The holiday season is here, and honestly, what’s better than gathering with friends and family? A great Christmas cocktail definitely turns up the festive mood. Whether you’re reaching for a warm drink to shake off the winter chill or a sparkling beverage to add some class, a good cocktail can make any gathering feel extra special.
Here are seven Christmas cocktails that mix classic holiday flavors with a bit of tradition and a dash of something new. Whether your party is small and cozy or you’re hosting a full house, you’ll find drinks here that highlight the season’s best spices, fruits, and spirits.
Classic Eggnog with Nutmeg
You really can’t beat a glass of rich, creamy eggnog for that classic holiday feeling. This old-school recipe brings together fresh eggs, heavy cream, and a few cozy spices.
Don’t skip the freshly grated nutmeg—it’s what takes this drink from ordinary to something you’ll remember.
Ingredients:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup gran
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is the kind of drink that just feels right on a cold night. People have enjoyed this cocktail since the 1650s.
You’ll get a blend of dark rum, spiced butter, and hot water, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar shining through.
Complete Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 6 oz hot water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Grab a mug and mash together the butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.
Pour in the dark rum and stir it all up.
Add the hot water, a little at a time, stirring as you go. This keeps the butter from separating and makes it creamy.
Toss in a cinnamon stick and serve while it’s still steaming.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark rum | Spiced rum or bourbon | Spiced rum adds extra flavor |
| Butter | Coconut oil | Use solid coconut oil |
| Brown sugar | Maple syrup | Reduce quantity by half |
| Ground cloves | Allspice | Use same amount |
| Hot water | Hot apple cider | Creates a fruitier version |
Cranberry Ginger Mimosa
If you want something quick and festive, try this three-ingredient cocktail. It’s just cranberry juice, champagne, and ginger beer.
Ginger gives it a gentle kick that works so well with the cranberry. It’s a little more interesting than your standard mimosa, but still easy enough to make in a hurry.
Complete Ingredients:
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 4 oz champagne or prosecco
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Pour cranberry juice into a flute. Add ginger beer slowly to keep the bubbles under control.
Top it off with champagne, pouring down the side of the glass to keep things fizzy.
Drop in some cranberries for color, and maybe a rosemary sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
Drink it right away while everything’s still cold and bubbly.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Cranberry juice | White cranberry juice, pomegranate juice |
| Ginger beer | Ginger ale, sparkling water with fresh ginger |
| Champagne | Prosecco, sparkling wine, non-alcoholic sparkling cider |
| Fresh cranberries | Frozen cranberries, orange peel twist |
Christmas Tree Negroni
Here’s a twist on the classic Negroni that feels right at home in December. The Christmas Tree Negroni uses all the usual suspects, plus a few spices to bring in those holiday vibes.
Warm spices play off the Campari and gin, keeping things balanced but adding a little extra magic. You can prep the spice-infused gin ahead, which is a lifesaver if you’re hosting.
Complete Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin (spice-infused or regular)
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise pod
- Orange peel for garnish
- Ice cubes
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Start by infusing your gin with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for a couple of hours if you want that extra holiday punch.
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in the spiced gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Stir for about 20-30 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Twist an orange peel over the top to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.
Substitutions Table:
| Original Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spiced gin | Regular gin + spice syrup | Add 1/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup |
| Sweet vermouth | Dry vermouth | Drier, more bitter profile |
| Campari | Aperol | Lighter, less bitter flavor |
| Star anise | Cardamom pods | Different spice, still festive |
| Orange peel | Lemon twist | Brighter, more acidic |
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine just smells like Christmas, doesn’t it? You simmer red wine with spices and citrus, and suddenly the whole house feels cozier.
This is the drink you want when you’re huddled up with friends on a cold night. The spices and gentle heat make it a real crowd-pleaser.
Complete Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 star anise (optional)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Pour the wine into a large saucepan or slow cooker. Splash in the brandy.
Stud the orange slices with cloves or just toss everything in together. Add the orange and cinnamon sticks.
Mix in nutmeg and star anise. Warm on low—don’t let it boil or you’ll lose the alcohol.
Stir in honey or sugar, starting with a couple tablespoons and tasting as you go.
Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes so the flavors meld.
Strain out the spices if you want a smoother drink. Ladle into mugs and top with orange slices or cranberries.
Substitution Table
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Red wine | White wine, apple cider, or grape juice |
| Brandy | Rum, whiskey, or skip for non-alcoholic |
| Honey | Maple syrup, brown sugar, or white sugar |
| Fresh orange | Orange juice (1/4 cup) or lemon slices |
| Whole cloves | Ground cloves (1/8 teaspoon) |
| Cinnamon sticks | Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) |
| Star anise | Cardamom pods or allspice berries |
Mistletoe Martini
This martini is all about cranberry and elderflower—a combo that just works for the holidays. The sweet-tart mix feels fresh and festive.
Vodka, cranberry juice, and elderflower liqueur make this one smooth and easy to sip. It’s great for parties or just a quiet night in.
Complete Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
- Ice
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Fill your shaker with ice. Add vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
Shake it hard for about 15-20 seconds so it’s really cold.
Strain into a chilled martini glass with a fine mesh strainer.
Skewer a few cranberries on a pick and drop them in with a little mint.
Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elderflower liqueur | White grape juice + honey | Mix 1 oz grape juice with 1 tsp honey |
| Fresh cranberry juice | Pomegranate juice | Similar tartness and color |
| Vodka | Gin | More botanical flavor |
| Lime juice | Lemon juice | Slightly sweeter citrus |
| Fresh cranberries | Frozen cranberries | Thaw before using as garnish |
| Mint sprig | Rosemary sprig | Adds a holiday aroma |
Holiday Mai Tai
The Holiday Mai Tai takes the classic tropical cocktail and gives it a cozy winter makeover. You still get that rum base, but now it’s full of holiday flavors—think cranberry and cinnamon.
You’ll notice the usual mai tai vibe, but with a Christmas twist. Those tropical notes stick around, but they’re joined by warming spices and a hit of tart cranberry.
It’s a cocktail that delivers a little vacation in a glass, even when it’s freezing outside. But it doesn’t forget the holiday spirit.
Complete Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/4 oz orange liqueur
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Lime wheel for garnish
- Crushed ice
Step by Step Cooking Instructions:
Add both rums to a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
Toss in orgeat syrup and orange liqueur. Give it two dashes of aromatic bitters for some extra depth.
Shake everything hard for about 15-20 seconds. You want it nice and cold.
Fill a rocks glass or tiki mug with crushed ice. Strain the cocktail right over the ice.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a few cranberries, and a lime wheel. The cinnamon smells like the holidays, and the cranberries look super festive.
| Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Dark rum | Spiced rum, aged rum |
| Light rum | White rum, coconut rum |
| Cranberry juice | Pomegranate juice, cherry juice |
| Orgeat syrup | Almond syrup, amaretto |
| Orange liqueur | Triple sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier |
| Aromatic bitters | Orange bitters, tiki bitters |
| Cinnamon stick | Ground cinnamon rim, star anise |
Tips for Crafting Festive Christmas Cocktails
Great holiday cocktails start with good spirits and flavors that fit the season. Your garnish game and how you serve the drinks can really make them stand out.
Choosing the Right Spirits
Whiskey makes a solid base for warm winter drinks. Bourbon pairs well with cinnamon, maple, and apple. Rye whiskey brings a spicy kick that works with cranberry and orange.
Vodka is basically a blank slate for holiday flavors. It lets things like pomegranate, cranberry, or even peppermint show off.
Gin adds a botanical twist to Christmas cocktails. Go with London Dry for crisp drinks, or try aged gin if you want something richer for a punch.
Rum brings cozy sweetness—great for chilly weather. Dark rum is perfect for eggnog, and spiced rum fits right in with apple cider.
Check the proof level when you pick a spirit. Higher-proof bottles hold up better in hot drinks or big punch bowls.
Balancing Flavors and Garnishes
Start with seasonal fruits as your base. Cranberries add tartness, pomegranate sweetens things up, and citrus keeps it bright.
Spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves give drinks that unmistakable holiday aroma. Fresh ginger can add a little heat.
Pick sweeteners that fit your drink. Maple syrup is awesome in whiskey cocktails. Honey goes well with gin. Try making a simple syrup with herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Don’t forget the garnish. Sugared cranberries, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks look and smell amazing. Orange peels and star anise give a fancy touch.
Keep your sweet, sour, and bitter notes in balance. Taste as you go, and tweak things based on what your friends like.
Hosting a Memorable Holiday Cocktail Party
Turn your place into a festive cocktail spot with some simple decorations and a well-stocked drink station. These details make the whole night feel special.
Setting the Scene With Seasonal Decor
Your decorations matter even before anyone takes a sip. Warm lighting—string lights, candles, lanterns—sets a cozy mood.
Pick a color scheme like deep reds and gold or winter whites and silver. This keeps things looking put-together, not chaotic.
Garland along mantels, doorways, or the bar area draws the eye. Add pine branches or eucalyptus for a fresh, natural scent.
Pay attention to where you’ll serve drinks. Small potted Christmas trees or a centerpiece near the bar make it feel festive. Use napkins, coasters, and stirrers that match your theme.
Quick decoration tips:
- Hang ornaments from light fixtures
- Scatter pinecones and cinnamon sticks on tables
- Use metallic trays for serving drinks
- Play holiday music at a comfortable volume
Creating a Signature Drink Station
Set up a cocktail station so everyone can grab a drink when they want. Just pick two or three signature drinks—any more, and you’ll probably stress yourself (and your guests) out.
Mix up big batches of your chosen cocktails before the party starts. Pour them into clear pitchers or drink dispensers, and slap on some labels so people know what they’re getting.
Essential station supplies:
- Ice buckets and scoops
- Glassware for each type of drink
- Bowls with garnishes like cranberries, orange slices, and herbs
- Cocktail napkins, plus stirrers
- A few small bottles of mixers for anyone who wants to tweak their drink
Try to keep the station away from busy spots, but don’t hide it. A small sign with the drink names and a quick description helps a lot.
Don’t forget the non-alcoholic versions of your drinks. It’s nice to have festive, seasonal options for guests who’d rather skip the booze.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.