The Ultimate Guide to Festive Christmas Cocktails & Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delightful drinks! Whether you’re hosting a grand gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, the right beverage can truly elevate the festive spirit. This comprehensive guide offers a curated selection of Christmas cocktails and non-alcoholic holiday drinks designed to make your celebrations extra special. From sparkling mimosas to warm, comforting ciders, and everything in between, prepare to discover your new favorite sips, perfect for toasting to unforgettable moments this season.
Table of Contents
From timeless classics to inventive modern twists, this collection of festive concoctions promises to add a special spark to all your seasonal celebrations. We’ve handpicked recipes that are not only easy to master but also burst with genuine holiday cheer. Whether you’re craving something cool and crisp, a rich and creamy indulgence, or a warm and comforting mug, our list includes options for every palate and preference. Get ready to stir, shake, and sip your way through the merriest time of the year with these delightful holiday drinks!
Our Favorite Christmas Cocktails and Drinks
Peppermint Martini
Embrace the invigorating chill of the holiday season with this vibrant Peppermint Martini. Crafted with just three simple ingredients, this cocktail offers a delightful balance of crisp peppermint flavor and a touch of sweetness in every sip. It’s an elegant and festive twist on the classic martini, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a sophisticated after-dinner treat. The cool, refreshing taste makes it an ideal choice for ringing in holiday cheer, especially when garnished with a mini candy cane or a fresh sprig of mint.
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Christmas Margarita
Kick off your holiday celebrations with a festive and refreshingly unique Christmas Margarita! This merry libation is a wonderful departure from traditional rich holiday drinks, offering a zesty, fruity alternative that stands out. With vibrant pomegranate juice and a hint of fresh lime, it brings a bright, celebratory feel to any gathering. Whether you’re pairing it with holiday cookies or shaking up a large batch for a party, this margarita is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering a cheerful twist on a beloved classic cocktail.
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Christmas Gin
Infuse your holiday season with the delightful, homemade flavors of our Christmas Gin. This aromatic spirit is brimming with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, beautifully complemented by the bright zest of fresh orange. Requiring only 24 hours to infuse, it transforms ordinary gin into an extraordinary holiday sipper. Enjoy it simply over ice, allowing its complex notes to truly shine, or effortlessly incorporate it into your favorite gin cocktails to give them a unique and festive holiday spin. It also makes for a wonderfully thoughtful and personalized gift!
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Christmas Sangria
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a glass of stunning Christmas Sangria. This gorgeous chilled beverage is a delightful way to capture the essence of the holidays in a single sip. It strikes the perfect balance of crispness and fruity sweetness, making it incredibly refreshing and enjoyable for all. Loaded with seasonal fruits and a subtle touch of holiday spice, it’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, perfectly gracing any holiday table or buffet spread.
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Homemade Peppermint Vodka
Elevate your holiday spirits to new heights with this easy-to-make Homemade Peppermint Vodka! Infused with festive candy canes, this vodka transforms into a wonderfully minty and sweet concoction that’s absolutely ideal for crafting unique holiday cocktails. Imagine the possibilities – from a vibrant peppermint martini to a spirited hot chocolate. Beyond mixing drinks, this homemade infusion also makes for exceptional and personalized holiday gifts, allowing you to share a thoughtful touch of seasonal cheer with friends and family.
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The Best Homemade Eggnog
Nothing truly says “holidays” quite like a rich, creamy glass of homemade eggnog. This recipe for The Best Homemade Eggnog promises to spread cheer and warmth throughout the season with its comforting flavor. Simple to prepare, this robustly boozy and richly flavored drink is perfect for any Christmas gathering, whether intimate or grand. Its velvety texture and comforting blend of spices evoke nostalgic holiday memories, making it an essential part of your festive traditions. Serve it chilled, perhaps with a dusting of nutmeg, for a truly classic experience.
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Cranberry Spice Sparkler
Toast to the holiday season with this exquisite Cranberry Spice Sparkler! This effervescent cocktail is destined to become a beloved staple at all your festive gatherings. Brimming with the tartness of cranberry juice and an infusion of warm seasonal spices, it creates a celebratory drink that’s both wonderfully refreshing and comforting. Its vibrant red hue makes it visually appealing, perfectly capturing the spirit of Christmas. Easy to prepare in larger batches, it’s an ideal choice for effortlessly entertaining a crowd during the holidays.
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Hot Mulled Apple Cider (Non-alcoholic)
For those seeking warmth without the alcohol, our Hot Mulled Apple Cider is an absolute delight. This fragrant and comforting beverage combines the crisp sweetness of apple cider with a medley of warming spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves, all brightened by fresh orange slices. It’s the perfect companion for a chilly winter evening, offering a comforting aroma and a wonderfully cozy taste that appeals to all ages. Prepare a large batch to keep warm on the stovetop for guests, or simply enjoy a quiet mug by the fireplace.
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Aperol Negroni
Master the art of cocktail making with this simple yet sophisticated Aperol Negroni recipe. This refreshing and delicious blend of Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Its distinctive bittersweet flavor and vibrant orange hue make it an eye-catching choice for an evening cocktail or as the signature drink for your next gathering. While not exclusively a “Christmas” drink, its elegant presentation and balanced flavors can easily fit into a more refined holiday cocktail hour, offering a chic alternative.
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Classic Red Sangria
Hosting a party this holiday season? Look no further than this delightful and incredibly easy Classic Red Sangria recipe. A perfect crowd-pleaser, this Spanish-inspired concoction is bursting with fresh fruit and boasts just the right touch of sweetness. The deep, rich red color makes it visually appealing and fitting for festive gatherings, making it a fantastic choice for holiday entertaining. Prepare a large pitcher in advance, allowing the medley of fruit and wine flavors to meld beautifully, and watch your guests delight in this refreshing and flavorful punch.
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Pear Rosemary Gin and Tonic
Experience a wintery twist on a beloved classic with this Pear Rosemary Gin and Tonic. This sophisticated cocktail takes the familiar refreshing notes of a gin and tonic and infuses them with the delicate sweetness of pear and the aromatic, piney touch of fresh rosemary. The key to its balanced flavor lies in a simple syrup infused with these fresh ingredients, ensuring ample flavor without overwhelming sweetness. It’s an elegant and unique option for those who appreciate a nuanced cocktail, perfect for a cozy holiday evening or a festive dinner party.
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Cranberry Spice Manhattan Cocktail
The Cranberry Spice Manhattan Cocktail is a holiday favorite that is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. This exquisite drink reimagines the classic Manhattan with a delightful seasonal twist: cranberry spice-infused whiskey. The infusion lends a unique depth and festive aroma that truly makes this cocktail stand out during holiday happy hour. It’s a sophisticated and warming cranberry bourbon cocktail that perfectly embodies the rich, complex flavors of winter, offering an inviting and memorable sip for special occasions.
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Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate
Indulge in the ultimate winter comfort with a mug of Boozy Baileys Hot Chocolate. This creamy and rich concoction is the perfect warm beverage to cozy up with on a cold winter night, offering pure bliss. The generous addition of Baileys Irish Cream adds a luxurious depth and a delightful alcoholic kick, transforming a simple hot chocolate into an adult treat. Topped generously with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and perhaps a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, it’s an effortlessly easy and utterly decadent warm cocktail to savor during the festive season.
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Sparkling Holiday Brunch Punch
Make your holiday brunch truly sparkle with this delightful Sparkling Holiday Brunch Punch! This vibrant punch is the ideal blend of tangy, fruity flavors and an abundance of festive bubbles, guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and brighten any morning gathering. Combining refreshing juices with sparkling wine or champagne, it’s a celebratory drink that looks as good as it tastes. Easy to prepare in a large batch, it allows you to enjoy your guests without constantly mixing individual drinks, making it a host’s dream for effortless entertaining.
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Espresso Martini
Need a sophisticated pick-me-up for your next holiday cocktail hour? The Espresso Martini is your elegant answer! Made with simple ingredients, this perfectly balanced classic cocktail offers a rich coffee flavor with a smooth, invigorating kick. While enjoyed year-round for its stimulating qualities, its elegant appearance and energizing properties make it a fantastic choice for holiday parties, particularly after a decadent meal. It’s a chic way to keep the festive mood going strong and impress your guests with its bold, yet refined, character.
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The BEST Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate (Non-alcoholic)
Prepare to experience the ultimate in comforting indulgence with The BEST Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate recipe. This incredibly rich and creamy hot chocolate comes together effortlessly in your crockpot, allowing you to focus on holiday festivities while it simmers to perfection. You’ll truly never taste a better mug of chocolatey goodness! While delicious as a non-alcoholic treat for all ages, it can easily be “spiked” with a splash of rum, whiskey, or peppermint schnapps for an adult version, making it wonderfully versatile for any holiday occasion, from family gatherings to adult parties.
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Cranberry Boulevardier Cocktail
Introducing a festive and tangy holiday interpretation of a timeless classic: the Cranberry Boulevardier Cocktail. This version features an easy-to-make homemade cranberry shrub, which imparts a bright, tart, and deeply flavorful character to the drink. The shrub beautifully complements the rich notes of whiskey and vermouth, creating a sophisticated cocktail that’s both warming and invigorating. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-crafted, complex drink with a seasonal twist, perfect for special holiday evenings or sophisticated cocktail parties.
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Instant Pot Mulled Wine
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and taste of Instant Pot Mulled Wine to make a holiday feel complete. Also known as glühwein, this heartwarming beverage is incredibly simple to prepare using your Instant Pot, making it ideal for busy hosts. Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! This versatile recipe can also be easily adapted for a slow cooker or stovetop preparation, ensuring everyone can enjoy its fragrant warmth. Infused with aromatic spices and citrus, it’s a soul-warming drink that perfectly captures the essence of winter festivities.
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Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria
Sometimes you crave the festive flavors of sangria without the commitment of making an entire pitcher. That’s where the Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria shines! This ingenious recipe allows you to enjoy a perfect individual glass of holiday cheer, tailored just for you. Garnished with a charming sugar-coated sprig of rosemary, each sip will leave you feeling merry and bright, a truly personalized festive experience. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself during the busy holiday season or to offer a unique, thoughtful touch to a smaller, intimate gathering.
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Cranberry Mimosa
Brighten up your holiday brunch with a Cranberry Mimosa, also delightfully known as a Poinsettia cocktail! This festive take on the classic mimosa features a vibrant cranberry twist that adds both beautiful color and a wonderfully tart flavor. With just three simple ingredients—cranberry juice, a touch of orange liqueur (optional), and sparkling wine—these effervescent drinks are incredibly quick to prepare, taking less than 5 minutes. They are perfect for holiday breakfasts, festive brunches, or simply adding a touch of elegance to any daytime celebration, making them a holiday staple.
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Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Elevate your winter entertaining with a refreshing Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule! This festive cocktail is perfectly suited for your next holiday gathering or dinner party. Combining the zesty brightness of orange, the tartness of cranberry, and the spicy kick of ginger beer, it’s a dynamic drink that’s both invigorating and warming. Requiring only five ingredients, including vodka, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, allowing you more time to mingle and enjoy the festivities. Serve it in iconic copper mugs for that extra touch of holiday charm and to keep it perfectly chilled.
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Pomegranate Margarita
Brighten up any winter evening with the vibrant and delicious Pomegranate Margarita. While often associated with warmer months, the rich, jewel-toned pomegranate juice makes this cocktail a stunning and fitting choice for the holiday season. It offers a wonderfully balanced flavor profile: a touch of sweetness, a delightful tartness, and the classic tequila kick that keeps you reaching for another sip. This drink is an instant favorite for those who appreciate a fruity yet sophisticated margarita, making it an excellent addition to your festive holiday cocktail repertoire.
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Bourbon Manhattan
Discover the rich and smooth sophistication of the Bourbon Manhattan, a timeless classic perfectly suited for refined holiday evenings. Unlike traditional Manhattans made with rye, this recipe opts for bourbon, pairing its mellow sweetness beautifully with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. The result is a robust yet exquisitely balanced cocktail that is both comforting and elegantly strong. Serve it chilled in a classic coupe glass, garnished with a luxurious cherry, for that final, gorgeous touch that elevates any holiday celebration, making it a truly distinguished choice.
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Earl Grey Old Fashioned
Elevate your unwinding ritual with an Earl Grey Old Fashioned, an exquisite, tea-infused variation of the beloved classic cocktail. This sophisticated drink features bourbon infused with the rich, warm, and subtly citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea, creating a truly comforting and unique flavor profile. It’s the perfect drink to savor at the end of a long day, offering a tranquil yet refined experience. Ideal for cozy winter evenings, this old fashioned offers a delightful aromatic complexity that will appeal to both cocktail aficionados and tea lovers alike, making it a standout holiday choice.
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Holiday Barware Essentials for Perfect Cocktails
To craft these magnificent holiday cocktails and delightful drinks with ease and precision, a well-equipped bar is absolutely essential. Beyond the spirits and mixers themselves, having the right tools makes all the difference in mixing a perfect drink, ensuring professional-level results at home. Your basic cocktail setup should absolutely include a sturdy bar spoon for gentle stirring, a precisely measured jigger for accurate pouring, a quality cocktail shaker for perfectly chilled and blended concoctions, and a reliable cocktail strainer to achieve a smooth, pulp-free finish. A dedicated mixing glass and a robust muddler are also invaluable for incorporating fresh herbs, fruits, and spices, extracting maximum flavor. With these fundamental pieces of barware, you’ll be able to expertly prepare any of the sophisticated recipes listed above, guaranteeing consistently delicious results every time you entertain.
For those inviting warm, comforting holiday sips into their home, ensure you have a large stockpot, a classic Dutch oven, or a convenient slow cooker ready and waiting. These versatile vessels are perfect for simmering large batches of mulled ciders, spiced wines, and rich hot chocolates, keeping them warm and wonderfully aromatic for hours. This setup is ideal for serving a crowd at a holiday party, allowing guests to serve themselves. When it comes to presentation, a beautifully designed pitcher or an elegant copper punch bowl can serve as a stunning centerpiece on your holiday bar cart, making your beverage station both highly functional and visually appealing, adding to the festive decor.
Finally, selecting the right glassware significantly enhances the drinking experience, elevating both the taste and the visual enjoyment of your drinks. I particularly adore elegant coupe glasses for martinis and sophisticated sparkling sips, classic double old fashioned glasses for robust drinks served over ice, charming floral Moscow mule mugs for a festive and unique touch, and vintage-inspired Gatsby cocktail glasses for an extra dash of timeless glamour. Choosing appropriate and attractive glassware not only makes your drinks look more professional and inviting but also contributes immensely to the overall festive ambiance and joy of your holiday celebrations.
Festive Garnishes and Bar Cart Additions
Elevating your Christmas cocktails goes beyond just the liquid ingredients; the garnish and presentation play a crucial role in making them truly special and Instagram-worthy. These thoughtful additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute subtle aromatic and flavor notes, transforming any ordinary drink into a holiday masterpiece. Here are some fantastic ideas to try, turning every glass into a celebration:
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: This decadent and delicately spiced topping is a dream come true for hot chocolate bars, warm ciders, or even your morning holiday coffee. Its fluffy texture and warming cinnamon kick instantly evoke cozy holiday cheer.
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Swap out plain simple syrup in your favorite cocktail recipes for this fragrant, cinnamon-infused version. It’s especially wonderful in an old fashioned, a Manhattan, or even a vodka cranberry, adding a sophisticated layer of cozy spice and depth to the flavor profile.
- Cranberry Simple Syrup: Just like its cinnamon counterpart, this homemade cranberry syrup brings a beautiful tartness and a vibrant festive red hue. My friend Susannah at Feast + West shares an excellent recipe that I highly recommend for infusing a sweet-tart cranberry essence into your holiday cocktails.
- Sugar Cookie Syrup: How wonderfully festive and whimsical is this? Add a delightful touch of sugar cookie magic to your lattes, hot chocolates, or creamy holiday cocktails for a truly unique and nostalgic treat that tastes precisely like Christmas in a cup.
When it comes to fresh garnishes, always opt for ingredients that naturally complement the flavors of your drink while adding visual flair. Consider these vibrant and aromatic options for a stunning presentation:
- Fresh Cranberries: Their bright, glistening red color is quintessentially Christmas, and they add a beautiful tart burst of flavor when muddled or simply floated.
- Herbs: Sprigs of fresh rosemary, vibrant mint, or delicate thyme not only look beautiful but also release wonderful, festive aromas. A sugared rosemary sprig looks just like a mini frosted Christmas tree!
- Cinnamon Sticks and Whole Spices: These add a rustic, warming touch and a lovely, lingering fragrance, especially to hot drinks and darker spirits like mulled wine or spiced bourbon cocktails.
- Citrus: Orange, lime, and lemon can be used in various elegant ways – as neat wedges, delicate wheels, or artfully twisted peels. Their zest adds a refreshing counterpoint and vibrant color.
- Shaved Chocolate: A delicate sprinkle of shaved dark or white chocolate is the perfect indulgent finish for creamy, rich drinks like hot chocolate or espresso martinis, adding texture and flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A classic and beloved topping for almost any hot drink, especially when homemade and lightly sweetened, it adds a luxurious cloud of creaminess.
- Dash of Ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A final aromatic flourish for eggnog, mulled drinks, or any creamy cocktail, instantly adding an extra layer of spice, warmth, and visual appeal.
Perfect Holiday Drink Pairings
No holiday gathering is truly complete without a thoughtful selection of both delicious drinks and complementary food. Pairing your festive cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages with appetizers, main courses, and especially delectable desserts can truly elevate the entire dining experience, making it more memorable. For an extensive array of holiday-themed culinary inspiration to complete your feast, be sure to explore my comprehensive holiday recipes page! You’ll discover everything from savory entrées to delightful side dishes that perfectly complement these festive drinks, ensuring a harmonious menu.
If you’re looking for an effortless yet elegant way to start your holiday feast, a beautifully arranged Christmas cheese board is always a resounding hit. The diverse array of cheeses, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and crisp crackers offers a fantastic textural and flavor contrast to both sweet and savory drinks, making it an ideal pairing for anything from a sparkling brunch punch to a robust Manhattan. It caters to all tastes and sets a sophisticated tone for your meal.
For me, however, the holidays are undeniably synonymous with sweets and baked goods. Here are some cherished reader favorites that pair wonderfully with our selection of festive beverages, creating a truly indulgent experience:
- Christmas Shortbread Cookies: These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a quintessential holiday treat in our home. We adore dipping them in rich melted chocolate and topping them with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes. They’re simple, elegant, and pair beautifully with creamy eggnog or a refreshing peppermint martini. Really, any of your favorite Christmas cookies will work to spread holiday joy!
- Gingerbread Christmas Crack Candy: If you’re seeking an incredibly simple yet utterly addictive dessert or snack, this “crack” candy takes the classic to a new level. Infused with warming gingerbread spices, it offers a delightful crunch and a familiar holiday flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with mulled wine or a hot apple cider, creating a symphony of seasonal tastes.
- Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies: Everyone adores festive holiday cookies, and these chai snickerdoodles bring a unique touch of spiced warmth to your dessert table. Their soft, chewy texture and exotic spice blend make them a perfect companion for a creamy hot chocolate or a sophisticated bourbon cocktail, adding an intriguing depth of flavor.
- Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: For a cookie that’s both hearty and delightfully sweet, whip up a batch of these comforting treats. The tartness of cranberries, the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, and the satisfying chewiness of oatmeal make them a delightful pairing for a crisp cranberry mimosa or a flavorful festive sangria.
More Holiday Inspiration & A Special Thank You
As you meticulously prepare for your next holiday gathering or settle in for a blissful, cozy night of Christmas movies, I sincerely hope this extensive collection of festive cocktails and drinks provides ample inspiration for your seasonal celebrations. For even more seasonal recipes, ranging from delightful appetizers and savory main courses to show-stopping desserts, do not hesitate to visit my dedicated holiday recipes page. It is thoughtfully packed with creative ideas and trusted recipes to make all your celebrations truly memorable and undeniably delicious.
Finally, if you have the pleasure of trying any of these wonderful Christmas cocktail recipes, please consider taking a moment to leave a rating or a comment below! Your valuable feedback and insights mean the world to me, and I genuinely cherish hearing about your experiences in the kitchen. I always take the time to respond to every single comment, so please feel free to drop any questions you might have about ingredients, techniques, or potential pairings – I’m always here and eager to help make your holiday cooking and entertaining a joyous success.
Oh, and for an extra dash of holiday cheer and community spirit, be absolutely sure to tag me on Instagram if you make any of these delightful recipes! Seeing your beautiful creations come to life in your own homes is truly my favorite part of sharing these recipes. Your inspiring photos bring immense joy to my day and truly mean the world to me!