The holiday season just begs for special drinks that bring warmth and a sense of celebration to any gathering.
These ten alcoholic Christmas drink recipes mix traditional flavors and festive spirits to help you serve up memorable beverages this year.
You’ll find everything here—from cozy, spiced cocktails that chase away the winter chill to elegant bubbly drinks made for toasting.
Whether you’re throwing an intimate dinner or a big holiday bash, these recipes include classics and some creative twists. Think cinnamon, cranberries, and gingerbread—so many seasonal flavors!
Classic Eggnog with Rum
This old-school holiday drink brings together rich cream, eggs, and warming spices with a splash of smooth rum. You’ll whip up a festive beverage that really captures the Christmas vibe.
The rum deepens and warms the creamy base. I usually go for dark rum for that classic flavor, but hey, use what you like.
Ingredients:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Extra nutmeg for garnish
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a big bowl until they turn pale and creamy. Give it about 3 minutes of good whisking.
Heat the milk and half the cream in a saucepan over medium. Don’t let it boil—just get it steaming.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This keeps the eggs from scrambling.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low. Stir until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Let it cool to room temp.
Add the rum and the rest of the cream once it’s cool. Whisk until smooth.
Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld.
Pour into glasses, sprinkle with nutmeg, and maybe add a cinnamon stick for fun.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Dark rum | Light rum, bourbon, or brandy |
| Whole milk | 2% milk or half-and-half |
| Heavy cream | Whipping cream or more milk |
| Fresh nutmeg | Ground nutmeg (use half as much) |
| Granulated sugar | Brown sugar or maple syrup |
| Egg yolks | Pasteurized egg product |
Mulled Wine with Cinnamon and Cloves
Mulled wine turns a regular bottle of red into a cozy, spiced holiday treat. Cinnamon and cloves fill your kitchen with that unmistakable festive aroma.
You can throw this together in no time. Just simmer gently to let the spices infuse, but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the alcohol.
Complete Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750ml) full-bodied red wine
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8-10 whole cloves
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 star anise pods
- 4-5 whole peppercorns
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Pour the red wine into a large saucepan or slow cooker. Toss in the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.
Add the orange and lemon slices, plus the star anise. Stir in the brown sugar and drop in the peppercorns.
Heat on low for 20-30 minutes—don’t let it boil or you’ll cook off the booze.
Taste and adjust the sweetness if you like. Strain out the spices, or leave them in for a stronger kick.
Serve hot in mugs. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Red wine | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir |
| Brown sugar | Honey, maple syrup, or white sugar |
| Orange | Blood orange or mandarin |
| Lemon | Lime or more orange |
| Star anise | Extra cinnamon stick |
| Whole peppercorns | Allspice berries |
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is a winter classic that brings serious comfort on cold nights. You’ll mix dark rum with a creamy spiced butter and hot water for a rich, cozy drink.
This cocktail goes all the way back to the 1650s. The butter gives it a velvety feel, and the spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—make it taste like a holiday cookie in a mug.
It’s pretty much perfect for fireside sipping or serving at your next party.
Complete Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 3/4 cup hot water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl. Blend until it’s smooth.
Scoop 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter into a heat-proof mug. Keep the rest in the fridge for another round.
Add the dark rum to the mug, then pour in the hot water. Stir until the butter melts completely.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Drink up while it’s hot.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Dark rum | Spiced rum or bourbon |
| Brown sugar | Maple syrup or white sugar |
| Honey | Agave nectar or more brown sugar |
| Ground nutmeg | Pumpkin pie spice |
| Hot water | Hot apple cider or hot milk |
| Butter | Coconut oil (dairy-free) |
Cranberry Ginger Mimosa
This holiday mimosa swaps in tart cranberry juice and a splash of ginger beer for a new spin on brunch drinks. The bubbles from champagne keep it super light and festive.
Ginger adds a little spice that plays off the cranberry’s tang. It’s refreshing, not too heavy, and looks gorgeous on the table.
Complete Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup champagne or prosecco
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange peel twist (optional)
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Pour cranberry juice into a champagne flute first. That gives you a nice layered look.
Add the ginger beer or ginger ale slowly to keep the bubbles. Stir gently if you need to.
Top with champagne or prosecco, pouring down the side of the glass to keep it fizzy.
Toss in a few cranberries and maybe an orange peel twist.
Serve right away while it’s still bubbly.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Champagne | Prosecco, sparkling wine, or sparkling water (non-alcoholic) |
| Cranberry juice | Pomegranate or cherry juice |
| Ginger beer | Ginger ale or ginger syrup with sparkling water |
| Fresh cranberries | Frozen cranberries or pomegranate seeds |
| Orange peel | Lemon or lime peel |
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This drink wraps up rich chocolate warmth with cool peppermint and a boozy kick. It’s a favorite for cozy nights when you want something a little extra.
You’ll spike the creamy hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps or maybe even vodka. Pile on whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a true holiday treat.
Complete Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Mini marshmallows (optional)
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium until it steams, but don’t let it boil.
Whisk in the chocolate, cocoa, and sugar. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mix is smooth.
Take it off the heat and add vanilla. Let it cool a minute or two.
Pour in the peppermint schnapps. Divide between two mugs.
Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
Toss on some mini marshmallows if you want. Drink while it’s hot.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Peppermint schnapps | Peppermint vodka, Bailey’s, or Kahlua |
| Dark chocolate | Semi-sweet chips or milk chocolate |
| Whole milk | Heavy cream for richness, or almond milk |
| Sugar | Maple syrup, honey, or sweetener |
| Whipped cream | Coconut whip or marshmallow fluff |
| Peppermint candies | Chocolate chips or cinnamon powder |
Christmas Negroni with Rosemary
The Christmas Negroni with Rosemary gives the classic Italian cocktail a holiday upgrade. Rosemary brings an earthy, piney aroma that just feels right for the season.
Fresh rosemary pairs up with the bittersweet Negroni base, making this a cozy, festive sipper.
Complete Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet red vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice cubes
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Drop in a rosemary sprig.
Pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Gently muddle the rosemary to release its oils.
Stir for 15-20 seconds to mix everything well.
Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.
Garnish with another rosemary sprig. Serve cold.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Gin | Vodka or white rum |
| Sweet red vermouth | Dry vermouth (less sweet) |
| Campari | Aperol (milder) |
| Fresh rosemary | Dried rosemary (use less) |
| Orange peel | Lemon or grapefruit peel |
Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Punch
This punch brings together apple cider and classic holiday spices for a cozy, festive drink. Make it with or without alcohol so everyone can enjoy.
Rich amber colors and fragrant spices will fill your home with holiday cheer. I love using fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as garnishes—they look great.
Complete Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup spiced rum or bourbon (optional)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 apples, sliced
- Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Pour apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice into a big pot or slow cooker. Toss in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Heat everything on medium-low for 30 minutes, but don’t let it boil. If you’re using a slow cooker, just set it on low for about 2 hours.
If you want to add alcohol, stir in rum or bourbon during the last 10 minutes. Add the orange and apple slices, too.
Strain out the spices before serving. Ladle the punch into mugs and top each with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Spiced rum | Brandy, whiskey, or skip for non-alcoholic |
| Cranberry juice | Pomegranate juice or cherry juice |
| Orange juice | Apple juice or lemon juice |
| Whole cloves | 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves |
| Star anise | 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice |
| Fresh apples | Dried apple rings |
Irish Coffee with Baileys
This holiday cocktail puts a twist on classic Irish coffee by adding Baileys Irish cream. The creamy liqueur really lifts the coffee and whiskey combo.
When you make it right, you get lovely layers. Hot coffee sits on the bottom, with cream floating on top.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz hot strong coffee
- 1 oz Irish whiskey
- 1 oz Baileys Irish cream
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 oz heavy cream, lightly whipped
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Warm up your Irish coffee glass or mug with hot water, then pour it out. Put brown sugar in the warmed glass.
Pour in the hot coffee and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add Irish whiskey and Baileys, and stir gently.
Lightly whip heavy cream until it’s just thick enough to float. Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to make a cream layer.
Serve right away while it’s hot. Don’t stir before drinking—those layers are part of the fun.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Irish whiskey | Bourbon or rum |
| Baileys Irish cream | Any Irish cream liqueur |
| Brown sugar | White sugar or maple syrup |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or milk |
| Hot coffee | Strong espresso or cold brew (heated) |
Gingerbread Martini
This cocktail really nails the cozy flavors of gingerbread cookies. You get creamy textures and all those warm, spicy notes in one glass.
It’s a great pick for Christmas parties or just curling up by the fire. It honestly tastes like a spiked gingerbread cookie in a fancy glass.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 oz Kahlúa coffee liqueur
- 2 oz gingerbread syrup
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- Cinnamon and brown sugar for rim
- Mini gingerbread cookie for garnish
- Ice
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Start by prepping your martini glass. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar on a small plate.
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mix. Set the glass aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vanilla vodka, Bailey’s, and Kahlúa.
Pour in gingerbread syrup and heavy cream. Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds.
Strain the drink into your prepared glass. It should look smooth and creamy.
Top with a mini gingerbread cookie. Serve right away while it’s cold.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Vanilla vodka | Regular vodka + 1/2 tsp vanilla extract |
| Bailey’s Irish Cream | Any Irish cream liqueur or heavy cream |
| Kahlúa | Any coffee liqueur or cold espresso |
| Gingerbread syrup | Maple syrup + pinch of ginger and cinnamon |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or whole milk |
Pomegranate Bourbon Smash
This cocktail brings together the smooth warmth of bourbon and the tart pop of pomegranate juice. It’s a solid choice for Christmas parties if you want something fresh but still festive.
You get those deep whiskey flavors, plus bright fruit notes. The ruby red color looks amazing in any holiday glass.
You can make just one or scale up for a crowd. It only takes a few minutes, but looks and tastes impressive.
Complete Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- Ice
- Pomegranate arils for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
- Optional: sparkling water or prosecco
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Put bourbon, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, orange juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake hard for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. You’ll see that deep red color right away.
Garnish with pomegranate arils and a sprig of rosemary. If you want bubbles, add a splash of sparkling water or prosecco.
Serve cold. The rosemary smells great as you sip.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | Rye whiskey, Irish whiskey |
| Pomegranate juice | Cranberry juice, cherry juice |
| Maple syrup | Simple syrup, honey |
| Fresh orange juice | Blood orange juice, tangerine juice |
| Sparkling water | Club soda, ginger ale |
| Rosemary garnish | Thyme sprig, mint leaves |
Tips for Choosing the Right Alcohol
Picking alcohol for Christmas drinks isn’t just about the booze—it’s about finding spirits that play well with those holiday flavors. The right garnishes and presentation can turn a simple cocktail into something memorable.
Selecting Spirits for Christmas Cocktails
Whiskey works really well in warm holiday drinks. Bourbon brings vanilla and caramel notes that go perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, which pairs nicely with apple cider and cranberry.
Rum is super versatile for both hot and cold cocktails. Dark rum gives eggnog or mulled drinks that molasses richness.
Spiced rum already has those holiday flavors—vanilla, cinnamon, clove—built in.
Vodka acts as a blank canvas that won’t drown out delicate flavors. It’s great in cranberry or pomegranate drinks.
Pick a good vodka if you want a smoother taste.
Brandy brings warmth and a hint of fruit to punches. Cognac can really lift up eggnog, too.
Apple brandy just feels right with winter spices.
Liqueurs add depth without much effort. Kahlúa is a go-to for coffee drinks.
Grand Marnier can brighten up cranberry cocktails, and Amaretto is lovely with almond or cherry.
Balancing Flavors and Sweetness
Start with less alcohol than you think you’ll need. Sweet mixers like cranberry juice or liqueurs can hide the booze a bit too well.
Taste as you go. Add spirits little by little, especially for big punch bowls.
Balance the sweet and tart. Cranberry juice is tart and needs a little sweetening, while apple cider is already sweet and pairs well with dry spirits.
Think about what your guests like. Offer both strong and lighter options.
Temperature changes how drinks taste. Hot drinks can handle more alcohol since the heat softens it.
Cold drinks need more balance since chilling makes both alcohol and sweetness stand out.
Use fresh citrus to brighten up heavy flavors. Lemon or orange juice cuts through creamy or rich ingredients.
Garnishing and Presentation Ideas
Cinnamon sticks look great and add aroma as stirrers. They slowly release flavor as you sip.
Fresh cranberries add color and can even be frozen in ice cubes. They’re perfect in clear drinks and punches.
Citrus wheels and twists make drinks pop visually. Twist orange peels over cocktails to release those lovely oils.
Sugared rims add sweetness and a festive look. Try mixing cinnamon and sugar for spiced drinks.
Colored sugar works for extra flair.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a classy touch. Give them a gentle smack to release their oils before adding.
Star anise and whole cloves look dramatic in mulled drinks. They keep adding flavor and double as decorations.
Pick the right glassware. Mugs are best for hot drinks, coupes for fancy cocktails, and punch bowls for big parties.
Serving and Entertaining Ideas
If you make big batches of cocktails ahead of time and set up a drink station, your party will run way smoother. You’ll actually get to hang out with friends instead of being stuck mixing drinks all night.
Batching Drinks for Holiday Gatherings
Multiply your cocktail recipes and mix them up in large pitchers or dispensers. This works best for drinks without bubbles.
Best Drinks for Batching:
- Cranberry Moscow Mules (add ginger beer when serving)
- Mulled wine or cider
- Holiday punches
- Spiced rum cocktails
Mix up everything except the carbonated stuff 2-4 hours before the party. Keep the drinks in the fridge and add sparkling water, champagne, or soda right before serving.
Use drink dispensers with spigots so guests can serve themselves. Label each one with the cocktail name and alcohol strength.
Set out measuring cups or ladles for easy pouring.
For hot drinks like mulled wine, use slow cookers to keep them warm. Set it to low or warm so the alcohol doesn’t cook off.
Setting Up a Festive Drink Station
Set up a bar area where you can keep all your drink supplies together. That way, you won’t have everyone squeezing into your kitchen, and people can grab a drink whenever they want.
Essential Station Items:
- Ice buckets with scoops
- Cocktail napkins in holiday colors
- Garnish bowls with cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprigs
- Bottle openers and corkscrews
- Wine glasses, cocktail glasses, and mugs
Try grouping ingredients by cocktail type. You might put all the Moscow mule stuff together, then eggnog supplies, and then whatever you need for wine cocktails.
Put a small chalkboard or some printed cards next to each drink. Just write out a few simple mixing instructions—nothing fancy. And don’t forget about guests who aren’t drinking; keep alcohol-free options right there too.
If you want to make things look extra festive, hang some string lights around the station or toss on a few holly sprigs. Tiered serving trays can really help save space and make the whole setup look a bit more fun.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.