‘Tis the season to enjoy cheerful traditions, and what better way to celebrate than by making a creative holiday cocktail? Whether you’re attending an ugly Christmas sweater party or hosting a festive dinner at home with your family, these delicious drinks will get you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit(s).
What’s better is that playing bartender has never been easier: You can whip up a batch of many of these delicious drinks in two shakes. Craving the warming wallop of a mulled wine? Or maybe the tart, sophisticated tickle of a champagne cocktail? We’ve got you. Read on for the best Christmas cocktails that will keep the party going all winter long.
Cranberry Margaritas
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Looking for something to sip on that’s not too sweet and not too tart? This refreshing cocktail is a perfectly balanced way to celebrate the holidays. It’s refreshing and elegant, but don’t be fooled. It will knock your Christmas socks off!
Not Santa’s Hot Chocolate
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Not for Santa? We think St. Nicholas would love this hot cocoa cocktail after a long night of delivering gifts. Pick your favorite hot chocolate mix, prepare as usual, then add tequila blanco and elderberry liquor—it’s really that simple. You’ll spend the most time preparing the toasted marshmallow topper, but if you don’t want to, whipped cream will work, too.
Warm Apple Cider Mule
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Apple cider isn’t just for fall drinks, especially when it’s warmed and mixed with the festive flavors of ginger beer. Heat the combo on the stove with maple syrup and lemon juice, just under a boil, then add vodka. For a mocktail version, skip the vodka and add an herbal tea for the perfect Christmas breakfast sipper.
‘Una Buena Noche’ Cocktail
Jen Causey
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night—if you sip on this two-toned cocktail, of course. For this quick beverage, you’ll need a couple of syrups: honey and ginger, both of which can be made quickly in a saucepan with few ingredients. Make them up to seven days in advance so you can spend less time making the drink and more time celebrating the season with loved ones.
Bourbon-Campari Punch
The classic ice ring in this Campari-and-bourbon-spiked punch looks like a Christmas wreath, fit with floating pomegranate arils. This citrusy yet tart drink will surely be a hit at your holiday party. Save yourself some much-needed time by going for pre-packaged pomegranate arils.
Rosemary-Ginger Spritz
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
After a long day of holiday shopping, you’ll want a glass of this easy spritz to cool you off. The drink combines aromatic rosemary with peppery ginger to bring a complex flavor profile that will bring you back for more. No, seriously, this holiday cocktail is so good you’ll want to make it all year round—and who’s stopping you?
Spicy Mulled Wine
Greg DuPree
There is nothing quite as comforting as drinking mulled wine on a chilly winter night. A mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise is sure to awaken your senses while also warming up your belly. This just might be your new favorite Christmas cocktail to sip by the fire with loved ones.
Pomegranate Reverse Manhattan Cocktail
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Hosting a holiday happy hour or dinner? Welcome your guests with this holiday twist on the classic Manhattan. It’s a three-ingredient cocktail that goes heavier on the vermouth than the bourbon. Pomegranate juice gives it that tart, fruity, holiday taste that everyone will love. Plus, you can make it in a big batch and store it for up to two days ahead of your event!
Champagne Cocktail No. 1
Jen Causey
For a champagne cocktail that will help you celebrate the season, look no further than this glistening, glamorous drink. Raspberries and oranges are macerated and made into a sweet and citrusy syrup that can be made up to two days in advance. When mixed with Lillet Rosé and Champagne, this simple yet stylish cocktail will make for a memorable Christmas day.
Classic Amaretto Sour
Carson Downing, Prop Styling: Lexi Juhl, Food Styling: Kelsey Moylan
Put those winter citruses to good use this Christmas by serving up a classic amaretto sour. Amaretto contributes an almond flavor to the drink, making this cocktail a festive choice. Shake up just three ingredients and serve it in a rocks glass garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for a gorgeous presentation.
Apple Cider Sidecar
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Emily Hall
This holiday cocktail looks just about as festive as it tastes. The traditional sidecar drink gets a seasonal twist with apple cider and maple syrup. To enhance this drink’s yuletide charm, garnish each glass with a dusting of fresh nutmeg and a thin apple slice on the rim. If you’re planning to serve this drink at a holiday party, you can make a big batch up to two days ahead. Just keep it chilly in the refrigerator until the event!
Chocolate Black Currant
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There’s not really a bad time for chocolate, and Christmas is the best excuse to indulge! Chocolate liqueur and black currant liqueur mix together, with a bit of rum, simple syrup, and lemon juice for a quick cocktail that will bring holiday cheer. Serve in a coupe glass.
Minty Moscow Mule Punch
J Muckle; Styling: Rebekah Peppler
Who knew a Moscow mule could be so refreshing? A combination of vodka, ginger beer, and a homemade ginger-mint simple syrup will surely be a hit among friends and family. And to make hosting a little easier, you can pre-batch these mules into mugs so guests can help themselves. Just don’t forget to garnish with sprigs of mint!
Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail
Alexander Donin/Getty Images
If you fancy yourself a Negroni fan, this deliciously sparkling rendition is about to be your favorite holiday cocktail. The Sbagliato version of the Negroni uses Prosecco instead of gin for a lighter drink. A slice of orange tops it all off.
Sparkly Gold Rush Cocktail
Jen Causey
While this classic cocktail doesn’t have any seasonal spices, its shimmery appearance will look dazzling at your annual Christmas party. Pineapple liqueur brings a fruity flavor to the drink, while honey syrup sweetens, and bourbon warms. Finish with a lemon peel, and you’ll have a cocktail everyone will want the recipe for.
Irish Iced Coffee
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In this creamy delight, strong coffee blends smoothly with syrup and whiskey to make a delightful boozy iced coffee that’s perfect for a Christmas brunch. To keep your ice cubes from melting and watering down your drink, freeze coffee or cold brew in an ice cube tray. Top off the drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Plaza Champagne Punch
Jen Causey
This champagne punch proves that not all Christmas gifts can be found under the tree. Treat your guests to the best present this year with this bubbly beverage that starts with tropical tea and ends with champagne. The vibrant, red hue is the perfect color to celebrate the season.
Hot Buttered Rum
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
This tasty twist on the classic hot buttered rum is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter evening. Made from a butter-sugar-ice cream base blended to a creamy consistency, this beverage boasts a smooth, velvety texture packed with flavor. Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s the perfect choice for any winter occasion—and sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
Holiday Negroni Cocktail
Brie Passano
It’s time to bring some holiday cheer to the classic Negroni cocktail. Using a spiced Campari, prepared overnight, this holiday cocktail has a mulled wine-like flavor while still keeping its irresistible bitterness. Finish it off with orange zest and a star anise pod for a sophisticated crowd pleaser, perfect for any celebration.
Tarragon French 75 Cocktail
Victor Protasio
Take the classic French 75 to the next level with this wintry twist. Using a warming cognac as substitute for gin, this rendition brings a cheerful depth to the sparkling wine and lemon duo. Don’t forget about the tarragon-infused simple syrup, which adds a delicious, licorice-scented aroma.