7 Christmas Drinks Alcohol Recipes to Make Your Holiday Party Unforgettable

The holiday season just begs for festive drinks that spark a little warmth and celebration at your gatherings. Whether you’re throwing a Christmas bash or just hanging out by the fire, the right cocktail can turn an ordinary moment into something a bit magical.

These seven Christmas drink recipes mix classic holiday flavors with beloved spirits, so your holiday parties feel extra special. You’ll find creamy rum classics and spiced warmers, each with its own twist on holiday cheer.

Some are old favorites, others have a creative spin, but all of them capture a bit of the season in every sip.

Classic Eggnog with Rum

Classic eggnog with rum just feels like Christmas. Rich eggs and cream blend with rum for a creamy, spiced drink that’s pure tradition.

The recipe gives you a thick, luxurious texture that really coats your palate. Rum brings in a gentle warmth that plays so well with the sweet, custardy base.

Serve it chilled or at room temp, whatever you prefer. Fresh nutmeg on top is a must.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh nutmeg for garnish

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until pale and thick.
2. Heat milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Wait until it just starts to steam.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly so you don’t scramble the eggs.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Stir on low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Take it off the heat and stir in rum, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to keep it nice and smooth.
7. Whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream until you get soft peaks.
8. Gently fold the whipped cream into the eggnog.
9. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
10. Serve in chilled glasses with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is already cozy, but add a splash of something stronger and you’ve got a Christmas treat that’s hard to beat. It’s the ultimate comfort drink for a chilly night.

You’ll melt real chocolate and cocoa powder together, then spike it with your favorite spirit. Go with rum, bourbon, Kahlua, Bailey’s, or even peppermint schnapps if you’re feeling adventurous.

It’s so simple. All you need is a saucepan, a whisk, and a few mugs.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 oz your choice of alcohol (rum, bourbon, Kahlua, or Bailey’s)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium-low until it’s steaming.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.
3. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted.
4. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla and salt.
5. Pour your chosen alcohol into four mugs.
6. Divide the hot chocolate between the mugs and stir.
7. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Serve right away.

Mulled Wine with Brandy

Mulled wine with brandy just screams holiday comfort. Red wine simmers with spices and a splash of brandy, making everything feel a little warmer.

Brandy deepens the flavor and gives the mulled wine a touch of richness. The spices and citrus make your kitchen smell amazing.

Cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices blend with the wine and spirits for a festive aroma.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 black peppercorns

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Pour the red wine into a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Add the brandy and stir.
3. Drop in cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns.
4. Add orange and lemon slices.
5. Stir in honey or maple syrup.
6. Sprinkle ground nutmeg over the top.
7. Heat on low for 20-30 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
8. Taste and add more honey if you want it sweeter.
9. Strain out the spices and fruit.
10. Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Keep it warm on low during your party. If you make it ahead, just reheat gently before serving.

Holiday Mai Tai

The Holiday Mai Tai takes the tropical classic and gives it a Christmas twist. It keeps the rum base but adds cranberry and pomegranate for a festive splash of color and flavor.

You get a sweet-tart balance, with the usual mai tai flavors plus a burst of holiday fruitiness. Cranberry juice brings that bright red color—perfect for Christmas.

This drink looks gorgeous at any party and feels a little unexpected.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
• 0.5 oz orgeat syrup or simple syrup
• Cranberries for garnish
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Ice

Numbered Step by Step Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in both rums.
3. Add cranberry juice and pineapple juice.
4. Squeeze in lime juice and add orange liqueur.
5. Add orgeat syrup or simple syrup.
6. Stir everything together for about 10 seconds.
7. Garnish with cranberries and a lime wheel.
8. Pop in a cocktail stirrer and serve.

Mistletoe Martini

The Mistletoe Martini brings a little elegance to your holiday table. It’s sweet, tart, and looks stunning with its ruby-red hue.

You’ll notice the vodka’s smoothness and the floral notes from elderflower liqueur. Cranberry juice gives it that holiday color and a tangy kick.

This drink fits in at both small get-togethers and big parties. It’s a real conversation starter.

Complete List of Ingredients

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

Numbered Step by Step Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake hard for about 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Thread a few cranberries onto a cocktail pick.
6. Garnish with the cranberry pick and a mint sprig.
7. Serve cold.

The mint and cranberry garnish really bring the holiday vibes. Want to make more? Just scale up the ingredients.

Spiced Apple Cider with Bourbon

This cocktail wraps up all the cozy flavors of spiced apple cider with a splash of bourbon. The spices blend with the whiskey’s warmth for a drink that just feels like winter.

It’s great for Christmas parties or just a quiet night in. Make a single mug or a whole pot for guests.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh apple cider
• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Orange slices for garnish
• Extra cinnamon sticks for serving

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Pour apple cider into a saucepan. Toss in cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and peppercorns.
2. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
3. Take it off the heat and strain out the spices.
4. Stir in bourbon until combined. The bourbon adds warmth but doesn’t overpower the apple.
5. Pour into mugs and garnish each with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
6. Serve hot. If you have leftovers, keep them warm on low heat for refills.

Christmas Punch with Champagne

Champagne punch just adds that touch of elegance and sparkle to any holiday party, doesn’t it? I love how this festive drink mixes bubbly champagne with fruity flavors and those cozy, seasonal extras.

When you blend champagne with fresh fruit juices, you get a refreshing cocktail that’s honestly perfect for entertaining. I usually make a big batch so everyone can grab a glass and relax.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 1 bottle champagne or prosecco (750ml)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• 2 cups ginger ale
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• Orange slices for garnish
• Fresh mint sprigs
• Ice cubes

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Chill all your liquid ingredients in the fridge for at least 2 hours before you start.
2. Toss some ice cubes into a big punch bowl or pitcher.
3. Pour in the pomegranate juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
4. Add the orange liqueur and give everything a gentle stir.
5. Pour the ginger ale in slowly so you keep those bubbles.
6. Add the champagne last, letting it run gently down the side of the bowl.
7. Stir the punch just once, carefully, to mix everything without losing too much fizz.
8. Drop in the fresh cranberries and orange slices for a pop of color and flavor.
9. When you pour the punch into glasses, top each one with a mint sprig.
10. Serve right away while it’s still bubbly and cold.