After a whirlwind of shopping, baking, and Christmas dinner prep, it's time to sit down, relax, and raise a glass! Enter: these festive Christmas cocktails that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Whether you're cozying up with a hot drink in front of the fireplace or mixing up a big batch Christmas punch recipe for your holiday party, this list has something for every occasion.
For those planning Christmas brunch, you might want to go for the morning punch or add a holiday twist to a mimosa by adding cranberry. Looking to complement your Christmas desserts with a sweet holiday-flavored cocktail? Try the gingerbread martini or Christmas margarita—they all make perfect after-dinner drinks to sip on in front of the glowing Christmas tree. There's even a sugar cookie martini to enjoy with those freshly baked cookies you worked so hard on!
You'll also find quite a few champagne cocktails on this list, because opening bubbly is an automatic celebration in itself. And if you're hosting a crowd of all ages, there are a few ideas here where you can skip the spirits or use non-alcoholic versions and voilà: you have a round of non-alcoholic Christmas drinks. Just make sure you label which batch is which to avoid confusion. Then all that's left to do is clink glasses and say, "cheers" to the holiday season!
1
Christmas Margarita
C.W. Newell
Whether it's snowing or not, this winter-white cocktail will have you feeling festive! A splash of coconut and some orange liqueur give it an unexpected tropical twist that will warm you right up.
Treat yourself to holiday decadence! Featuring rich coffee liqueur, heavy whipping cream, and hints of chocolate, this one captures all the flavor of the beloved dessert. Garnish with a swirl of chocolate syrup and a dusting of cocoa for a glass that's as elegant as it is indulgent.
Forget the mistletoe—this cocktail is all the excuse you need to pucker up! Cranberry juice and elderflower liqueur combine for floral flavor that's a little tart, a little sweet, and a lot festive.
If gingerbread cookies are your weakness, you'll adore this creamy, spiced cocktail. Finish it off with a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkled cookie crumbs for the sweetest sip.
This martini is basically dessert in a glass! Warm, sweet notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and Irish cream make it so scrumptious—especially with a frosting-and-sprinkle rim that channels your favorite holiday sugar cookie.
You'll want to put this red and green margarita on repeat all winter long. It's loaded with sweet-tart cranberry and lime juices with fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish.
You only need three ingredients to make this creamy, minty drink. Also, the candy cane garnish is optional, but it's an easy way to make it extra festive.
It's no wonder this punch has been a popular choice in England for centuries. Warm spices, apple cider, cranberry juice, and bourbon make this drink the one of the coziest of the season.
If you prefer the taste of a classic margarita, here's a twist to make it festive: Just add bubbles! A splash of sparkling wine gives it an instantly festive feel.
This jewel-toned cocktails is sweet, tart, and tangy. You can add fresh pomegranate seeds to each glass to make them shimmer and shine. And don't forget the twist of orange!
Milk punch is a New Orleans favorite! It's basically a creamy cocktail made with bourbon, half-and-half, and vanilla syrup. Think of it as an easier eggnog alternative!
Nothing makes that late-night move of your Elf on the Shelf more enjoyable than an espresso martini! It'll give you the pick-me-up you need while also feeling like a special occasion.
Warm apple pie-spiced butter is the key ingredient in this seasonal drink. If you really want to make it seasonal, just substitute all or part of the water with warm apple cider instead.
Cranberry juice gives this bubbly beverage a bright pop of color and festively tangy flavor. Whether or not you're hosting brunch, it's the perfect way to celebrate Christmas morning.
There's more than just cranberry juice giving this cocktail its Christmas flavor. The drink also has a homemade ginger syrup that's full of holiday spice.
Once you learn how to make ice cubes with fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds in them, you'll wonder why you've never done it before! Plus, it'll add so much festive flair to this non-alcoholic Christmas drink.
For a wintry spin on this classic tequila drink, pomegranate juice adds a sweet-tart, cranberry-like flavor. A bit of maple syrup helps add to the cozy factor and makes the drink even sweeter.
This is a very basic 3-ingredient cocktail, but if you want to switch things up, try using a flavored vodka or adding chocolate or caramel syrup to the glass.