Let’s be real—holiday parties without cocktails? That’s just a meeting with twinkle lights. 🎄 Whether you’re the host(ess) with the most(est) or just trying to impress your in-laws (good luck), festive drinks are your not-so-secret weapon.
You don’t need to be a mixologist with a mustache and suspenders to shake these up. We’re talking delicious, easy, and Instagram-worthy cocktails that taste like holiday cheer in a glass. Some are cozy. Some are sparkly. All are absolutely worth the calories.
Ready to sleigh your Christmas party? Let’s do this—one merry drink at a time.
1. Peppermint White Russian
It’s like a candy cane met a grown-up and decided to party. This twist on the classic White Russian is creamy, minty, and ridiculously easy to sip.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz heavy cream or milk
- Crushed peppermint candy, for garnish
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps.
- Top with cream or milk and stir gently.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. Insta it before it melts.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s rich, minty, and basically a liquid dessert. Bonus: It looks super festive without any extra effort. Lazy garnish FTW.
2. Cranberry Mistletoe Mule
A holiday twist on the classic Moscow Mule—with a splash of tart and a pop of red. Oh, and it’s served in those shiny copper mugs. Yes, please.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill your copper mug with ice.
- Pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir.
- Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig that says, “I tried today.”
Why You’ll Love It
It’s refreshing with just the right amount of holiday flair. You can batch it ahead for guests—aka less time bartending, more time dancing to Mariah Carey.
3. Spiced Eggnog Bourbon Punch
Classic eggnog, but make it strong and shareable. This one’s for those of us who like our holiday drinks to taste like tradition—with a kick.
Ingredients
- 4 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups bourbon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Whipped cream (optional but… not really optional)
- Cinnamon sticks or grated nutmeg, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mix eggnog, bourbon, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is even better).
- Serve over ice in festive glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and a little extra spice if you’re feeling fancy.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for sipping by the fireplace. IMO, it’s also the fastest way to get Uncle Larry to stop talking politics.
4. Poinsettia Sparkler
Bubbly, bright, and so dang pretty. This one’s for those who prefer a lighter, elegant cocktail that still brings the cheer.
Ingredients
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- Champagne or Prosecco, to top
- Fresh orange peel or cranberries, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pour cranberry juice and orange liqueur into a flute.
- Top with Champagne or Prosecco (carefully—no fizz explosions).
- Garnish with orange peel or cranberries for ✨vibes✨.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s light, fizzy, and dangerously drinkable. Great for brunch or midnight toasts. Just don’t spill it on the white couch. Trust me.
5. Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned
Smoky. Sweet. Spicy. If Santa had a favorite cocktail, this would be it. This one’s got cozy winter written all over it.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- Dash of bitters
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Orange peel and cinnamon stick, for garnish
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a glass, stir maple syrup, bitters, and cinnamon.
- Add ice, then pour in the bourbon.
- Stir gently and garnish with orange peel and cinnamon stick.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s simple, bold, and feels like a warm hug (but in a glass). Ideal for whiskey lovers or those wanting to become whiskey lovers.
6. Sugar Cookie Martini
Basically dessert in a glass—but grown-up. This one tastes like those frosted sugar cookies we all pretend are “for the kids.”
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz Amaretto or Frangelico
- 1 oz half and half
- Frosting and sprinkles, for rimming
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rim a martini glass with frosting, then dip in sprinkles. Feel free to go overboard.
- In a shaker, combine vodka, Irish cream, Amaretto, and half and half with ice.
- Shake it like a polaroid picture.
- Strain into your glass and admire your masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s rich, creamy, and pure nostalgia. Plus, it doubles as dessert if the pie “accidentally” gets left in the oven too long. 😉
7. Mulled Wine (a.k.a. Christmas in a Pot)
This one’s a whole mood. Cozy, spicy, and made for sipping slowly while pretending you’re in a Hallmark movie.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (something dry, nothing fancy)
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 sliced orange
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- Optional: cranberries or a splash of orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine everything over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer (not a boil, or you’ll lose the booze—tragedy).
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Ladle into mugs and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
It smells like a Christmas market and tastes like one too. Plus, your whole house will smell amazing.
8. Grinchy Midori Sour
Bright green and a little mischievous—sound familiar? This one’s for anyone who wants something fun, fruity, and full of color.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Midori melon liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Midori, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake like you mean it.
- Strain into a glass over ice.
- Garnish with a bright red cherry—Grinch’s heart grew three sizes, remember?
Why You’ll Love It
It’s tart, sweet, and unexpectedly festive. The color alone makes it a conversation starter—just don’t blame me if you end up making a second batch.
Wrapping It All Up (Like a Good Present 🎁)
There you have it: 8 festive Christmas cocktails that’ll sleigh your party and your taste buds. Whether you’re into creamy dessert drinks, citrusy spritzes, or strong stuff that’ll warm your soul, there’s something here for every kind of holiday vibe.
The best part? None of these require fancy bartending skills or weird ingredients you’ll never use again. Just a little prep, a little shaking (or stirring), and a whole lot of holiday spirit.
So go ahead—mix, sip, and be merry. Your party deserves it. You deserve it. And hey, if all else fails, just top everything with whipped cream. It fixes most things.
Cheers, you festive legend. 🍸✨