Christmas Cocktails: 10 Festive Drinks to Warm Up Your Holiday Season
Christmas is the season for celebration, joy, and of course, delicious Christmas cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, relaxing by the fireplace, or enjoying time with family and friends, these holiday drinks add warmth and cheer to the occasion. From classic eggnog to new twists on old favorites, Christmas cocktails are a great way to bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday festivities. Here, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas cocktail recipes that are perfect for every kind of gathering. Let’s raise a glass to a season of celebration with these delicious drinks!
The Best Christmas Cocktails for 2025
1. Traditional Eggnog Cocktail
No holiday season is complete without the rich, creamy goodness of Christmas eggnog cocktails. This classic drink is synonymous with Christmas gatherings, evoking warmth and nostalgia. Traditionally made with eggs, milk, sugar, and cream, this indulgent drink gets its signature kick from rum, brandy, or bourbon.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup rum (or bourbon/brandy)
Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until frothy.
Add milk and heavy cream, and mix well.
Slowly stir in the alcohol.
Chill the eggnog for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pour into glasses and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol, and enjoy a rich, creamy beverage that everyone can indulge in!
2. Gingerbread Martini
Bring the sweet, spicy flavors of gingerbread into your holiday cocktails with a Gingerbread Martini. This festive cocktail brings together the warm spices of cinnamon and ginger with a smooth vanilla finish, creating a drink that’s both aromatic and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 oz. vodka
1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
1/2 oz. gingerbread syrup
Crushed gingerbread cookies (for garnish)
Instructions:
Combine vodka, Baileys, and gingerbread syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive touch.
This Christmas cocktail has a wonderfully spiced flavor that’s perfect for those who want to try something new during the holiday season.
3. Spiced Cranberry Mule
The Spiced Cranberry Mule is a twist on the traditional Moscow Mule, with festive cranberry and spice flavors. It’s refreshing, zesty, and full of seasonal flair. This Christmas cocktail is great for anyone who loves a fizzy, fruity drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. lime juice
3 oz. cranberry juice
Ginger beer
Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
Fill a mule mug with ice.
Add vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
Top off with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick for that cozy holiday vibe.
This vibrant red cocktail is not only delicious but visually stunning, making it perfect for any Christmas cocktail party.
4. Peppermint Mocha Cocktail
For those who can’t resist the combination of chocolate and mint, this Peppermint Mocha Cocktail is a must-try during the holiday season. It combines the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with a hint of peppermint, making it the ultimate Christmas cocktail for coffee lovers.
Ingredients:
1 oz. peppermint schnapps
1 oz. vodka
2 oz. hot chocolate
2 oz. brewed coffee
Whipped cream (for topping)
Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a mug, combine peppermint schnapps, vodka, hot chocolate, and brewed coffee.
Stir well and top with whipped cream.
Garnish with crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch.
This creamy, minty drink will have you feeling the holiday magic in every sip.
5. Hot Buttered Rum
For cozy winter nights, Hot Buttered Rum is a classic Christmas cocktail that never goes out of style. This warm, indulgent drink combines rich butter and rum, along with warming spices to create the perfect holiday drink.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. dark rum
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup hot water
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
In a mug, combine the butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour in the dark rum and hot water, stirring until the butter is melted.
Top with whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!
This is a perfect drink to enjoy by the fire after a long day of holiday activities.
6. Poinsettia Cocktail
The Poinsettia Cocktail is a light, effervescent drink that’s perfect for Christmas brunches or holiday dinners. It combines cranberry juice and orange liqueur with sparkling wine for a crisp, refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients:
1 oz. orange liqueur
3 oz. cranberry juice
Champagne or sparkling wine
Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Instructions:
Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a flute glass.
Top off with champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with fresh cranberries for a pop of color.
This vibrant, bubbly cocktail is not only beautiful but absolutely delicious for your festive gathering.
7. Christmas Sangria
For a more fruity, punch-style drink, Christmas Sangria is a fantastic option. It’s easy to make in large batches, perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1 apple, sliced
1 orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or bowl.
Let the sangria chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve over ice, and garnish with extra fruit slices and cinnamon sticks.
This Christmas cocktail brings the flavors of winter fruits and spices together in a refreshing way.
8. Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is the quintessential holiday beverage for those chilly evenings. The warm, spiced red wine is comforting and perfect for enjoying by the fire.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 orange, sliced
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm, garnished with a slice of orange.
This aromatic Christmas cocktail will fill your home with the scent of the holidays.
9. Apple Cider Old Fashioned
For a more spirited twist, the Apple Cider Old Fashioned blends the tangy sweetness of apple cider with the boldness of bourbon, perfect for those who like their drinks strong but with a touch of festive flavor.
Ingredients:
2 oz. bourbon
1/2 oz. apple cider
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon.
Stir and strain into a glass with a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel.
This cocktail offers a rich, warming experience that’s ideal for sipping on cold nights.
10. Snowball Cocktail
A creamy Christmas cocktail, the Snowball Cocktail is a fun and festive drink, perfect for those who enjoy egg-based drinks.
Ingredients:
2 oz. advocaat
4 oz. lemonade
Ice
Nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions:
Pour advocaat and lemonade into a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass.
Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
This light, frothy drink brings a fun twist to your Christmas cocktail collection.
How to Create Your Own Signature Christmas Cocktail
Feeling creative? Why not experiment with seasonal flavors and create your own Christmas cocktail? Try using ingredients like pomegranate, cranberry, or even spiced syrups to create a drink that’s uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless!
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Cocktail Options
Not everyone drinks alcohol, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on festive fun. Try these non-alcoholic versions of your favorite Christmas cocktails. You can easily swap out the alcohol for sparkling water, fruit juices, or non-alcoholic syrups to create a festive drink that’s just as delicious.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Christmas Cocktails
Pair your Christmas cocktails with appetizers like cheese platters, roasted nuts, and stuffed mushrooms. For a heartier option, serve your drinks with turkey sliders or mini quiches.
How to Make Your Christmas Cocktail Experience Extra Special
To make your Christmas cocktails stand out, consider using fun garnishes like cinnamon sticks, candy canes, or fresh fruit. Also, choose festive glassware that adds to the occasion, whether it’s vintage mugs or elegant champagne flutes.