8 Christmas Cocktails to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Style

Christmas celebrations just aren’t complete without drinks that really capture the festive spirit. Whether you’re throwing a big party or just cozying up by the fire, the right cocktail can turn any gathering into something special.

Here are eight Christmas cocktails that blend traditional holiday flavors with creative twists. Some bring back those warm, nostalgic vibes, while others surprise you with festive ingredients. You’ll find drinks that are warm and comforting, plus some that are bright and refreshing—so, honestly, there’s a little something for everyone at the table.

Classic Eggnog

Classic eggnog might just be the ultimate Christmas cocktail. It’s rich, creamy, and mixes eggs, cream, sugar, and those cozy warm spices for a taste that screams holiday.

Spike your eggnog with brandy or rum if you want. The alcohol brings extra warmth and depth that works so well with the creamy base.

This recipe fits right in at holiday parties. Most guests love that familiar comfort you get from this festive favorite.

Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum
• 3 large egg whites
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk the egg yolks with 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until they look pale and thick.
2. Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium until they start to steam.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking the whole time so you don’t get scrambled eggs.
4. Put the mixture back in the saucepan and cook on low, stirring, until it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Take it off the heat and stir in vanilla, nutmeg, salt, and bourbon or rum.
6. Beat the egg whites with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar until you get soft peaks.
7. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the eggnog.
8. Chill for at least 2 hours, then serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum goes way back—like, all the way to the 1650s. This warm drink mixes dark rum with rich butter and all those holiday spices, making it perfect for a cold winter night.

It tastes like someone melted a Christmas cookie right into your mug. Brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg come together for the signature flavor. Every sip just feels cozy.

You can prep the spiced butter ahead of time and stash it in the fridge. That way, it’s ready whenever you need it.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 2 tablespoons spiced butter mixture
• 6 oz hot water or hot apple cider
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Scoop 2 tablespoons of the spiced butter mixture into a warm mug.
3. Pour in the dark rum.
4. Add hot water or hot apple cider.
5. Stir until the butter mixture melts completely.
6. Drop in a cinnamon stick and serve it hot.

Cranberry Ginger Mimosa

This cocktail mixes tart cranberry juice with spicy ginger for a holiday drink that feels super festive. The bubbles from champagne or prosecco add that celebratory touch.

The sweet and tart flavors come together just right. Ginger brings a gentle warmth that balances the cranberry.

You can whip up this three-ingredient cocktail in minutes. It’s great for Christmas brunch or any holiday party.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• 2 tablespoons ginger beer or ginger ale
• 4-5 ounces champagne or prosecco
• Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Pour cranberry juice into a champagne flute or wine glass.
2. Add ginger beer or ginger ale.
3. Top slowly with champagne or prosecco to keep those bubbles.
4. Stir gently with a cocktail spoon.
5. Drop in a few fresh cranberries if you like.
6. Garnish with a rosemary sprig for that extra holiday vibe.
7. Serve right away while it’s still nice and bubbly.

Mistletoe Martini

This martini brings together vodka, cranberry juice, and elderflower liqueur for a holiday cocktail that’s bright and balanced. That red color just pops at any Christmas party.

Cranberry and elderflower give you a drink that’s both refreshing and seasonal. The sweet and tangy flavors really play off each other.

This cocktail works for small get-togethers or bigger parties. The color alone feels like Christmas in a glass.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
• 0.25 oz lime juice
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Fresh mint sprig for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice.
2. Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds until it’s well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Thread 2-3 cranberries onto a cocktail pick.
5. Garnish with the cranberry pick and a mint sprig—looks a bit like holly.
6. Serve cold for the best flavor and presentation.

Holiday Mai Tai

The Holiday Mai Tai takes the tropical classic and gives it a Christmas twist. You get those island vibes but with flavors that fit the holiday season.

This cocktail uses traditional rum, but adds pomegranate and cranberry for a festive touch. The red color looks amazing and totally fits the mood.

You’ll notice this version keeps things tropical but definitely brings the Christmas spirit. Sweet and tangy flavors balance each other, making it great for entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz light rum
• 1/2 oz orange curaçao
• 1/4 oz orgeat syrup
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/4 oz pomegranate juice
• 2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
• Ice
• Lime wheel and fresh cranberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add both rums, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup.
3. Pour in lime juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice.
4. Add the bitters.
5. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds.
6. Fill a rocks glass or tiki mug with ice.
7. Strain the mixture over the ice, leaving some space at the top.
8. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few cranberries on a pick.
9. Serve cold.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine brings cozy warmth to Christmas gatherings. Red wine and aromatic spices fill your home with that unmistakable holiday scent.

You can tweak this classic with your favorite spices and fruits. It works for both small groups and big parties.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 3 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1/4 cup cranberries

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Pour the red wine into a large saucepan or slow cooker.
2. Add the brandy if you want extra warmth.
3. Push the whole cloves into the orange slices.
4. Add the clove-studded orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pot.
5. Stir in honey or sugar until it dissolves.
6. Toss in apple slices and cranberries.
7. Heat on low for about 30 minutes—don’t let it boil.
8. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed.
9. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.
10. Keep it on low heat so guests can help themselves.

Negroni with a Christmas Twist

Give your classic Negroni a holiday makeover with a little warmth and spice. This version still uses gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, but adds in some winter spices for a seasonal kick.

Cinnamon, star anise, and cloves bring extra depth. You still get that signature bitter-sweet balance, but now it’s got a festive edge.

You can make spiced gin ahead of time or just add a homemade spiced simple syrup. Both ways, you get those holiday flavors without losing the Negroni’s classic vibe.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 star anise pod
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Numbered Step by Step Instructions:

1. Put the cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise in a mixing glass and gently muddle them.
2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Double strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice to catch the spice bits.
5. Twist orange peel over the drink to release the oils.
6. Garnish with the orange peel and a cinnamon stick for aroma.

Midori Magic Grinch Cocktail

Here’s a cocktail that really pops at any holiday get-together. That bold green color? It comes straight from Midori melon liqueur, and honestly, it always gets people talking.

I think you’ll appreciate how this drink brings together sweet and tart in just the right way. Midori’s tropical flavors mix with citrus, and the result is a refreshing, festive treat that’s hard to put down.

People have been sharing the Grinch cocktail everywhere online lately. It’s no wonder—between the eye-catching look and the easy prep, this drink just works for parties when you want to wow friends without too much hassle.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 2 oz Midori melon liqueur
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz coconut rum
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 2 oz lemon-lime soda
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• Green sanding sugar for rim
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Ice cubes

Numbered Step by Step Instructions:

1. Moisten the rim of your cocktail glass with water, then dip it into green sanding sugar.
2. Drop a handful of ice cubes into a cocktail shaker.
3. Pour in the Midori, vodka, and coconut rum.
4. Add the pineapple juice and squeeze in the lemon juice.
5. Give the shaker a good, hard shake for about 15–20 seconds. You want it cold and mixed.
6. Strain everything into your glass over fresh ice.
7. Pour the lemon-lime soda on top and give it a gentle stir.
8. Pop a maraschino cherry onto a cocktail pick and set it on the rim.
9. Serve it up right away—cold and cheerful.