppermint for a festive treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz vodka
- Crushed peppermint candies for rimming the glass
- Whipped cream and peppermint stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim a martini glass with crushed peppermint candies.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and vodka.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with a peppermint stick.
- Serve immediately.
17. Apple Cider Hot Toddy
This warm and soothing cocktail combines apple cider with bourbon and spices, making it perfect for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon slice
- 2 cloves
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small pot, combine apple cider, honey, cinnamon stick, lemon slice, and cloves.
- Heat over medium heat until just below boiling.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain into a mug and add bourbon.
- Stir to combine.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
- Serve warm.
18. Christmas Cosmo
A festive take on the classic Cosmopolitan, this cocktail adds cranberry and a hint of holiday spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Lime twist and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, lime juice, and ground cinnamon.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist and a few cranberries.
- Serve immediately.
19. Spiced Pear Bellini
A sophisticated and bubbly cocktail, the Spiced Pear Bellini combines pear puree with sparkling wine and warm spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pear, peeled and pureed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 bottle of prosecco or champagne
- Pear slice for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine pear puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the spiced pear puree into a champagne flute.
- Top with prosecco or champagne.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a pear slice.
- Serve immediately.
20. Nutcracker Cocktail
This rich and nutty cocktail combines amaretto, hazelnut liqueur, and cream for a decadent holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz amaretto
- 1 oz hazelnut liqueur (e.g., Frangelico)
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine amaretto, hazelnut liqueur, and heavy cream.
- Shake well until chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
- Serve immediately.
21. Holiday Spiced Sangria
A festive and warming twist on the traditional sangria, this version is infused with holiday spices and seasonal fruits.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau)
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup soda water
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey or sugar.
- Add the orange slices, apple slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the pomegranate juice and soda water.
- Serve over ice.
22. Winter Sangria
A delightful and refreshing winter sangria made with white wine, winter fruits, and a touch of spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine (750ml)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 pear, cored and sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- 1 cup ginger ale
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy, triple sec, and honey or sugar.
- Add the pear slices, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the ginger ale.
- Serve over ice.
23. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This elegant cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with tart cranberry and a hint of orange.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Orange twist and fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a few fresh cranberries.
- Serve immediately.
24. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
A seasonal twist on the classic White Russian, this version incorporates pumpkin spice for a cozy holiday flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 oz pumpkin spice creamer
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add vodka and coffee liqueur.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the pumpkin spice creamer over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Serve immediately.
25. Mistletoe Margarita
A festive and colorful margarita that combines the flavors of pomegranate and lime, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Pomegranate seeds and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime wheel.
- Serve immediately.
26. Frostbite Cocktail
A cool and creamy cocktail with a hint of mint, the Frostbite is perfect for a winter wonderland-themed party.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz white crème de cacao
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, white crème de cacao, blue curaçao, and heavy cream.
- Shake well until chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
- Serve immediately.
27. Ginger Snap
A spicy and warming cocktail that captures the essence of ginger snap cookies in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz ginger liqueur
- 1/2 oz molasses
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ground ginger for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine dark rum, ginger liqueur, molasses, and lemon juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground ginger.
- Serve immediately.
28. Christmas Morning Punch
A light and refreshing punch perfect for Christmas morning, combining citrus and sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 bottle of prosecco or champagne
- Orange slices and cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice.
- Stir well to combine.
- Just before serving, add the prosecco or champagne.
- Garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
- Serve over ice.
29. Spiked Hot Chocolate
A decadent and warming treat, spiked hot chocolate is perfect for cozying up by the fire during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1 oz dark rum
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small pot, heat milk and heavy cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Add chocolate chips and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in Baileys and dark rum.
- Pour into a mug.
- Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately.
30. Jingle Juice
A festive and fruity punch that’s perfect for holiday parties, Jingle Juice combines vodka, fruit juices, and sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 bottle of sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large punch bowl, combine vodka, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
- Stir well to combine.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling wine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
- Serve over ice.
Let me know which of these Christmas cocktails you try out and what you think! I hope you love them!