The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and festive gatherings.
Christmas drinks add extra cheer to these celebrations. From classic eggnog to creative cocktails, there are many tasty options to enjoy.
You can find over 16 Christmas drink recipes to try this year.
These drinks range from simple to complex. Some use common ingredients, while others have unique flavors.
Whether you prefer alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, there’s a recipe for everyone.
1. Eggnog Martini
The eggnog martini is a festive twist on a classic cocktail. It’s perfect for holiday parties and cozy nights by the fire.
To make this drink, you’ll need store-bought eggnog, vanilla vodka, and amaretto.
Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For extra flair, rim your glass with cinnamon sugar. This adds a sweet, spicy touch that complements the creamy eggnog.
The vanilla vodka and amaretto give this martini a smooth, rich flavor. It’s like dessert in a glass.
Try this eggnog martini at your next Christmas gathering. Your guests will love this grown-up version of a holiday favorite.
2. Peppermint White Russian
The Peppermint White Russian puts a festive spin on a classic cocktail. You’ll love this creamy, minty drink during the holiday season.
To make it, mix vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps in a glass with ice.
Pour cold heavy cream on top for a rich finish.
For extra flair, rim your glass with crushed candy canes.
Dip the edge in water or simple syrup, then in finely crushed peppermints.
You can adjust the recipe to your taste. Try using peppermint vodka instead of schnapps, or swap in Irish cream for a softer flavor.
This cocktail looks beautiful in a short glass. The layers of white and brown create a pretty contrast that’s perfect for Christmas parties.
3. Cranberry Mimosa
Cranberry mimosas add a festive twist to your Christmas drinks. You’ll need champagne and cranberry juice to make this easy cocktail.
Pour chilled cranberry juice into a champagne flute, filling it about one-third full. Top it off with cold sparkling wine or champagne.
For extra flair, garnish with fresh cranberries or a small sprig of rosemary. You can also rim the glass with sugar for a sweet touch.
This bright red drink looks beautiful and tastes refreshing. It’s perfect for Christmas morning or holiday parties.
4. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a festive holiday favorite. You can make it easily at home with red wine, spices, and fruit.
Heat the wine gently with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
Add some brandy for extra warmth. Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors.
Don’t let it boil, as this can cook off the alcohol.
Serve your mulled wine warm in mugs. It’s perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in. The spicy aroma will fill your home with Christmas cheer.
5. Gingerbread Latte
A gingerbread latte brings the cozy flavors of the holidays to your cup. You can make this festive drink at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by brewing strong coffee or espresso.
Mix in gingerbread syrup, which you can buy or make yourself using molasses, brown sugar, and spices like ginger and cinnamon.
Add steamed milk to create a creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, try using almond or oat milk instead.
Top your latte with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
You can even garnish with a small gingerbread cookie for extra holiday cheer.
6. Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is a classic winter warmer that blends hot coffee with Irish whiskey and sugar. It’s topped with a layer of lightly whipped cream.
To make Irish Coffee, start by brewing strong, hot coffee.
Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in a shot of Irish whiskey and gently stir.
Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coffee. Don’t stir after adding the cream – sip the coffee through the cream layer.
This festive drink is perfect for cold Christmas evenings. The combination of caffeine and whiskey will warm you up and keep you merry.
7. Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is a cozy Christmas cocktail that warms you up on cold winter nights. To make it, you’ll need rum, butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mix softened butter with brown sugar and spices to create a batter.
Put a spoonful of this batter in a mug, then add rum and hot water. Stir until everything dissolves.
The result is a rich, creamy drink with a spicy kick.
Some recipes add a splash of vanilla or a bit of cream for extra flavor. You can make a big batch of batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick drinks all season long.
8. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Spiked hot chocolate is a cozy adult treat perfect for Christmas gatherings. You can make it easily at home with your favorite hot cocoa mix and alcohol.
Try adding whipped cream vodka for a sweet, creamy kick.
Red wine pairs well with dark chocolate for a rich flavor. Peppermint schnapps gives a festive minty twist.
For a classic combo, mix in some Kahlua or other coffee liqueur. Bourbon or whiskey can add warmth and depth.
Start with about 1.5 ounces of alcohol per mug of hot chocolate.
Top your spiked cocoa with whipped cream, marshmallows, or crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer.
Always drink responsibly and enjoy in moderation.
9. Cinnamon Bourbon Sour
This festive twist on a classic whiskey sour will warm you up on chilly winter nights. You’ll need bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a homemade cinnamon maple syrup.
To make the syrup, simmer maple syrup with cinnamon sticks. Let it cool before using.
Mix 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, and 3/4 oz cinnamon maple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Garnish your drink with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice.
The sweet maple and spicy cinnamon perfectly balance the tart lemon and smooth bourbon.
10. Christmas Sangria
Christmas sangria is a festive drink that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. You can make it with red or white wine, depending on your preference.
Add seasonal fruits like apples, cranberries, and oranges to infuse the sangria with festive flavors.
Cinnamon sticks and star anise give it a warm, spicy aroma.
For a twist, try using Christmas ale instead of wine. Mix it with apple cider and vodka for a unique flavor combination.
Serve your sangria in clear glasses to show off the colorful fruits. It’s best to make it a few hours ahead so the flavors can blend. This crowd-pleasing drink is perfect for holiday parties.
11. Candy Cane Martini
A Candy Cane Martini brings holiday cheer to your glass. This festive cocktail blends vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
To make it, rim your glass with crushed candy canes. Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into your prepared glass.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of half-and-half or milk. Garnish with a mini candy cane on the rim.
This drink balances sweet and minty flavors. It’s perfect for sipping at holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.
12. Baileys and Coffee
Baileys and coffee make a perfect cozy Christmas drink. Mix hot coffee with a shot of Baileys Irish Cream for a simple, warming treat.
You can customize it by adding whipped cream on top. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon gives an extra festive touch.
For a cold version, try Baileys iced coffee. Pour Baileys over ice and add cold brew coffee. Stir well and enjoy a refreshing holiday beverage.
These drinks work great after dinner or for relaxing by the fire. They’re easy to make and sure to please your guests during the holiday season.
13. Poinsettia Punch
Poinsettia Punch brings festive cheer to your Christmas gatherings. This bright red drink gets its name from the popular holiday flower.
You’ll need cranberry juice, champagne, and orange liqueur as the main ingredients. Some recipes also add vodka for an extra kick.
To make it, mix chilled cranberry juice with orange liqueur in a large punch bowl. Just before serving, pour in the cold champagne and stir gently.
For a pretty garnish, float fresh cranberries and orange slices on top. You can also rim the glasses with sugar for a sparkling touch.
This punch serves a crowd, making it perfect for holiday parties. Its fruity, fizzy taste appeals to many guests.
14. Holiday Moscow Mule
The Holiday Moscow Mule puts a festive spin on the classic cocktail. You’ll love this easy-to-make drink at your Christmas gatherings.
Mix vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug. Add a splash of cranberry juice for a seasonal touch. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
For extra holiday flair, try adding cinnamon or gingerbread syrup. You can also use apple cider instead of cranberry juice for a different flavor.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at your holiday party. The copper mug keeps it cold, making it great for entertaining.
15. Jack Frost Cocktail
This festive drink brings a tropical twist to winter cocktails. You’ll love its bright blue color and refreshing taste.
To make a Jack Frost, mix vodka or light rum with blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. Blend with ice for a frosty texture.
For extra flair, rim your glass with coconut flakes. This adds a snowy touch that fits the drink’s name.
The Jack Frost balances sweet and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for holiday parties or anytime you want a taste of summer during cold months.
Try this fun cocktail for a unique addition to your Christmas drink menu. It’s sure to be a hit with guests looking for something different.
16. Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is a classic Christmas drink that warms you from the inside out. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Start with fresh apple cider as your base. Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise to infuse it with festive flavors.
Heat the mixture gently on the stove until it’s steaming. The spices will release their aromas as it warms.
For extra zest, try adding orange slices or a splash of orange juice. A touch of brown sugar can balance the tartness if needed.
Serve your spiced cider hot in mugs. You can garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices for a pretty presentation.
The Benefits of Holiday Beverages
Holiday drinks can make your season brighter. They offer more than just tasty flavors.
Warmth and Comfort
Hot drinks warm you up on cold winter days. A steaming mug of cocoa or mulled wine feels cozy in your hands.
The heat spreads through your body as you sip. This can help you relax after being out in the cold.
Warm drinks may also ease sore throats and stuffy noses. The steam can open up your airways. Adding honey or lemon to tea may soothe a scratchy throat.
Many holiday drinks contain spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These give a warming sensation. They can make you feel snug and content on chilly nights.
Cultural Traditions
Holiday drinks connect you to family customs. Recipes often get passed down through generations. Making these special beverages can bring back fond memories.
Some drinks mark important dates. Eggnog is linked to Christmas in many homes. Mulled wine is a staple at European winter markets.
Sharing drinks builds bonds between people. You might toast with friends or family. Or you could leave milk and cookies for Santa. These rituals create a sense of belonging.
Trying drinks from other cultures broadens your horizons. You can learn about different holiday customs. This helps you appreciate diverse traditions.
Ingredients for Festive Drinks
Christmas drinks use special ingredients to create holiday cheer. Spices, fruits, and spirits come together to make drinks that taste like the season. You can make both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions to suit all guests.
Seasonal Spices and Flavors
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth to Christmas drinks. You can use whole spices or ground versions.
Cloves and star anise give a nice aroma. Peppermint brings a cool, fresh taste that feels like winter.
Cranberries and oranges are popular fruits for holiday drinks. Their tart and sweet flavors work well together.
Apple cider is a great base for hot or cold drinks.
Vanilla and chocolate flavors make drinks feel rich and special. You can use extracts or syrups to add these tastes.
Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Options
For alcoholic drinks, rum, whiskey, and vodka are common choices. Red and white wine work well in mulled drinks.
Champagne adds sparkle to cocktails.
You can make most drinks alcohol-free. Use sparkling cider instead of champagne.
Swap out liquor for extra fruit juice or flavored syrups.
Tea makes a good base for non-alcoholic hot drinks. Try black tea, green tea, or herbal blends.
Coffee can also be the star of festive drinks.
Cream, milk, or non-dairy options add richness to both types of drinks. Coconut milk gives a tropical twist to winter drinks.
Pairing Drinks with Christmas Dishes
Choosing the right drinks to go with your Christmas meal can make the holiday feast even more special. Here are some tasty pairings to try:
For traditional turkey dinner, eggnog is a classic choice. Its creamy richness complements the savory flavors of turkey, gravy, and stuffing.
If you’re serving ham, mulled wine is a great match. The warm spices in the wine enhance the sweetness of the glazed ham.
With salmon dishes, try a cucumber martini. The crisp, cool flavors balance nicely with the rich fish.
For dessert, pair Christmas pudding or fruit cake with a sweet sherry or port. These fortified wines bring out the dried fruit flavors in the desserts.
Sparkling wine or champagne cocktails go well with many holiday foods. They’re especially good with appetizers like cheese plates or smoked salmon.
Don’t forget non-alcoholic options. Hot apple cider pairs nicely with roasted meats and vegetables. For dessert, try hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps (if you want alcohol) or just peppermint syrup.