I’m just going to put it out there. Best holiday cocktails ever. That’s right. The absolute best. This is like combining everything I’ve ever loved about festive drinks and shaking it up to pure perfection.
We’ve got creamy, dreamy dessert-in-a-glass options and bright, zesty sips that will get any party started. This list is a total winner.
1. Spiced Hot Buttered Rum
Source: Forkinthekitchen.com
Hot buttered rum just sounds like something you’d drink in a cozy castle. And yes, it is absolutely belly warming and delicious.
Serve this one up hot when your guests arrive from the cold, and you will totally lock in your reputation as the ultimate holiday host.
2. Christmas Punch
Source: Wellplated.com
This fizzy and fruity punch is going to bring some serious sparkle to your holiday get together. It’s a juicy mix of sparkling wine, dark rum, orange, cranberries, and ginger ale.
Just load it up with ice, fresh cranberries, and orange slices for a colorful bowl that will have everyone coming back for another scoop.
3. The Grinch Cocktail
Source: Thetoastykitchen.com
Are the holidays making you feel a little grumpy? Soothe that inner Grinch with a glass of this fruity drink. It’s light and so refreshing. It’s a sweet combo of melon, citrus, and cherry.
This one is made with melon liqueur, clear rum, and a fizzy lemon lime soda, making it a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy. I have to warn you, it’s so yummy you might lose track of how many you’ve had.
4. Christmas Sangria
Source: Joyfulhealthyeats.com
If you’re a fan of drinks packed with beautiful, bright flavors, you have to try a sip of this amazing sangria. It’s basically mulled wine, just without the mulling part, and you serve it chilled.
With red wine, brandy, cinnamon, sweet syrup, and fruit, it’s a totally refreshing drink with so much flavor and depth.
5. Drunken Snowman Cocktail
Source: Iambaker.net
This fun cocktail is a super decadent mix of ice cream, chocolate, and whipped cream that is good enough to warm up even Frosty the Snowman.
And yes, there’s a good amount of Bailey’s Irish Cream in there too. Because is it really Christmas without a divinely creamy, boozy drink?
6. Mistletoe Martini Cranberry Christmas Cocktail
Source: Mixthatdrink.com
Martinis are so elegant and sophisticated, but they are also surprisingly easy to whip up. So, class up your holiday with this festive version.
The Mistletoe Martini is a fruity mix of elderflower and cranberry that is vibrant and so uplifting. It will definitely keep the party going all night long.
7. Cranberry Mimosa
Source: Stressbaking.com
Mimosas are the ultimate no fuss cocktail, and this holiday version is just as simple and flavorful.
You just need tart cranberries and some fizzy champagne to add some sparkle to your season. It’s so good.
8. Bourbon Spiked French Hot Chocolate
Source: Thegandmkitchen.com
This hot chocolate is going to be a total hit, whether it’s topped with marshmallows or whipped cream. It’s a real, made from scratch hot chocolate using high quality chocolate bars, brown sugar, and half and half.
It is so decadent and totally indulgent, even before you add the bourbon and extra toppings! You should definitely make some non alcoholic mugs for the kids to enjoy too.
9. Pomegranate Martini with Rosemary Honey Syrup
Source: Growforagecookferment.com
Not every single Christmas drink needs to have a cute, holiday themed name. All they need are the right ingredients. This ridiculously delicious Pomegranate Martini definitely has what it takes.
The pomegranate juice gives the drink its gorgeous red color, and it adds a bright, drool worthy flavor. Once you add the rosemary honey syrup, it’s a home run. This drink is an instant Christmas classic.
10. Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Source: Halfbakedharvest.com
This tangy vodka and citrus combo will make your Christmas holly AND jolly. It’s zesty and sharp, and made with vodka, elderflower liqueur, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Top it with a splash of ginger beer and garnish it with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint. This sophisticated drink is totally going to be the star of your next Christmas Eve party.
11. Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
Source: Inspiredbycharm.com
This flavorful punch is just as fun as its name suggests. It’s bright and breezy and a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season.
You can put it together in just a few minutes with only three ingredients: cherry soda, vodka, and Champagne. Then you can spend the rest of the night entertaining like the pro you are.
12. Mulled Wine
Source: Cookieandkate.com
Classic mulled wine is one of the best things about the holiday season. It’s a very traditional drink that was popular in the Middle Ages to extend the life of stale wine.
This recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s super beginner friendly and includes festive spices like nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. It’s sweet, warm, comforting, and oh so delicious.
13. Winter Snowflake Cocktail
Source: Happyhealthymotivated.com
This is a dreamy, creamy cocktail made with Bailey’s Irish Cream and scented with cinnamon. If you serve this at your Christmas party you can totally skip dessert.
This is a milkshake, sundae, and pudding all in one cocktail that is sinfully scrumptious and wonderfully filling.
14. Christmas Moscow Mule
Source: Halfbakedharvest.com
I am always a huge fan of Moscow Mules, and this Christmas version is no different. It’s crisp, refreshing, and full of pomegranate flavor. And don’t let the jalapeños scare you off.
That’s where all the amazing spice comes from. If you’ve never had something like this before, it might be hard to imagine, but I promise that adding jalapeños to cocktails is a genius idea.
15. Eggnog Cocktail
Source: Mantitlement.com
Another must have for the holiday season is eggnog, a rich and creamy drink that’s usually served at Christmas or New Year’s.
You can use different liquors for the base, but this recipe uses vodka and amaretto for a deep, nutty flavor. Just shake it up, pour it out, and garnish it with some caramel sauce.
This boozy milkshake is a total dream.
16. Candy Cane Martini
Source: Boulderlocavore.com
Thanks to this recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of candy canes in a winter themed cocktail. It does take a little bit of planning, since the process takes up to three days, but I promise it’s worth it.
You’ll soak candy canes in vodka to infuse it with their sweet and minty flavor. Then you can drink it straight or use it as a base for a bunch of different Christmas cocktails.
17. Holiday Mai Tai
Source: Julieblanner.com
Fruity and refreshing Mai Tais are usually enjoyed on a tropical beach while soaking up the sun. This recipe adds a little bit of summer fun to your Christmas party with a holiday themed version.
With just four ingredients, it’s so easy to throw together. Have a couple of these to keep you warm on those chilly December nights.
18. Pomegranate Gin Cocktail
Source: Joyfulhealthyeats.com
This juicy cocktail is Christmas in a glass.
It’s made with gin, orange, pomegranate, honey, and fresh thyme, and it’s a smooth and delicious drink that goes down so easy. Maybe a little too easy.
19. Mrs. Claus Cocktail
Source: Kjandcompany.co
Poor Mrs. Claus. Her husband gets all the attention while she’s in the background mending socks and sweeping the elf factory.
This cocktail is a tribute to the woman behind the man, and it’s a delicious blend of peppermint schnapps and eggnog. So raise a glass to this festive hero.
And keep them coming because this cocktail is crazy good.
20. Peppermintini
Source: Harmonylynn.com
Appletinis, Crantinis, and now the Peppermintini! I would say this ‘tini’ thing has gotten out of hand, but I enjoy them so much.
The Peppermintini is a delectable mix of white chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and half and half. It’s rich, sweet, creamy, and full of invigorating minty flavor.
It is dessert in a glass, and I LOVE it.
21. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Source: Thespeckledpalate.com
Also known as a ‘Blizzard,’ this bourbon cocktail is total whiskey heaven.
It’s bright and tart, made with cranberry juice and lemon. So get your tastebuds ready for a zesty, mouth watering treat.