The holiday season is usually all about cookies, pies, and cakes. But adults like us need a little something if you know what I mean? Well, at least, I mean delicious Christmas cocktails to spice up the night.
Elevate your Christmas party by bringing out a round of the most refreshing holiday cocktails for your adult guests. Each of these Christmas cocktail recipes contributes a unique kick that’ll make your celebration unforgettable.
These Christmas cocktails have unique flavors that match the season and holiday festivities. They’re easy to make and familiar, as they are special twists to classic cocktail recipes.
1. Holiday Peppermint White Russian
We’re starting our list of Christmas cocktail recipes with one perfect for lovers of candy canes and peppermint candies. Its flavor profile is a mix of Kahlua, vodka, and peppermint candy canes.
The actual drink consists of Kahlua, vodka, and peppermint schnapps. Kahlua is a famous coffee liqueur; thus, you can detect hints of coffee and rum. Pour the mixture into a prepared cocktail glass before topping it with milk.
So, where do the candy canes come in? Crush them, then mix them with sugar to rim cocktail glasses. The sugar and candies give a good look, texture, and sweetness.
2. Eggnog Cocktail
Our next holiday cocktail takes the spirit of a favorite Christmas eve beverage. Eggnog is a perfectly creamy and spiced treat, and so is this recipe. It takes such flavors and textures to create a sophisticated drink version.
You can use a classic or homemade eggnog recipe as a base, or if you have a fave boxed brand, go for that. Then, incorporate brandy, amaretto (or almond-flavored liqueur), vanilla ice cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon into the eggnog.
To serve, pour the drink into a martini glass rimmed with sugar. Sprinkle ground cinnamon for a simple look and added flavor.
3. Drunken Rudolph
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, probably had a very red nose after he had a couple of these delicious drunken Rudolph cocktails. They’re perfect for a holiday brunch, as it combines hot chocolate and booze flavors.
To make this creamy cocktail, you’ll need whole milk, hot cocoa mix, vanilla ice cream, Baileys Irish Cream liqueur, and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. Unlike many other cocktails that come cold and iced, this one is warm – just as a hot chocolate drink should be.
You can serve this in a simple, clear mug and top it with whipped cream, rosemary twigs, and a cherry.
4. Mistletoe Martini
Can’t find a way to bring your crush under the mistletoe? Bring it to them instead with this fun and colorful cocktail. This fruity drink is incredibly refreshing, just what you need to make a simple yet effective move.
The mistletoe martini consists of vodka, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. You can garnish it with cranberries and mint leaves. It’s perfect for those who prefer the classic cocktail over the usual creamy Christmas drinks.
So, what are you waiting for? Make yourself a mistletoe martini. Then, casually slide up and offer this drink when the Christmas music plays.
5. Classic Mulled Wine
One of the most popular Christmas drinks is the classic mulled wine. It’s an impeccable combination of red wine, festive spices, and fruity flavors. The rich, deep color beckons many sophisticated guests.
To make this perfect drink, you’ll need oranges, red wine, brandy, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. Red wine is the star of this show, so choose a brand and type carefully. Recommended red wines are Merlot, Zinfandel, and Garnacha.
Bring everything together in a pot and heat. Once done, serve in individual mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick, cranberries, and sliced oranges.
6. Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Every glass of a holly jolly cocktail is a fresh pop of flavor. Thus, if you want to bring the festive spirit to your house, ensure you have a round of these yellow-colored cocktails for your holiday guests.
To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, elderflower liqueur, and clementine or blood orange juice. For topping each glass, use ginger beer, pomegranate arils, and fresh thyme or mint. The red arils stand out against the yellow shade.
Meanwhile, the ginger provides sweetness and fizz. There are many layers to this drink’s textures and flavors, making it an entertaining treat for many.
7. Christmas Punch
If you don’t have the time or bartender to fix individual cocktails, here’s a helpful hack for holiday parties – Christmas punch. Put the punch bowl out there, and guests can ladle as much drink as they want.
This route is effortless, as you can prepare and fill a punch bowl in less than thirty minutes. Compared to making many glasses of different drinks, it’s easy to say this one’s a breeze.
To make this Christmas punch, you’ll need lots of ice, cranberry juice, sparkling wine, apple cider, ginger ale, dark rum or brandy, sliced oranges, and fresh cranberries.
8. Candy Cane Cocktail
Candy canes are a quintessential Christmas season icon. They’re hung on decks, tied with socks, and doled out by Santa Claus on the streets. Thus, you can’t have a Christmas party without a cocktail inspired by it.
To make this drink, you’ll need berry vodka, peppermint schnapps, white creme de cacao, grenadine, half-and-half, and crushed candy canes. It is a bright pink color, reminiscent of the red stripes that wind around our favorite Christmas candy.
Besides the sweetness and minty flavor, you get hints of chocolate and berries. To round it all up, rim your glass with crushed candy canes.
9. Gingerbread Martini
Nothing brings the holiday spirits more than the taste of gingerbread. From gingerbread men to houses, this soft, delicious cookie is a staple in fairytales and holidays. You can distill that distinct flavor into a martini!
The ingredients list for the gingerbread martini includes vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup, half-and-half, and ice. To rim the glasses, you can use graham crackers to get the feel and flavor.
Drink as it is to get that bold mix of alcohol and gingerbread. But if you want, you can garnish it with whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, or an actual gingerbread cookie.
10. Hot Buttered Rum
Growing up with the Harry Potter stories, I’ve wondered what butterbeer tastes like. If you’ve been wondering the same, this recipe answers our questions. Hot buttered rum is the perfect Muggle counterpart.
It’s also the best way to warm up a holiday party! This golden, sweet drink has a flavor everyone enjoys. The foam also gives it an exciting feel that makes the experience even more pleasurable.
To make the buttered rum batter, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, vanilla ice cream, and ground cinnamon. The rum drink calls for apple cider and rum. Combine the two elements, and enjoy!
10 Easy Christmas Cocktail Recipes
Give your party a kick with the best and easiest Christmas cocktail recipes!
Ingredients
Holiday Peppermint White Russian
Eggnog Cocktail
Drunken Rudolph
Mistletoe Martini
Classic Mulled Wine
Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Christmas Punch
Candy Cane Cocktail
Gingerbread Martini
Hot Buttered Rum
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a Christmas cocktail in 30 minutes or less!