It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and what better way to raise a glass to the season than with a round of festive Christmas cocktails? When the tree lights glimmer, the carols play, and that cozy winter-chill sets in, nothing says holiday spirit like sipping a beautifully crafted drink.
Whether you’re hosting a table full of friends, cozying up with a loved one, or simply treating yourself, these Christmas cocktails bring all the sparkle and merriment. In this blog we’ll dive into seven fabulous Christmas cocktails ideas, each one designed to make your holiday gathering that much more memorable. So grab your shaker, pour some cheer, and let’s toast to the joy of the season with Christmas cocktails galore.
1. Cranberry & Sparkling-Orange Christmas Cocktail
Imagine a drink that tastes like the holiday season in a glass: tart cranberry meets fizzy orange, topped off with a sprig of rosemary and a twist of orange peel. This first recipe in our Christmas cocktails lineup is crisp, refreshing and full of festive colour.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka (or replace with gin if preferred)
- 1 oz cranberry juice, unsweetened if possible
- ½ oz fresh squeezed orange juice
- ½ oz elderflower liqueur (optional, but adds floral depth)
- Top with sparkling water or sparkling wine (for an extra celebratory touch)
- Garnish: fresh cranberries, orange peel spiral, rosemary sprig
Directions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, cranberry juice, orange juice and elderflower liqueur. Shake for 15–20 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or high-ball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water or sparkling wine. Garnish with a small handful of fresh cranberries, an orange peel spiral and a sprig of rosemary. The bright red and orange hues and the rosemary sprig evoke holly, candles and winter nights—just what you want in your Christmas cocktails collection.
Why we love it:
This festive drink is visually stunning, tastes crisp and refreshing and complements a rich holiday meal without overwhelming it. It’s a perfect introduction to your Christmas cocktails list and sets the tone for fun, flavour and festivity.
2. Gingerbread Old Fashioned: A Warm Christmas Cocktail
Up next in our Christmas cocktails repertoire is a drink that channels cozy winter nights by the fire. We’re talking about a gingerbread-infused Old Fashioned that combines bourbon, spiced syrup and aromatic bitters for a drink that’s as comforting as it is brilliant.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz gingerbread syrup (see note)
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Garnish: cinnamon stick, star anise, orange twist
Gingerbread Syrup (makes ~½ cup):
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Bring water to a simmer, stir in sugar, molasses and spices. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then cool and store in a bottle in the fridge.
Directions:
In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, gingerbread syrup and bitters. Add ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted (which helps open the flavour). Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist, a cinnamon stick and a star anise floating on top. Pour, pause, sip. You’ve just added a standout entry to your Christmas cocktails lineup.
Why we love it:
This cocktail is rich, layered and perfect for slowing down and savouring the season. The gingerbread syrup adds festive spice without making the drink overly sweet—and it’s the kind of cocktail you’ll want to linger over rather than rush.
3. Peppermint White Russian: A Playful Christmas Cocktail
Now for something a little more whimsical among the Christmas cocktails: a peppermint twist on the classic White Russian. This one is creamy, minty, and offers a playful nod to candy canes, winter evenings and holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint crème (or peppermint schnapps)
- 1½ oz heavy cream (or full-fat dairy alternative)
- Garnish: crushed peppermint candy, mini candy cane hook
Directions:
In a chilled rocks glass, add vodka, coffee liqueur and peppermint crème. Gently pour heavy cream (or alternative) over the back of a spoon to float it on top. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the cream layer for a festive finishing touch. Stir gently before sipping. This playful cocktail earns its place among your Christmas cocktails list because it’s fun, flavourful and perfect to serve after dessert or while doing holiday baking.
Why we love it:
The peppermint flavour gives it a seasonal twist, and the creaminess makes it feel indulgent without veering into heavy territory. It’s a great conversation starter and ideal for a holiday gathering where you want a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
4. Mulled Wine Spritzer Christmas Cocktail
Ever loved the warmth of mulled wine at a holiday market? The next cocktail in our Christmas cocktails lineup captures that same warmth — but with a sparkling spritz that makes it more party-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine (choose a medium-bodied variety)
- ¼ cup brandy
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 2 star anise
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- Garnish: orange slice, cinnamon stick
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine red wine, brandy, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange juice, lemon slices and honey/maple syrup. Warm gently but do not boil—simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally and letting the spices infuse. Remove from heat, strain out the solids, let cool slightly. To serve: fill a wine glass halfway with mulled wine mixture, add ice if desired, top with chilled sparkling water or club soda, garnish with orange slice and cinnamon stick. Add this to your arsenal of Christmas cocktails for a drink that’s both cozy and celebratory.
Why we love it:
This drink blends the nostalgia of mulled wine with the effervescence of a spritzer, making it versatile for any holiday scenario—whether you’re standing around chatting or sitting down to dinner. It’s a welcome addition to your Christmas cocktails collection when you want something warm and festive.
5. Spiced Apple Bourbon Smash: A Rustic Christmas Cocktail
If you’re craving something rustic, full of flavour and a little outdoorsy in tone, this spiced apple bourbon smash is the next high point in our run of Christmas cocktails. Think crisp apples, warm bourbon, spice and herbal notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz spiced apple cider (un-filtered if possible)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz maple syrup
- Garnish: apple slice, cinnamon stick, fresh rosemary sprig
Directions:
In a shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice and maple syrup. Add ice and shake for 10–15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice resting on the rim, a cinnamon stick and a small sprig of rosemary. The apple and maple bring sweetness, the bourbon brings warmth, the spice and herbal garnish bring complexity. Add this to your Christmas cocktails list for something that pairs beautifully with hearty holiday dishes or time spent by the fire.
Why we love it:
The flavours evoke the season — apples, spice, warmth. It’s a cocktail that works in both cozy and lively settings. Plus, it’s a great companion to the foods of the season, which makes it a smart pick to include when planning your Christmas cocktails menu.
6. Pomegranate Gin Fizz: A Sparkling Christmas Cocktail
Here’s something bright, sparkling and full of good cheer. The pomegranate gin fizz is a vibrant entry in our Christmas cocktails lineup, offering ruby colour, fresh flavour and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2–3 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Garnish: pomegranate seeds, lemon twist
Directions:
Fill a shaker with ice. Add gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake for 10 seconds until chilled. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Gently stir, then garnish with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist. This bright, bubbly drink deserves a spot in your list of Christmas cocktails because it feels festive (thanks to the colour and bubbles) and yet light enough to enjoy even before the main meal.
Why we love it:
The pop of ruby and fizz makes it an ideal celebratory drink, and the flavour is balanced—refreshing, sweet-tart, and easy to keep sipping. A great choice for a holiday welcome drink or to transition into dinner when you’re serving your Christmas cocktails.
7. Chocolate Peppermint Martini: The Dessert Christmas Cocktail
Let’s finish strong. Among the Christmas cocktails, this chocolate peppermint martini is dessert in a glass—a treat that embodies the festive season. Smooth chocolate, minty freshness, a hint of holiday fantasy.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- ½ oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz half-and-half (or cream alternative)
- Garnish: mini candy cane or peppermint stick, cocoa powder rim
Directions:
Begin by rimming a chilled martini glass with cocoa powder and crushed peppermint candy. In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps and half-and-half with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled. Strain into the rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a mini candy cane or a peppermint stick leaning on the rim. Serve with a flourish. This one is the showstopper among your Christmas cocktails, perfect for toasting after dinner or as the grand finale of a holiday evening.
Why we love it:
It’s fun, decadent and unapologetically festive. If you’re looking to spotlight one of your Christmas cocktails as the “dessert drink,” this is the one. It pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, gingerbread cookies or simply as a sweet ending to the night.
Closing Notes & Serving Tips
There you have it—seven stunning Christmas cocktails that will keep your holiday gathering lively, fun and full of flavour. From crisp cranberry and orange sparkles to warm bourbon apple smashes, from fizzy pomegranate sips to decadent chocolate peppermint martinis, your Christmas cocktails menu is now covered. Few final friendly tips:
- Prepare a few drinks ahead of time (like the gingerbread syrup) so you’re not stuck behind the bar while guests are mingling.
- Use garnishes that match the season—sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, candy canes, pomegranate seeds—to elevate your Christmas cocktails visually.
- Coordinate your cocktails with your food menu. If you’re serving hearty, rich dishes, choose lighter, bubbly cocktails; if dessert is heavy, maybe go for something warm and spiced.
- Don’t forget to offer a non-alcoholic version of one or two cocktails so all guests feel included.
- For more festive recipe ideas, don’t miss our post on holiday seasonal eats at “Kewl Recipes” which covers savoury and sweet treats for the season. See our blog on Christmas Recipes for more inspiration.
For extra reading and to explore other festive drink ideas, check out this article on holiday cocktails and party drinks by a BBC. Read more here
As you lift your glass in a holiday toast, remember: the true spirit of the season isn’t just in the sparkle of lights or the twinkle of ornaments—it’s in the shared laughter, the clink of glasses, the warmth of good company and the joy of creating something memorable. So here’s to your Christmas cocktails, to you, and to a season filled with joy, flavour and festive magic. Cheers!
