41 Best Christmas Cocktails To Try in 2024
The holidays are a time for friends, family and, of course, Christmas cocktails. Discover fun festive flavors perfect for any holiday celebration. From minty peppermint cocktails to warm and comforting spiked hot chocolate there is a boozy drink for every party.
Making cocktails at home can be a fun way to upgrade your holiday dinner party. Explore extra sweet dessert drinks, sparkly brunch cocktails and spiced fall drinks perfect for any family gathering.
Jump to Section
The 41 Best Holiday Cocktails
1. Pomegranate Martini
Invoke the holiday spirit with a light and refreshing pomegranate martini. This pastel pink cocktail is fruity but not too sweet making it a great drink to start the night. Made with pomegranate juice, orange liquor, orange juice and vodka and served with a sugar rim, the pomegranate martini is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
2. Brandy Alexander
The brandy Alexander is an indulgent and elegant cocktail that gained fame in the 70s and has since become an after-dinner staple. This popular Christmas drink is made from cognac, dark creme de cacao and heavy cream, shaken over ice and garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Enjoy a rich boozy treat sure to impress holiday party guests with the brandy Alexander.
3. Grinch Punch
Don’t be a Christmas grouch, get the party going with a silly yet tasty Grinch punch this holiday season. Be the jolliest Who in Whoville with this vibrant green cocktail made with lemon-lime sherbert, pineapple juice and vodka. Make your drink complete with a white chocolate-dipped strawberry Santa hat garnish.
4. Naughty or Nice
Make a festive cherry red cocktail with a naughty or nice punch. This Christmas cocktail is bubbly and balanced and made from chardonnay, cognac, maraschino, cherry liqueur and ginger ale. It can be served in a punch bowl, making it perfect for serving a large group of holiday guests.
5. Gold Rush Cocktail
Try a simple three-ingredient beverage with the gold rush cocktail. This Christmas cocktail is straightforward to make containing only bourbon, lemon juice and honey. It's ideal for chasing away that winter chill.
6. Eggnog
If one drink is synonymous with Christmas cocktails, it is eggnog. This spiced drink can be made spiked or non-alcoholic making it a fun beverage for all occasions. Eggnog is made with eggs, cream, sugar and wonderful holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This thick and creamy drink has the consistency of custard making it a drinkable dessert.
7. Cotton Candy Champagne
Take a sip of whimsy with cotton candy Champagne. This is one of those playful Christmas drinks, featuring a glittering gold rim that’s great for toasting the start of a new year. Simply rim a Champagne flute with gold sugar, fill with your favorite sparkling rose and top with an elegant puff of cotton candy for garnish.
8. Coquito
Give your holiday cocktails a tropical twist with a coquito. The coquito is a Christmas cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. Similar to eggnog, this traditional holiday drink is made from eggs, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, rum and holiday spices. The term "coquito" means "little coconut" and refers to the drink's creamy tropical sweetness.
9. Prosseco Mimosa
Toast to a festive holiday brunch with a simple prosecco mimosa. This two-ingredient cocktail is a breakfast staple that pairs well with any breakfast or brunch. Treat the family to a decadent affair with exciting Christmas breakfast ideas while making delicious, lasting memories with your loved ones.
10. Golden Cadillac
Sip on the past with this Christmas cocktail. The golden Cadillac cocktail was first concocted in California in the 50s and has since become a popular after-dinner drink. The rich and creamy taste makes it an indulgent treat for the holiday season. Made with Galliano L’Autentico liqueur, cream and white creme de cacao this drink tastes like white chocolate, vanilla and a subtle floral hint of anise.
11. Boozy Hot Chocolate
Is there anything cozier than a hot mug of cocoa on a frigid winter night? Make your classic hot chocolate party ready with a few simple upgrades. Boozy hot chocolate is a great Christmas cocktail to warm up your guests and get the party started. Start by simmering a homemade hot chocolate on the stove and adding rum, brandy or whiskey to your cocktail. Top with marshmallows for an extra sweet kick.
12. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is arguably the most famous hot cocktail around the globe and for good reason. This Christmas cocktail combines fresh coffee with whiskey, sugar and a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. You can make your Irish coffee even more luxurious with a shot of Bailey’s Irish cream and a drizzle of festive creme de menthe.
13. Hot Buttered Rum
Channel your inner Gryffindor with a hot buttered rum. Sure to chase away the seasonal chill, this Christmas cocktail is made on the stove by cooking butter, vanilla ice cream, sugar and cinnamon before adding rum for a cozy Christmas kick. The buttered rum base can be mixed with a variety of liquors and even tastes great in coffee.
14. Glögg
In Scandinavian countries, glögg is the traditional winter cocktail enjoyed during the holidays. This Christmas cocktail is made from a combination of mulled red wine, port, vodka, dried figs, raisins and spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anis, cloves and cardamom. The hearty spice blend makes glögg a great drink for warming up with holiday cheer.
15. Hot Toddy
The hot toddy is the grandfather of all hot cocktails with an origin story that dates back to the 18th century. Designed to warm you up from the inside out, this spiked drink combines lemon, cloves, sugar and whiskey for a sippable warm embrace. This Christmas cocktail is great for enjoying after a long day of romping in the snow.
16. Bring Me Back Something French
Take a tour of the flavors of France in the winter with this aptly named Christmas cocktail. This drink, named "bring me back something French," is an upscale twist on a classic spiked hot chocolate containing absinthe and topped with fresh whipped cream. It can be prepared in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach to a delicious holiday cocktail.
17. Tom and Jerry
The history of the Tom and Jerry cocktail dates back to England in the 1820s. This Christmas cocktail contains a special batter made from whipped egg whites, sugar, Jamaican rum and vanilla. The fluffy batter is then mixed with dark rum, cognac and warm whole milk, before being garnished with nutmeg, cloves and allspice for a warm and cozy drink.
18. Pumpkin Martini
Celebrate the flavors of fall with a pumpkin martini. This orange treat is made from vanilla vodka, Irish cream, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Indulge in the sweet taste of pumpkin pie in a glass with this Christmas cocktail that is also great for Thanksgiving dinner or Halloween parties.
19. Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is a classic after-dinner drink that and a great addition to any holiday party. Banish the holiday season exhaustion with a caffeinated martini made from espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur shaken with ice and strained. This Christmas cocktail is an easy addition to any holiday gathering.
20. Christmas Cosmo
Spice up the classic cosmo with a holiday twist. The Christmas cosmo can be made with cranberry juice or pomegranate juice mixed with vodka, Cointreau and lime juice. Garnish these pretty red holiday drinks with a sprig of rosemary for a red and green Christmas theme.
21. Peppermint Martini
Make your drink minty with a peppermint martini. This minty, creamy drink is made with peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka and half-and-half shaken and strained. Rim your glass with crushed peppermint pieces and garnish with a mini red and white candy cane for a nostalgic holiday look.
22. Wassail
Invoke the fall spirits with a traditional wassail cocktail. This spiced cider has a rich history with pagan roots and was used during the fall equinox as a celebration of the changing seasons. Sip for spooky season by making this spiked apple cider made with bourbon and many fall spices. The warm spiced flavors of this drink also make it a great choice for a Christmas cocktail.
23. Christmas Punch
Looking for a punch recipe that isn't overly sweet? Christmas punch is a fun way to make drinks for lots of guests. This Christmas cocktail is made with sparkling wine, apple cider, dark brandy, zesty oranges and plump seasonal cranberries.
24. The Nice List
Secure your spot on Santa’s nice list with this fruity Christmas cocktail. The aptly named "nice list" is made with vodka, peach mead, Cointreau, lime juice and spiced cranberry syrup, offering a colorful, spiced take on a classic cosmo.
25. Ponche Navideño
Wish your guest a feliz Navidad with this eclectic Mexican Christmas cocktail. Ponche Navideño is made from simmering dried fruits such as tamarind, prunes, hibiscus, apples, pears and even mango, all sweetened with sugar cane. The mix can then be spiked with your favorite warming alcohol like bourbon or rum.
26. Pink Squirrel
Take a trip to the Midwest with this pastel-pink Christmas cocktail. The pink squirrel is fruity and delicious with a dessert-like flavor. Made with creme de noyaux, white creme de cacao and heavy cream this drink is like a fruity milkshake.
27. Chocolate Martini
This delicious Christmas cocktail can double as a dessert due to its rich chocolatey taste. The chocolate martini is made with vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao and half-and-half all shaken with ice and strained.
28. Porto Flip
If you are looking for an adventurous Christmas cocktail to push the envelope, the porto flip is a great option. The pretty pink coloring makes it an Instagrammable drink to show off to friends and family. Made with ruby port, cognac, heavy cream, an egg, sugar and yellow chartreuse this is not a beginner cocktail and will take some time to master, but the delicate floral results are worth it.
29. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Give the classic white Russian a fall twist with the pumpkin spice white Russian. This holiday drink capitalizes on the signature flavor of fall, adding coffee liqueur and pumpkin pie spice to the standard creamy vodka concoction.
30. Cherry Bomb Fizz
Want a fruity and refreshing drink that is still festive? The cherry bomb fizz is a bright red Christmas cocktail made with lime soda, rum, grenadine and lime juice. This tropical drink is great for celebrating Christmas on the beach.
31. Cranberry Ginger Mimosa
Want a festive cocktail that won’t overload your palate with sugar? The cranberry ginger mimosa is a light and festive drink that pairs well with any brunch dish. It’s simple and easy to make — just combine prosecco, cranberry juice and ginger beer for a fruity Christmas cocktail.
32. Under The Mistletoe
Pucker up for this sweet Christmas cocktail that will leave you feeling kissed with the holiday spirit. Under the mistletoe is a zesty cocktail made with cranberry juice, sugar, dry gin and soda.
33. Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
Upgrade the classic Moscow mule with a seasonal twist. This Christmas cocktail requires the straightforward pairing of vodka, cran-apple juice, lime juice and ginger beer for a crowd-pleasing drink.
34. Pear Tree Martini
Celebrate seasonal fall fruits with a pear tree martini. This Christmas cocktail combines spiced pear vodka with Saint Germain liqueur, fresh lime juice and a dash of Angostura bitters for a delightfully balanced drink.
35. Ginger Sage Rye Cocktail
The ginger sage rye Christmas cocktail is an intriguing drink for those who don’t like sugary drinks. This spicy herbal cocktail is made with homemade sage, simple syrup and rye whiskey.
36. Stranger in the Alps
The stranger in the Alps is an herbal Christmas cocktail for negroni lovers. Made with Campari, vermouth, gin and Braulio Amaro, this drink puts an exciting holiday spin on a classic cocktail.
37. Rosemary-Pomegranate Soda
This refreshing and bubbly drink is a great option for those avoiding alcohol this holiday season. The rosemary-pomegranate soda is a bright red mocktail made with pomegranate juice, sugar and club soda, garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig.
38. Tea & Krampus
Forget tea and crumpets and try the festive tea and Krampus Christmas cocktail instead. Named after the mythical companion of St Nicholas, this fruity beverage is made with a blend of dark rums, blackberry liqueur, allspice dram, pineapple juice, lime juice, vanilla syrup, angostura bitters and a dash of nutmeg for a spicy holiday cocktail.
39. Bourbon Milk Punch
Taste the charm of New Orleans with a soothing bourbon milk punch. This classic drink dates back to the 1600s French Quarter in Louisiana and is a timeless flavor combination. This Christmas cocktail combines French brandy, whole milk, syrup, vanilla and nutmeg for a jolly spiced beverage.
40. Love & Murder
Mix red campari and green chartreuse for the ultimate Christmas cocktail: love and murder. Invented in New York in 2021, Love & Murder pulls two otherwise uncommon glass fellows (red Campari and green chartreuse) together, mixing them with lime juice and sugar for an upscale and surprisingly tasty dinner party beverage.
41. Pom Lime French 75
Give the classic French 75 a holiday twist with the Pom Lime French 75. This bubbly Christmas cocktail is made with gin, lime juice, pomegranate wine syrup and sparkling wine for a festive brunch drink.
Mix up Holiday Drinks at an Online Mixology Class
Want to impress your holiday guests by shaking up unforgettable Christmas cocktails this holiday season? Or perhaps you're looking for exciting Christmas date ideas that don't require you to wrap up and brave the cold? If so, explore online mixology classes and discover hundreds of festive cocktail recipes you can learn to make at home. Learn to create craft cocktails from a top-notch bartender in the comfort of your own home.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Hopefully this guide to Christmas cocktails has given you the inspiration you need to shake up your holiday gatherings with some outside-the-box concoctions. Whether your palate favors vintage, sweet, warming or neat, these cocktails promise to elevate the time you spend with family and friends this season.
For even more ways to enjoy the holidays, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.