15+ Festive Christmas Cocktail Recipes

As the Christmas season approaches, it’s time to dive into the world of Christmas Cocktail Recipes!

These festive alcoholic drinks are not just about the flavors; they’re about creating memories, sharing laughter, and enjoying the holiday spirit.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect drink to sip by the fire or need a signature cocktail for your next holiday party, we’ve got you covered.

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Christmas Cocktail Recipes

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a festive cocktail in hand? Our collection of Christmas cocktail recipes offers a delightful array of options, catering to every taste and preference.

We’ve put all of our festive Christmas cocktails in one place for you to peruse. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas Margarita, cranberry cocktails with rum, fun cocktails with candy canes, or a hot toddy for those cold winter nights, we have them here!

And don’t forget to grab a few Appetizer Recipes like our Christmas Butter Board, Smoked Salmon Bites, or Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon to enjoy with your holiday cocktail.

How about a batch of Gingerbread Cookies or Christmas Granola Trail Mix for something sweet. Or, to wow your guests, set up a Chocolate Charcuterie Board!

Festive Christmas Cocktails

Our Christmas drinks don’t stop at just spirited concoctions! Our delicious cocktail recipes also include mocktail versions, as well as how to make a big batch that’s perfect for holiday parties.

Our lineup includes everything from fruity concoctions with fresh cranberries and creamy cocktails with whole milk to warming hot drinks like hot buttered rum and invigorating peppermint-infused libations. 

Whether you need something traditional or something a little more creative, our recipes can help get you in the holiday spirit! So grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s make this holiday season the merriest one yet!

(Some cocktails may feature more than once, as I’ve split the list of holiday cocktails into categories.)

Christmas Rum Cocktails

Rum is produced in nearly every sugar-producing region of the world and comes in a variety of grades, from light to dark, as well as spiced and flavored rums. We love using rum in cocktails—it’s one of our favorite liquors to use!

If you love drinks with rum, you are sure to love these Christmas rum cocktails:

• Christmas Mojito Recipe with Rum and Orange – a festive twist on a classic cocktail!
• Rudolph the Reindeer Spritzer – made with Bacardi rum, ginger ale, orange juice, and cranberry juice and finished with fresh cranberry “red noses.”
• Frosty the Snowman – made with peppermint schnapps, vanilla rum, blue Curaçao, and Sprite.
• Naughty Elf Cocktail – made with spice rum, orange liqueur, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice. Don’t forget the candy cane garnish!
• Hot Buttered Rum Recipe – made with dark rum, brown sugar, spices, butter, and pineapple juice.

Christmas Vodka Cocktails

Vodka’s versatility makes it a staple for Christmas cocktails. Envision a chilled glass filled with a vodka cocktail garnished with orange slices or pomegranate seeds, ready to refresh any holiday party.

• Refreshing Peppermint Martini Cocktail – made with vanilla vodka, white Crème de Cacao, and peppermint schnapps and served in a glass with a crushed candy cane rim.
• Cranberry Moscow Mule Cocktail – a festive twist on a classic vodka drink, made with cranberry vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger beer.
• Cinnamon & Cumin-Infused Cranberry Vodka Spritzer – the spice-infused cranberry vodka is mixed with sparkling water in this Christmas cocktail.
• Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail – a refreshing drink made with citrus vodka, lime juice, and sparkling water.
• Reindeer Cocktail – a pitcher cocktail made with homemade cranberry simple syrup, vodka, and tonic water.
• Bright Green Grinch Mocktail – this is a kid’s mocktail, but you can turn it into a cocktail with a shot of vodka.

Christmas Cocktails with Gin

If gin is your favorite tipple, try our Christmas Gin Cocktail, which is made with homemade cherry juice, gin, and club soda. It’s another great Christmas pitcher cocktail.

Peppermint Christmas Cocktails

Peppermint is a classic Christmas flavoring, and these cocktails get the refreshing hit of peppermint in them.

• Frosty the Snowman – made with peppermint schnapps, vanilla rum, blue Curaçao, and Sprite.
• Refreshing Peppermint Martini Cocktail – made with vanilla vodka, white Crème de Cacao, and peppermint schnapps and served in a glass with a crushed candy cane rim.
• Creamy Peppermint Mocha Cocktail – peppermint schnapps, vodka, and white chocolate liqueur combined with milk and coffee creamer to create a deliciously creamy and cool drink.

Christmas Tequila Cocktails

Tequila isn’t just for summer! Infuse your festive drink lineup with some bold tequila cocktails. Even during the holidays, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere—so grab the tequila and make Christmas margaritas!

• Christmas Margaritas – made with gold tequila, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and ginger ale.
• Festive Cranberry Margaritas – made with tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

Creamy Christmas Cocktails

Creamy cocktails, like those made with Irish cream liqueur or heavy cream, are akin to a decadent Christmas dessert. These creamy concoctions are perfect for sipping on a cold evening, bringing warmth and joy.

• How To Make A Snowball Drink – another classic Christmas cocktail made with Advocaat, lime cordial, and lemonade – don’t forget the maraschino cherry on top!
• Creamy Peppermint Mocha Cocktail – a festive blend of peppermint schnapps, vodka, and white chocolate liqueur mixed with milk and coffee creamer for a luxuriously creamy holiday treat.
• Super Easy Eggnog Recipe – a creamy Christmas cocktail made with eggs, milk, brandy, rum, and spices.

Hot Cocktails

Nothing hits better on a cold winter night than a sip of a warming drink. Pair it with a Christmas pastry like Mince Pie Pinwheels, and it’s chef’s kiss!

• Slow Cooker Mulled Wine – a classic hot beverage, made with red wine, whole spices, citrus fruits, and sugar.
• Mulled White Wine with Rum – a twist on the traditional mulled wine using white wine and rum.
• Hot Buttered Rum Recipe – made with dark rum, brown sugar, spices, butter, and pineapple juice.
• Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider – can be made with (non-alcoholic) apple cider or hard cider.
• Hot Buttered Pineapple Mocktail – a non-alcoholic version of hot buttered rum.

Non-Alcoholic Festive Drinks

As much as Christmas is the time to be merry, there will be those who can’t or don’t drink. But they do not need to be left out of the festive cheer.

[Nearly] all of our cocktails have got non-alcoholic variations, and here are some Delicious, Easy-To-Make Christmas Party Mocktails to try.

And some additional drinks to add to your party menu.

• Delicious Gingerbread Latte Recipe for Cold Winter Nights
• Delicious & Decadent White Chocolate Mocha Recipe
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
• Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog Recipe (No Raw Eggs)
• Sparkling Cranberry Orange Ginger Christmas Mocktail Recipe

This Christmas, whether you’re reaching for a cocktail shaker or a punch bowl, remember that the best part of holiday cocktails is the joy they bring.

Each sip is a reminder of the festive season’s magic, the laughter shared, and the memories made. So, here’s to delightful Christmas cocktail recipes – your go-to for spreading holiday cheer!

The Create the Holidays series on The Purple Pumpkin Blog features free printables, crafts, recipes, and more for Christmas and the Winter Holidays. Check out Create the Holidays (formerly Create Christmas) from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

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