57 Joyful Christmas Cocktails To Whip Up & Serve in 2024

The holiday season means parties with friends and family and getting cozy watching movies — all the while sipping on Christmas cocktails and mocktails. The season is the perfect time to have comforting flavors and drinks that warm you from the inside out. But with so many options, it can be hard to figure out what to drink.

So, what is the most popular Christmas cocktail? Christmas Punch is the most popular drink in 11 states, making it the most popular of the Christmas cocktails in the United States, according to Upgraded Points. Eggnog is second as the most popular in six states. A Cranberry Mimosa takes third, being the most popular in four states.

Though these are the top three drinks, there are plenty of the best cocktails to sip on during the holiday season. From traditional flavors to modern twists on classics, Christmas cocktails can be a playful way to celebrate the holiday season. We’ve rounded up 57 tasty cocktails sure to bring you joy no matter the occasion.

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• Traditional Christmas Drinks
• Easy Christmas Cocktails
• Creamy Christmas Cocktails
• Hot Christmas Cocktails
• Christmas Cocktails With Vodka

Traditional Christmas Drinks

1. Ponche Navideño

Translating to Christmas Punch, Ponche Navideño is a traditional Mexican holiday drink. Served warm, the drink is made by simmering apples, pears, prunes, guavas and other fruits with cinnamon sticks, tamarind pods and other spices. Served without alcohol or with brandy, tequilla or rum, this drink can be enjoyed by all ages. This sweet and warming drink is like comfort in a glass. Learn how to make other classic cocktails from the US and around the world with online mixology classes, mixology classes in Miami and mixology classes in Las Vegas.

2. Eggnog

What is the most common drink at Christmas? Eggnog is one drink you’ll see at almost every holiday party. This traditional Christmas drink is creamy and sweet with some warming spices. It’s served chilled with or without alcohol. While some people have it homemade, it’s popular enough to be sold in stores. Make spiked eggnog by adding brandy, light rum or bourbon.

3. Gingerbread Martini

Gingerbread is a favorite holiday sweet, but this Christmas cocktail puts it in drink form. Using a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur, Kahlúa, gingerbread syrup and softened vanilla ice cream. Give it a good shake, and then serve it in a martini glass with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

4. Spiked Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a mug or two of hot chocolate during the holiday season? The hot drink and the addition of alcohol will surely warm you from the inside out. Make your favorite hot chocolate and spike it with Bailey’s, Kahlúa, bourbon or rum to give it a little kick. This classic drink will pair well with a variety of Christmas party foods, including the top Christmas cookie ideas.

5. Rosemary-Pomegranate Soda

Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks can still be festive. Pomegranate is a winter fruit that makes for a perfect contemporary mocktail. Make a simple syrup with water, sugar and fresh rosemary sprigs and combine with pomegranate juice and club soda. It’s a refreshing and bubbly drink perfect for the holidays.

6. Naughty or Nice

There are some variations to this Christmas cocktail, but the main flavor remains. It’s refreshing, bubbly and citrusy. Made with cranberry, grapefruit and orange juice for a sweet and tangy base, with a splash of pinot noir and chardonnay. Some recipes may opt to use brandy or whiskey for something stronger.

7. Coquito

A classic holiday drink from Puerto Rico, a Coquito is rich, creamy and spicy, exactly what you want from a Christmas cocktail. To make this drink, combine sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, spices and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Let cool, add in spiced Puerto Rican rum and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Many people love this drink because it tastes like a cinnamon roll in a glass.

8. Milk and Cookie Shots

Christmas isn’t complete without hte milk and cookies. So if you’re looking for on-theme Christmas cocktails for a party, your friends and family will love taking milk and cookie shots. Shape pre-made chocolate chip cookie dough into cups using a muffin pan and bake. Then, whip up a shot with Bailey’s Irish cream and milk in a cocktail shaker. Coat the cookies in semi-sweet chocolate and once it’s hardened, pour the cocktail in, then take the shot and enjoy the cookie.

9. Cranberry Apple Sangria

A refreshing Sangria will always be a hit for a holiday party. Combine cranberry juice, apple cider, red wine, brown sugar, spiced rum and a splash of ginger ale for bubbles. Top it off with halved cranberries, apple slices and whole cinnamon sticks. This is a great drink to make in large portions and serve in a punch bowl.

10. Mulled Wine

For many people, mulled wine is a holiday tradition. It’s a drink you can easily make on the stovetop in small or large portions in as little as 20 minutes or in a slow cooker. To make this Christmas cocktail, simmer red wine, apple cider, honey and orange zest to a pot or Dutch oven with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks and star anise. Once everything is simmered together, top it off with brandy and spoon into mugs.

11. Glögg

If you’re looking for traditional Christmas drinks from around the world, look no further than Glögg. This wine-based holiday drink is a favorite in Sweden. It’s made with mulled wine, whiskey and rum. This drink will warm you up on cold winter nights and fill you with flavor.

12. Wassail

This drink is an English Yuletide tradition called wassailing. Even if you aren’t using it as part of a drinking ritual, as it was originally intended, a Wassail would be a delicious addition to your holiday gatherings. It included mulled cider with brandy or wine, spiced with cinnamon, star anise, turmeric and ginger and slices of apples, oranges, cranberries and pears.

Easy Christmas Cocktails

13. Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Aperol spritzes have taken over and quickly become many people’s go-to drink. You can learn how to perfect this cocktail during mixology classes in Los Angeles and mixology classes in Jacksonville. Once you’ve mastered that, you can make a holiday version with cranberry juice, fresh cranberries and orange slices. This drink will refresh the holiday season.

14. Cranberry Martini

An easy Christmas cocktail that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. All you have to do is combine cranberry juice, orange liqueur, vermouth and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain and serve it in a martini glass with a sugared rim and garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

15. Campfire Mules

Anyone who likes a smoky drink will adore this Christmas cocktail. The smoked bourbon or whiskey base will make you feel like you’re sitting by a fire on a cold winter night. The little bit of maple syrup adds a bit of sweetness and the signature ginger beer gives it the signature mule flavor.

16. Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour

A spin on the classic whiskey sour, this cocktail will be perfect for a holiday dinner party. A combination of cranberry juice, ginger syrup, lemon juice and whiskey creates a bold and tart drink you can’t get enough of. Serve in a rocks glass and garnish with cranberries.

17. Sugar Cookie Martini

You’ll want to sip on this drink as you make your signature Christmas cookies (or before with your Halloween cookies and Thanksgiving cookies). Irish cream, vanilla vodka and powdered sugar give the perfect creamy and sweet cocktail. After shaking it in a cocktail shaker with ice, strain it in martini glasses rimmed with vanilla icing and Christmas sprinkles.

18. Christmas Mojito

Refresh your palate with this easy Christmas cocktail. Muddle mint leaves, lime juice and sugar in a highball glass then pour in the rum, ice cubes, cranberry juice and club soda. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy a bright drink for the holidays.

19. Sugarplum Spritz

Seeing a performance of The Nutcracker is one of the favorite Christmas activities for many people. Take inspiration from that and make a Sugarplumb Spritz. Combine plum wine, cherry syrup, lemon juice and bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice before straining and serving. Rim champagne glasses with granulated sugar and dip plum slices in granulated sugar for a garnish.

20. Spiced Sidecar

What is a classic Christmas cocktail? A sidecar with a little extra spice will be a favorite during the holiday season. Start by making a spiced cognac with cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, star anise and ginger slices. Rim a coupe glass with sugar. Then, shake the cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker, strain and serve.

21. Gingerbread Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis have seen a rise in popularity recently. Adding a gingerbread flavor is sure to make this one of the most delicious Christmas cocktails or even Thanksgiving cocktails. Combine vodka, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup and cooled espresso in a cocktail shaker, then strain and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans and a gingerbread cookie.

22. Pear Tree Martini

Another martini option for a holiday cocktail is the pear tree martini. Sweet and refreshing, this easy cocktail is made with pear simple syrup, pear vodka, lime juice, St. Germain liquor and elderflower liqueur. If you’re looking for Christmas charcuterie board ideas, include refreshing winter pears and serve this cocktail alongside the board.

23. The Nice List

This Christmas cocktail is a play on the Cosmopolitan. Combine vodka, Cointreau, lemon, spiced cranberry syrup and peach mead. Served in a coupe glass and garnished with oranges, this bright and refreshing cocktail will be a favorite during the holiday season. After you taste it, you’ll see why it’s on The Nice List.

24. Cranberry-Ginger Mimosa

Give your classic mimosa a new holiday twist. This Christmas cocktail will be perfect for a holiday brunch. Swap orange juice for cranberry juice and top with ginger beer and champagne in a flute. Garnish with sugared cranberries in the glass or skewered. You can even add in some edible glitter for a fun detail.

Creamy Christmas Cocktails

25. White Christmas Mojito

You’ll always have a white Christmas with this Christmas cocktail. Start by muddling the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves. Then, using a blender, combine the white rum, coconut rum and coconut milk. Chill it, then serve it over the sugar mixture. Top it with sparkling water and garnish with pomegranate seeds and milk.

26. Caramel Snickerdoodle Martini

Another classic Christmas cookie: the sweet Snickerdoodle. Combine heavy cream, caramel vodka and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until cold. Rim martini glasses with caramel and cinnamon sugar and pour the drink into the glass. Garnish this Christmas cocktail with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick and powdered cinnamon.

27. Loaded Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate with all the fix-ins will quickly become a favorite non-alcoholic Christmas drink. Make your favorite hot chocolate and pour it into a mug. Top it off with whipped cream, chocolate shards, sprinkles, caramel drizzle, cookies, marshmallows and any other sweets to make this the richest hot chocolate ever.

28. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Another variation on the classic hot chocolate is a white chocolate drink infused with peppermint. Melt and simmer white chocolate with milk over medium-low heat, then add vanilla and peppermint extract. Top it with whipped cream, sprinkles and peppermint bark. You can spike it with Bailey’s if you want a cocktail. Sampling a variety of hot chocolates would be one of the most fun Christmas date ideas.

29. Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini

Turn your favorite winter drink into a martini. Blend up ice, Bailey’s vodka, and hot chocolate mix until thick and creamy. Serve this Christmas cocktail in martini glasses rimmed in chocolate. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings. A simple drink for a bit of holiday chill and cheer.

30. Peppermint Bark Shots

If peppermint bark is your favorite holiday sweet, this creamy Christmas cocktail will be your go-to this year. Rim shot glasses in melted chocolate and sprinkle on candy cane shards. Combine white chocolate liqueur, vodka and peppermint schnapps, then pour into shot glasses. This will be a fun drink to enjoy with family and friends at a holiday party.

31. Hot Buttered Rum

A warm, rich and sweet Christmas cocktail, hot buttered rum is a favorite during the holidays. It’s easy to make by first muddling sugar, butter, vanilla extract and warming spices at the bottom of a glass. Pour in the rum and top the cocktail with hot water and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

32. Tom & Jerry

This is one of the richest Christmas cocktails available, which is probably why it’s one of the favorites for the holiday season. Start by making Tom & Jerry batter by separating 3 egg yolks and whites. Combine egg whites with cream of tartar until you have stiff peaks. Then, mix sugar, dark rum and vanilla extract with the egg yolks. Next, fold in the egg-white mixture. Make the cocktail by adding a tablespoon of the batter with rum, cognac and hot milk. Garnish with ground nutmeg, cloves and allspice.

33. Pink Squirrel

One of the most unique Christmas cocktails, the Pink Squirrel might soon become a favorite. It may take some extra effort to source the ingredients, but it’s well worth it in the end. You’ll need cream de noyau, creme de cacao and heavy cream shaken with ice, then strained into a coupe glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg for aroma and taste. The cocktail results in a pretty light pink that will add a fun color to a holiday gathering.

34. North Pole-adas

Add a tropical touch to your holiday season with this Christmas cocktail. A play on the classic colada, North Pole-adas combine coconut milk, pineapple juice and prosecco with frozen pineapples into a creamy and refreshing cocktail. Serve this creamy Christmas cocktail in a tall glass rimmed with shredded coconut.

35. Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail

Capture the flavors of an oatmeal cookie in this sweet Christmas cocktail. Shake Irish cream liqueur, butterscotch schnapps, Goldschläger and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker. Serve in a cocktail glass rimmed with honey and oatmeal cookie crumbs or a whole cookie.

Hot Christmas Cocktails

36. Hot Toddy

Hot toddies are a classic cold weather drink, so anyone will be happy to enjoy this Christmas cocktail. Simmer water and pour it into a mug. Then, pour in whiskey, honey, lemon juice and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon slice. It’s a warming and comforting drink for the holiday season.

37. RumChata Hot Chocolate

A simple spiked hot chocolate with tons of flavor that you’ll only need two ingredients to make. Combine RumChata, a Caribbean rum-based cream liqueur, with your favorite hot chocolate made with your choice of milk. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

38. Cozy Coffee

For anyone who loves their morning cup of coffee, this cocktail is going to become the new favorite. This recipe makes a rich cup of joe with a little bit of a kick. Start with a mug of 8 ounces of hot coffee, add in 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish cream and Frangelico each. Then, use whipped cream to garnish. It’ll be the perfect drink to sip on to get your caffeine fix.

39. Brown Sugar Apple Cider

A sweet mug of warm apple cider is one of the coziest drinks you can have. For this cocktail, you can make your own apple cider or use a pre-bought bottle. Add in a little brown sugar and cinnamon for an even richer flavor. Serve it as is or add a little bourbon or whiskey for a cocktail. Gifting the spices and alcohol needed to make brown sugar apple cider would be a unique Christmas gift anyone would love.

40. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Love the combination of peanut and chocolate? This hot Christmas cocktail will be your new favorite. It’s also a simple drink you can whip up in seconds. Make a mug of hot chocolate to your preference. Then, add a shot of peanut butter whiskey and stir it in. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent cocktail.

41. Pumpkin Spice Cocktail

All the flavors of a pumpkin pie in a delicious Christmas cocktail. This drink uses cinnamon vanilla Bailey’s pumpkin pie vodka, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice boiled in a large pot. Allow it to cool down and serve warm topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

42. Mulled Ruby Port

A rich cocktail with hints of aromatic herbs, a mulled ruby port will be a sweet and savory drink during the holidays. Bring Port, water, allspice, bay leaves, cinnamon, peppercorns and star anise with the peel and juices of two lemons in a Dutch oven to a boil over high heat. Then, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Finish by adding more Port and brandy and finish off this Christmas cocktail with grated nutmeg and rosemary stalks to garnish.

43. S’mores Hot Chocolate

Your favorite campfire treat and cold weather drink in one. Bake the marshmallows until they're golden brown on top and rim a mug with marshmallow fluff and graham crackers crumbs. Make hot chocolate to your preference and add whiskey if you want to make it a cocktail. Top with whipped cream, more graham cracker pieces and the baked marshmallows. Making it look like a mischievous elf made this is a fun Elf on the Shelf idea before serving kids this treat (non-alcoholic version of course!).

44. Hot Cranberry Apple Cider Mocktail

If you’re looking for non-alcoholic Christmas drinks to serve during the holidays, this hot cranberry apple cider mocktail will do the trick. It’s also extremely easy to whip up. All you need is equal parts apple cider and cranberry juice simmered until warm. Once you’re ready to serve, top it off with club soda or ginger ale. Garnish it with cinnamon apple slices and skewered cranberries.

45. Toasted Nut Amaretto

This nutty cocktail will remind you of chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Warm up milk of your choice and brown sugar in a saucepan, then combine with equal parts Amaretto and Frangelico and mix until combined. Serve in a mug with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon on top.

46. Orange-Maple Warm Old Fashioned

A twist on the classic Old Fashioned that brings in flavors of the season. To make this hot Christmas cocktail, bring water to a low simmer and stir in sugar until dissolved before adding the bourbon or whiskey and bitters. Then, add in a squeeze of fresh orange and pure maple syrup. Serve in an Old Fashioned glass and garnish with an orange peel.

Christmas Cocktails With Vodka

47. Baileys Martini

If you’re planning on hosting Christmas, consider serving this drink to your guests. Combine Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur, vodka, heavy cream and shaved dark chocolate in a cocktail shaker and shake until combined. Serve in a Martini class with a sugared rim with chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream.

48. Cinnamon Roll Cocktail

What’s better than a fresh-baked cinnamon roll on Christmas morning? This Christmas cocktail. Combine RumChata, cinnamon vodka, Kahlúa and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour the cocktail over ice and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

49. Apple Pie Moonshine

If you like your Christmas cocktails a little stronger, this apple pie moonshine will do the trick. Pour apple juice, apple cider, white and brown sugar, cinnamon sticks and apple pie spice into a pot and simmer for an hour. Once it’s removed and cool, add in the grain alcohol and vodka and remove the cinnamon sticks.

50. Christmas Punch

Everyone has a slightly different recipe for Christmas punch, but the flavors remain largely the same. This cocktail uses cranberry juice, apple cider, pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, ginger ale, sparkling wine and vodka. You can make this in large portions and prepare it in a punch bowl if you’re looking for work Christmas party ideas.

51. Pomegranate Cosmo

This winter fruit gets to be the star of this Christmas cocktail. Combine the vodka, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice and lime juice into a pitcher or glass. Serve in a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime peel twist.

52. Cranberry Elderflower Cocktail

This sophisticated Christmas cocktail will be perfect to serve at a holiday dinner party for adults. You’ll combine vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and cranberries.

53. Rudolph’s Punch

This Christmas cocktail with vodka is as red as Rudolph’s nose, thanks to the cranberry juice. You can make this cocktail right in a pitcher or a punch bowl so it’s ready for a holiday party. Pour in two cups of orange juice, three cups of cranberry juice, a half cup of maraschino cherry juice, juice from one large lemon, 2 cups of ginger ale and one and a half cups of chilled vodka. Garnish the drink with maraschino cherries and rosemary.

54. Peppermint White Russian

A classic White Russian gets a festive twist with this Christmas cocktail with vodka. Add peppermint schnapps, Kahlúa, vodka and ice to a cocktail shaker and combine. Rim the top of each class with crushed candy canes and sugar. Fill the glass and garnish with whole candy canes.

55. Chocolate Martini

What alcohol is good for Christmas? Vodka is a good option because it has a variety of flavors, making it a good base no matter what flavor of cocktail you’re looking to make. To make this chocolate martini, drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside and rim of the martini glass. Shake Bailey’s, chocolate liqueur, vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into your prepared glasses.

56. Berry Limoncello Martini

This refreshing drink will be your new favorite to sip on during the holidays. Start by making a simple syrup using your favorite berries, such as cranberries, strawberries or blackberries. Then, add two tablespoons of the syrup to a cocktail glass with equal parts limoncello and lemon vodka. Top it off with club soda for a sparkling and fruity Christmas cocktail.

57. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte

Enjoy your pumpkin spice latte with a little something extra for this Christmas cocktail. Add 8 ounces of strong-brewed coffee to a mug with one ounce of vanilla vodka and a half ounce of cinnamon whiskey with pumpkin pie spice coffee creamer. Top with whipped cream, caramel, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to garnish.

Make the season more festive with delicious Christmas cocktails. From the traditional classics to the contemporary concoctions, there are plenty of ways to infuse flavor into the holidays. And what’s best is that most of the ingredients are easy and simple to find and fairly easy to whip up. Serve these Christmas cocktails at a gathering with friends and family, at the office holiday party or for yourself as you watch holiday movies.

For even more fun Christmas party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!