27+ Festive Christmas Cocktails to Try This Holiday

These Christmas cocktails bring holiday spirit to every cheerful moment. From the flavors to the garnishes, they are the perfect way to infuse extra merriment into festive happy hours, cookie exchanges and even Christmas morning.

Your ultimate guide to Christmas Cocktails

From fruity flavors like cranberry and pomegranate to herbal ones like peppermint and rosemary, there’s so much texture and fragrance to be enjoyed at the holidays. But why should the menu have all the fun?

Christmas cocktails embody the colors and flavors of the season. Add in some festive garnishes and you’ve got drinks that shine like the lights on the tree!

Make them for Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, Christmas brunch, Christmas parties… or just because! Christmas cocktails are always a hit whether you’re hosting a small get-together like a holiday craft day, a cookie decorating party or a larger festive shindig. From martinis to mojitos, there’s something everyone will love on this list!

Quick tips for Christmas drinks

Since Christmas isn’t known for its subtlety, why let your cocktails fade into the background? Here are some tips for serving up delicious drinks this year:

• Break out your festive glassware (even moose glasses are welcome here), holiday cocktail picks, and anything else that helps dress up your drinks!
• If you’re serving up warm drinks (they’re perfect for after shoveling, sledding or ice skating), keep them warm by using a crock pot on low. It’s the perfect way to prep ahead of time — mix up your drink of choice like spiked apple cider or Baileys hot chocolate, then enjoy after your winter fun and warm up afterwards.
• Holiday gatherings can get a bit hectic, so save yourself the hassle of playing bartender every time a guest arrives and set up a drink station instead. Get creative with how you present it to add to the festive feels, like a Christmas tree mimosa bar.

When to serve with Christmas cocktails

Christmas is a time filled with traditions, and many of those come with their own menus that families follow. That being said, if you’re looking to add something new to the table, there are plenty of options!

Offer appetizers that complement the flavors of the season, like cranberry brie bites or a Christmas charcuterie board. Spicy cheese straws add some crunch — and a little kick — that helps balance out all the sweets, and candied spiced nuts will help keep the hunger at bay until the gifts are all unwrapped.

It’s not Christmas without cookies! Hot chocolate cookies are sure to get you on the nice list and snowflake sugar cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges.

The best Christmas cocktails

Here are some of my favorite holly-jolly drinks made for Christmas celebrations:

1

Yule Mule

The Yule Mule dresses up the classic Moscow Mule for the holidays, swapping lime for tart cranberry juice. Vodka keeps it smooth while spicy ginger beer perks up every sip. Serve it in a frosty copper mug with a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch.

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2

Homemade Eggnog

Homemade Eggnog delivers pure holiday nostalgia — rich, creamy and gently spiced. A mix of eggs, cream and sugar gets a warming kick from bourbon or rum. Serve it chilled or with a dusting of nutmeg by the fire for a truly classic Christmas moment.

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3

Sugar Cookie Martini

Perfect for sipping while baking cookies, this Sugar Cookie Martini is pure nostalgia in a glass. Vanilla vodka and amaretto blend into a sweet, buttery mix that tastes like fresh-baked cookies with sprinkles on the rim for festive sparkle. Leave one out for Santa to sip on Christmas Eve!

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4

Christmas Tree Mimosa Bar

A Christmas Tree Mimosa Bar turns brunch into a celebration. Bubbles meet fresh juices like orange, pomegranate and cranberry, each garnished with rosemary “branches” for a tree-like touch. It’s light, colorful and made for toasting under twinkle lights. Optional: Serve the juices in ornament glasses for guests to pluck of the tree!

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5

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine fills the house with cinnamon and citrus warmth. Red wine simmers with orange and spices until it’s velvety and spiced just right. Ladle it into heatproof mugs for cozy gatherings on cold December nights.

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6

Christmas Old-Fashioned Cocktail

The Christmas Old-Fashioned gives the bourbon classic a festive twist. A hint of gingerbread syrup adds winter sweetness that balances bourbon’s caramel depth. A cocktail cherry and candied ginger garnish makes it look as elegant as it tastes.

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7

Red Christmas Sangria

Red Christmas Sangria blends red wine, brandy and seasonal fruit into a jewel-toned pitcher drink. Pomegranate seeds and orange slices bring brightness and color. It’s easy, crowd-friendly and perfect for holiday parties.

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8

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Aged Eggnog

Aged Eggnog deepens the classic’s flavor with time. Bourbon, rum and brandy meld into a silky, custard-like base that grows smoother after a few weeks. Full of booze, this eggnog can safely be aged for up to a year! Just wait until you take the first delicious sip!

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9

Wassail

Traditional Wassail delivers old-world comfort with apple cider, ale, citrus and warming spices. Simmered low and slow, it fills your home with cinnamon and clove aromas. Serve it steaming hot with a cinnamon stick for sipping after carols.

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10

Christmas Jello Shots

Christmas Jello Shots turn cocktail hour playful. Cranberry juice sparkles with fruity sweetness and just enough vodka to make spirits bright. These little cups are so fun to serve at parties!

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11

Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur

Homemade Irish Cream Liqueur blends whiskey with cream, cocoa and coffee for a smooth, dessert-like sipper. Pour it over ice or into coffee for instant comfort. It’s rich, velvety and better than any bottled version.

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12

Poinsettia Cocktail

The Poinsettia Cocktail sparkles with cranberry juice, orange liqueur and Champagne. Light and effervescent, it’s a brunch-friendly toast that balances tart fruit with citrus brightness, but it also works for evening toasts.

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13

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Mistletoe Martini

This stunning martini is a welcome alternative holiday cocktail. It features cranberry juice and pine simple syrup along with London Dry Gin to give it a nice bite, but is still refreshing. Pine syrup adds something magical to the flavor of this Christmas cocktail!

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14

Cinnamon White Russian

The Cinnamon White Russian adds a spiced touch to the creamy vodka classic. Coffee liqueur and cream swirl together with a splash of cinnamon simple syrup for warmth. It’s indulgent, slow-sipping and ideal after a holiday dinner.

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15

Christmas Margaritas

Christmas Margaritas bring tequila into holiday mode with tart cranberry juice and lime. A salted or sugared rim and sugared cranberry garnish add sparkle. It’s a cheerful twist on a summer favorite that's bright, tart and ready for the party.

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16

Sugar Plum Sidecar

Dance the night away with a Sugar Plum Sidecar in hand! Made with plum brandy, triple sec and lemon juice, this bejeweled cocktail pairs well with The Nutcracker soundtrack. It's a balanced sip that feels both vintage and modern. Serve it in a coupe with a sugared cranberries for a little holiday glamour.

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17

Peppermint White Chocolate Martini

The Peppermint White Chocolate Martini tastes like dessert in a glass. Vodka and peppermint schnapps cut through creamy white chocolate liqueur for balance. Crushed candy cane on the rim makes it sparkle.

18

Christmas Ale Shandy

The Christmas Ale Shandy lightens winter beer with pure maple syrup and apple cider. The result is malty yet refreshing. This casual pour is perfect for game nights or lazy afternoons because it brings the brightness of summer to December.

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19

Tiramisu Martini

The Tiramisu Martini transforms the classic dessert into a silky cocktail. Vanilla vodka and heavy cream blend with brandy, coffee liqueur and chocolate liqueur for a smooth, mocha finish. It’s elegant and rich, perfect for after-dinner indulgence.

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20

Spiced Hot Buttered Rum

Spiced Hot Buttered Rum wraps you in comfort with its buttery texture and molasses sweetness. Dark rum adds warmth while cinnamon and nutmeg keep it festive. Sip it fireside for a cozy nightcap.

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21

Christmas Mimosa

The Christmas Mimosa keeps things simple and sparkling. Champagne meets cranberry juice for a ruby-red toast that’s as easy as it is elegant. Fresh rosemary and cranberries make it holiday-ready in seconds.

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22

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Blizzard Cocktail

Looking for a unique bourbon drink to enjoy this winter? 100% pure cranberry juice mixes with bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup to create this cocktail.

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23

White Christmas Margarita

The White Christmas Margarita is creamy, tropical and unexpected. Shake up a batch of White Christmas Margaritas made with white cranberry juice and transport yourself to a tropical paradise at the holidays. This recipe is easily to multiply for a party.

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24

Pomegranate Mimosa

The Pomegranate Mimosa bursts with color and tangy-sweet flavor. Champagne and pomegranate juice make an effortlessly festive pairing. It’s crisp, ruby-toned and perfect for brunch or toasts.

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25

Eggnog White Russian

Served with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top, this Eggnog White Russian turns a classic into pure holiday comfort. Vodka and coffee liqueur meet creamy eggnog for a drink that’s both rich and balanced.

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26

Peppermint White Russian

The Peppermint White Russian gives the creamy classic a cool twist. Vodka, coffee liqueur and cream meet peppermint schnapps for a balanced finish. Garnish with a candy cane to double down on holiday charm.

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27

Cranberry Mimosas

Ruby red and bubbly, this Cranberry Mimosa offers tart-sweet simplicity. Cranberry juice deepens Champagne’s sparkle. This one's light, cheerful and tailor-made for Christmas morning.

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