100 Festive Christmas Cocktails for Adults 

Set the merriest mood with 100 Christmas cocktails—from sparkling flutes for tree-trimming to cozy mugs for carols and creamy dessert sips for cookie swaps.

Whether you love a classic hot toddy, a peppermint-twisted martini, or something fun and fruity with bubbles, this festive drink list has something for every holiday moment.

Grab a reliable cocktail shaker, some pretty holiday glassware, and you’re ready to play home bartender all season long.

Standard single serve = ~5–6 oz total unless noted. Use fresh ice and chill glassware when possible. Always drink responsibly.

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Bourbon & Rye

1. Santa’s Maple Old Fashioned

This Santa’s Maple Old Fashioned is a cozy holiday spin on the classic, sweetened with a touch of real maple syrup and finished with a bright orange twist. It’s simple to stir together and perfect for sipping by the tree on Christmas Eve.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¼ oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Directions

1. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir with a long-handled bar spoon until well chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube from a large ice cube tray.
4. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, then drop it into the glass.

2. North Pole Boulevardier

The North Pole Boulevardier dresses bourbon up in a bittersweet holiday suit with Campari and sweet vermouth. It’s a sleek, spirit-forward sipper that feels perfect for a festive cocktail hour.

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel

Directions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Stir with a chilled mixing glass and bar spoon for about 20 seconds until very cold.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a big ice cube made in a large ice mold.
4. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it into the drink.

3. Candy Cane Whiskey Sour

This Candy Cane Whiskey Sour takes a classic sour and gives it a peppermint twist, plus a festive mini candy cane garnish. It’s tart, slightly sweet, and perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 1 drop peppermint extract
• Mini candy cane (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a single drop of peppermint extract to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until the shaker feels very cold in your hands.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice using a cocktail strainer.
4. Hook a mini candy cane over the rim for a cute holiday finish.

4. Holly Jolly Manhattan

The Holly Jolly Manhattan is a sleek, cherry-forward rye cocktail that feels instantly sophisticated. It’s a simple stir-and-sip drink that’s perfect for quiet holiday nights or dressed-up gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Luxardo cherry (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
2. Stir with a chilled bar spoon until the drink is very cold and diluted to your liking.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass using a fine-mesh cocktail strainer.
4. Drop in a Luxardo cherry to finish.

5. Gingerbread Old Fashioned

This Gingerbread Old Fashioned brings brown sugar and spice notes to a classic bourbon cocktail. A tiny pinch of ground ginger gives it that cozy, cookie-like flavor without being overpowering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¼ oz brown sugar syrup (1:1)
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Pinch ground ginger
• Orange peel

Directions

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the bourbon, brown sugar syrup, aromatic bitters, and a tiny pinch of ground ginger.
2. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled and blended.
3. Strain over a large ice cube into a sturdy rocks glass.
4. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

6. Reindeer Boulevard Highball

The Reindeer Boulevard Highball is a light, bubbly riff that brings together rye, Campari, and fizzy club soda. It’s refreshing and colorful, great for guests who want something tall and not too sweet.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz rye whiskey
• ½ oz Campari
• 4 oz club soda
• Orange wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey and Campari directly into the glass.
3. Top with chilled club soda and give it one gentle stir with a bar spoon.
4. Finish with an orange wheel on the rim.

7. Cranberry Sleigh Smash

The Cranberry Sleigh Smash is bright, minty, and full of holiday color thanks to cranberry juice and fresh mint. Served over crushed ice, it’s a fun, refreshing bourbon cocktail for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 6 mint leaves
• Mint sprig (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.
2. Add the bourbon, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ice, then shake until chilled.
3. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice made using a home ice crusher and strain the mixture over the top.
4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

8. Fireside Rye & Cider

Fireside Rye & Cider is cozy and simple, combining spiced apple cider with rye for an easy holiday drink. It’s great for when you want something to sip on without pulling out the whole bar kit.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz rye whiskey
• 3 oz apple cider
• 2 dashes bitters
• Apple slices or apple fan (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a sturdy rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in the rye whiskey, then add the apple cider and bitters.
3. Stir gently with a bar spoon just to combine and chill.
4. Garnish with an apple fan or slice on the rim.

9. Mistletoe Maple Sour

The Mistletoe Maple Sour is silky and foamy, with maple sweetness and a dusting of nutmeg on top. It’s a beautiful holiday sour that feels extra special served in a coupe glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz maple syrup
• 1 egg white (or 1 oz aquafaba)
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to a cocktail shaker without ice.
2. Dry shake vigorously to build a foamy texture, then add ice and shake again until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine-mesh strainer for a smooth finish.
4. Lightly dust the top with ground nutmeg.

10. Noel Hot Buttered Bourbon (Warm)

Noel Hot Buttered Bourbon is a cozy, mug-warming drink with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. It’s perfect for cold December nights when you want something rich and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz bourbon
• 4 oz hot water
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Pinch cinnamon

Directions

1. Pour the hot water into a sturdy heat-safe mug.
2. Stir in the unsalted butter and brown sugar until completely melted.
3. Add the bourbon and stir again to combine.
4. Finish with a pinch of cinnamon sprinkled over the top.

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Vodka

11. White Christmas Martini

This White Christmas Martini is silky, snow-white, and so easy to shake up for a festive holiday happy hour. Coconut, citrus, and vodka come together in a drink that looks like fresh fallen snow in a glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz canned light coconut milk (well shaken)
• ½ oz triple sec
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• Coconut flakes (for optional rim)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the vodka, shaken coconut milk, triple sec, and simple syrup.
2. Shake hard until the shaker feels frosty in your hands so the drink turns extra silky and cold.
3. If you’d like a “snowy” look, dip the rim of a chilled coupe in a little simple syrup and roll it in coconut flakes.
4. Strain the drink into the chilled coupe using a fine cocktail strainer and serve right away.

12. Cranberry Tinsel Mule

The Cranberry Tinsel Mule is a ruby red twist on a classic mule with a spicy ginger bite and bright lime. It looks gorgeous in a copper mug and feels extra festive with a cranberry and lime garnish.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Lime wheel

Directions

1. Fill a classic mule mug with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
3. Top with cold ginger beer and give it one quick stir with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few fresh cranberries on a cocktail pick.

13. Peppermint Bark White Russian

This Peppermint Bark White Russian is basically dessert in a glass, with creamy peppermint and coffee flavors. A crushed candy cane rim makes it look just like your favorite holiday bark.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1½ oz half-and-half
• 2–3 drops peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes (optional rim)

Directions

1. If you’d like a peppermint rim, dip a rocks glass in a little cream or simple syrup, then roll it in crushed candy canes.
2. Fill the glass with ice, then pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. In a small pitcher or measuring glass, stir the half-and-half with the peppermint extract, then gently float it over the top.
4. Give the drink one slow stir with a cocktail spoon to marble the layers.

14. Snow Globe Vodka Spritz

The Snow Globe Vodka Spritz is light, bubbly, and super photogenic in a tall wine glass. Lemon and soda keep it refreshing, so it’s great for holiday parties where you want something easygoing.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 3 oz club soda
• Lemon wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake until chilled, then strain into an ice-filled wine glass.
3. Top with cold club soda.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim.

15. Pomegranate Starburst Martini

The Pomegranate Starburst Martini is jewel-toned and tart, with pomegranate and lime giving it a pretty pink-red glow. It looks extra special poured into a coupe or martini glass.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• ½ oz Cointreau
• ½ oz lime juice
• Lime twist (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, and lime juice.
2. Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a cocktail strainer.
4. Finish with a lime twist over the top.

16. Sugar Plum Vodka Fizz

The Sugar Plum Vodka Fizz has a soft purple hue and gentle sparkle from soda water. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for guests who want a pretty, lower-alcohol option.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz grape juice
• ½ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 oz soda water

Directions

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, grape juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake until chilled, then strain over fresh ice in a tall highball glass.
3. Top with chilled soda water and give it one gentle stir.

17. Jack Frost Highball

The Jack Frost Highball is bright blue, minty-citrus, and totally wintery. It’s a fun, party-ready drink that looks like an icy snowstorm in a glass.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• ¾ oz blue curaçao
• ½ oz lime juice
• 3 oz lemon-lime soda
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, blue curaçao, and lime juice.
3. Top with chilled lemon-lime soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim.

18. Northern Lights Cosmo

The Northern Lights Cosmo is a holiday spin on the classic cosmopolitan with a glowy cranberry color. It’s simple to shake and always looks chic served “up.”

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz triple sec
• ½ oz lime juice
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until very cold.
3. Strain “up” into a chilled martini glass using a cocktail strainer.
4. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in.

19. Frosted Rosemary Vodka Tonic

The Frosted Rosemary Vodka Tonic is herbal, crisp, and incredibly easy to assemble. A fresh rosemary sprig makes it feel like a tiny Christmas tree in your glass.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 4 oz tonic water
• 1 rosemary sprig

Directions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and top with chilled tonic water.
3. Clap the rosemary sprig between your hands once to release the aroma, then tuck it into the glass.
4. Give the drink a quick stir with a bar spoon and serve.

20. Sleigh Bell Espresso-tini

The Sleigh Bell Espresso-tini is a perky nightcap with espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur, topped with a foamy layer. It’s perfect for holiday dinners when you want coffee and dessert in one chic drink.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz fresh espresso (cooled)
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• 3 coffee beans (for garnish)

Directions

1. Brew the espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker packed with ice.
3. Shake very hard to create a thick foam on top.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with three coffee beans floating on the foam.

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Gin

21. Evergreen French 75

The Evergreen French 75 is a bubbly holiday twist on the classic, with a pine-kissed rosemary aroma floating over bright lemon and gin. It feels elegant and festive, perfect for toasting around the Christmas tree.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• ½ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 3 oz Champagne or prosecco
• Tiny rosemary sprig

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake briskly until the shaker feels very cold, then strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
3. Top gently with chilled Champagne or prosecco, letting the bubbles rise up.
4. Lightly clap a tiny rosemary sprig between your hands to release its aroma and rest it on the rim or in the glass.

22. Winter Garden G&T

The Winter Garden G&T is crisp, botanical, and extra aromatic thanks to cucumber and rosemary. It’s a simple gin and tonic that looks beautiful in a balloon glass and feels perfect for holiday cocktail hour.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz gin
• 4 oz tonic water
• Cucumber ribbon
• Rosemary sprig

Directions

1. Fill a large balloon glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the gin, then top with chilled tonic water.
3. Use a vegetable peeler to create a long cucumber ribbon and tuck it down into the glass.
4. Lightly clap the rosemary sprig between your hands and add it as a garnish, then give the drink one gentle stir with a bar spoon.

23. Mistletoe Negroni

The Mistletoe Negroni is a classic gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth combo dressed up in a bold red suit. It’s bitter, balanced, and ideal for sipping slowly during holiday parties.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel

Directions

1. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir with a long bar spoon until very cold and slightly diluted.
3. Strain over a large ice cube in a sturdy rocks glass using a cocktail strainer.
4. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it into the drink.

24. Cran-Tree Gin Spritz

The Cran-Tree Gin Spritz is light, red, and perfumed with botanicals, making it a pretty option for holiday happy hours. Cranberry juice and soda keep it refreshing and easy to sip.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz soda water
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and cranberry juice.
3. Top with chilled soda water and stir gently with a bar spoon.
4. Drop a few fresh cranberries into the drink for a “tree ornament” effect.

25. Ginger Snow Gin Buck

The Ginger Snow Gin Buck is spicy and lively, with ginger ale and lime dancing over bright gin. It’s a super simple highball that still feels festive enough for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz gin
• ½ oz lime juice
• 3 oz ginger ale
• Lime wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
2. Add the gin and lime juice, then top with chilled ginger ale.
3. Stir once or twice with a bar spoon to combine.
4. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel on the rim.

26. Sugar Cookie Gin Sour

The Sugar Cookie Gin Sour tastes like a bakery twist on a classic sour, with vanilla syrup and a foamy top. A sprinkle of nutmeg makes it feel just like holiday cookies in cocktail form.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz vanilla syrup
• 1 egg white (or 1 oz aquafaba)
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, vanilla syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to a cocktail shaker with no ice.
2. Dry shake vigorously to build volume and foam, then add ice and shake again until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine-mesh strainer for a smooth, creamy top.
4. Finish with a light dusting of ground nutmeg.

27. Pom Garland Martini

The Pom Garland Martini is jewel-bright and lean, with gin, pomegranate, and a touch of dry vermouth. It’s a simple stirred drink that looks elegant on any holiday bar cart.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• ¾ oz pomegranate juice
• ¼ oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the gin, pomegranate juice, and dry vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir very well with a bar spoon until the drink is extremely cold.
3. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass using a cocktail strainer.
4. Garnish with a bright lemon twist over the top.

28. Frostbite Gimlet

The Frostbite Gimlet is icy, clean, and lime-forward, with just enough sweetness to balance the gin. It’s a simple shaken cocktail that feels crisp and refreshing during winter.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Lime coin (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a strainer.
4. Garnish with a small lime coin floating on top.

29. Golden Star Martinez

The Golden Star Martinez is rich and festive, somewhere between a Manhattan and a martini, with sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur. It’s a slow-sipping holiday cocktail that feels luxurious in a coupe.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz gin (Old Tom if possible)
• 1½ oz sweet vermouth
• ¼ oz maraschino liqueur
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir for about 25 seconds with a bar spoon until very cold.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a strainer.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink and place it on the rim or in the glass.

30. Silent Night Gibson

The Silent Night Gibson is savory, sleek, and martini-style, finished with classic cocktail onions. It’s a great option for gin lovers who like their holiday cocktails clean and bracing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• ½ oz dry vermouth
• 2 cocktail onions

Directions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the gin and dry vermouth.
2. Stir until the outside of the glass feels frosty and the drink is well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass using a cocktail strainer.
4. Skewer two cocktail onions on a pick and lay it across the rim.

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Tequila & Mezcal

31. Cranberry Sleigh Margarita

The Cranberry Sleigh Margarita is tart, bright, and perfectly festive for holiday parties. Cranberry and lime give it a vibrant red hue, and it’s delicious served over ice with a garnish of lime and cranberries.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila blanco
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ½ oz agave syrup
• Coarse salt for rim (optional)
• Lime wheel
• Fresh cranberries

Directions

1. If you want a salted rim, rub a lime wedge around the edge of a rocks glass and dip it into coarse salt, then fill the glass with fresh ice.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the tequila blanco, cranberry juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Shake well until the shaker feels very cold, then strain into the prepared rocks glass using a strainer.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few fresh cranberries on a pick.

32. Cider Claus Margarita

The Cider Claus Margarita is an orchard-meets-margarita moment, blending reposado tequila with apple cider, lime, and maple. A cinnamon-sugar rim and apple fan make it feel extra cozy and seasonal.

Ingredients

• 2 oz reposado tequila
• 1½ oz apple cider
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ¼ oz maple syrup
• Cinnamon-sugar mix for rim (optional)
• Apple slices for fan garnish

Directions

1. For a festive rim, mix cinnamon sugar on a plate, run a lime wedge around a rocks glass, and dip the rim. Fill the glass with ice.
2. Add the reposado tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake until well chilled, then strain into the prepared rocks glass using a strainer.
4. Fan a few thin apple slices and set them on the rim as garnish.

33. Winter Paloma Sparkler

The Winter Paloma Sparkler is citrusy and bubbly, with white grapefruit, lime, and tequila topped with fizzy club soda. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to batch for holiday groups.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz tequila blanco
• 2 oz white grapefruit juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• 2 oz club soda
• Grapefruit peel twist

Directions

1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila blanco, white grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
3. Top with chilled club soda and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit peel twist over the top.

34. Pomegranate Posada

The Pomegranate Posada is holiday-hued and lively, with tequila, pomegranate, and lime shaken into a jewel-toned cocktail. Served in a coupe, it’s a gorgeous, party-ready sip.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz tequila blanco
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz agave
• Lime twist

Directions

1. Add the tequila blanco, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and agave to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled and lightly frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a strainer.
4. Garnish with a lime twist curled over the rim.

35. Peppermint Cocoa Tequila

Peppermint Cocoa Tequila is an unexpected dessert sipper that combines cozy hot cocoa with reposado tequila and peppermint. It’s warm, rich, and perfect for curling up after a long day of holiday fun.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz reposado tequila
• 4 oz hot cocoa
• 2–3 drops peppermint extract
• Marshmallow (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the hot cocoa in a heat-safe mug according to package directions.
2. Stir in the reposado tequila and add 2–3 drops of peppermint extract, adjusting to taste.
3. Top with a soft marshmallow or a few mini marshmallows and serve warm.

36. Mezcal Midnight Carol

The Mezcal Midnight Carol is smoky and citrusy, pairing mezcal with lime, Cointreau, and a touch of agave. It’s a dramatic, grown-up cocktail that’s perfect for late-night holiday toasts.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz mezcal
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ½ oz Cointreau
• ¼ oz agave
• Orange peel

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the mezcal, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave.
2. Shake well until the mixture is very cold.
3. Strain “up” into a chilled coupe using a strainer.
4. Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

37. Pine Tree Ranch Water

Pine Tree Ranch Water is minimalist and refreshing, with tequila, sparkling mineral water, a squeeze of lime, and an herbal rosemary aroma. It’s a light, easy sipper that still feels festive thanks to the “pine” garnish.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz tequila blanco
• 4 oz sparkling mineral water
• Fresh lime wedge
• Rosemary sprig

Directions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila blanco and top with chilled sparkling mineral water.
3. Squeeze a wedge of lime into the glass and drop it in.
4. Lightly clap a rosemary sprig between your hands to release aroma, add it to the drink, and stir once with a bar spoon.

38. Cran-Canela Tequila Fizz

The Cran-Canela Tequila Fizz is all about cranberry and cinnamon, topped with sparkling soda for a light, fizzy finish. It’s a fun, holiday-flavored tequila drink with just a hint of warm spice.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz tequila blanco
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz cinnamon syrup
• 2 oz soda water
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila blanco, cranberry juice, and cinnamon syrup.
2. Shake until chilled, then strain over fresh ice into a rocks or highball glass.
3. Top with cold soda water.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for stirring.

39. Mistletoe Margarita Royale

The Mistletoe Margarita Royale takes a classic margarita base and crowns it with dry sparkling wine. It’s bubbly, bright, and perfect for holiday toasts when you want tequila instead of champagne alone.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz tequila blanco
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ½ oz agave
• 1 oz dry sparkling wine
• Lime twist

Directions

1. Add the tequila blanco, lime juice, and agave to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake until chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe using a strainer.
3. Top with about 1 oz of cold dry sparkling wine.
4. Garnish with a lime twist on the rim.

40. Fireside Mezcal Negroni

The Fireside Mezcal Negroni is smoky, bitter-sweet, and ideal for slow sipping on a chilly night. Mezcal steps in for gin to give this classic Negroni a deeper, fire-side flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 oz mezcal
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel

Directions

1. Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until the mixture is very cold and slightly diluted.
3. Strain over a large rock in a sturdy rocks glass using a strainer.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in before serving.

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Rum

41. Jingle Rum Punch (Single)

This Jingle Rum Punch is a classic red holiday rum drink that’s bright, citrusy, and super festive. It’s easy to shake up one at a time for Christmas movie nights or small holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz white rum
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Orange slice (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the white rum, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well until the shaker feels very cold in your hands.
3. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice from a standard ice cube tray and strain the punch over the ice using a cocktail strainer.
4. Garnish with an orange slice on the rim and serve.

42. Gingerbread Daiquiri

This Gingerbread Daiquiri tastes like a cookie-shop sour, with gingerbread syrup giving the classic lime and rum combo a cozy holiday twist. It’s smooth, simple, and perfect served in a chilled coupe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white rum
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ½ oz gingerbread syrup
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the white rum, lime juice, and gingerbread syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake hard for 10–15 seconds to chill and slightly aerate the mixture.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a fine cocktail strainer.
4. Dust the top lightly with ground nutmeg before serving.

43. Carols in the Colada

Carols in the Colada brings holiday colada vibes with coconut, pineapple, and cinnamon married with white rum. It’s creamy, festive, and so fun served over a mountain of crushed ice.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz white rum
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz cinnamon syrup
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and cinnamon syrup.
2. Shake until the shaker feels frosty and the drink is well combined.
3. Fill a tall glass with crushed ice made using an ice crusher and strain the mixture over the ice.
4. Finish with a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.

44. Spiced Rum Cider Spark

The Spiced Rum Cider Spark is an easy, crowd-pleasing drink that combines spiced rum, apple cider, and a dash of bitters. It’s a simple build-over-ice cocktail that tastes like fall and winter in a glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz spiced rum
• 4 oz apple cider
• 1 dash bitters
• Apple wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice from a standard ice cube tray.
2. Pour in the spiced rum and apple cider, then add a dash of bitters.
3. Stir gently with a bar spoon just until combined.
4. Garnish with an apple wheel and serve.

45. Cran-Coconut Sleigh Ride

The Cran-Coconut Sleigh Ride is snowy and light with a ruby cranberry pop. Coconut rum, cranberry juice, and bubbly club soda make this a refreshing, easy-drinking holiday highball.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz coconut rum
• 1½ oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz club soda
• Lime wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a tall highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the coconut rum and cranberry juice.
3. Top with chilled club soda and stir once or twice with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with a bright lime wheel on the rim.

46. Pomegranate Rum Sparkler

The Pomegranate Rum Sparkler is bright and bubbly, mixing white rum, pomegranate juice, and lime with a fizz of soda water. Pomegranate arils on top make it look like a glass full of tiny jewels.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz white rum
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• ½ oz lime juice
• 2 oz soda water
• Pomegranate arils (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the white rum, pomegranate juice, and lime juice.
2. Shake until chilled, then strain over fresh ice into a tall glass.
3. Top with chilled soda water and give it one gentle stir.
4. Sprinkle a spoonful of pomegranate arils over the top before serving.

47. Nutcracker Old Fashioned

The Nutcracker Old Fashioned brings molasses-maple warmth to an aged rum old fashioned. It’s rich, simple, and perfect for slowly sipping by the tree on a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 oz aged rum
• ¼ oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Directions

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the aged rum, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
2. Stir with a long bar spoon until well chilled.
3. Strain over a large rock into a heavy-bottomed old fashioned glass.
4. Express an orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, and drop it in.

48. St. Nick Swizzle

The St. Nick Swizzle is a minty, crushed-ice stunner with gold rum, lime, simple syrup, and spicy ginger beer. It’s layered, refreshing, and looks extra fun piled high with a mint crown.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz gold rum
• ½ oz lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 3 oz ginger beer
• 6 mint leaves
• Mint sprig (for crown garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a tall swizzle or highball glass halfway with crushed ice from an ice crusher.
2. Add the gold rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves directly into the glass.
3. Use a swizzle stick or bar spoon to swizzle the drink, churning the ice and ingredients together until the glass frosts.
4. Top with more crushed ice and pour in the ginger beer.
5. Finish with a fluffy “crown” of crushed ice and a tall mint sprig on top.

49. Hot Buttered Rum by the Tree

Hot Buttered Rum by the Tree is a classic warm treat with dark rum, a buttery brown sugar batter, and cozy cinnamon. It’s the perfect mug to wrap your hands around while you admire the Christmas lights.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz dark rum
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• 4–5 oz hot water
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a heat-safe mug, add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
2. Pour in the hot water and stir until the butter and sugar melt into a smooth “batter.”
3. Add the dark rum and stir again to combine.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for stirring and serve warm.

50. Holiday Mai Tai (Cran-Maple)

The Holiday Mai Tai (Cran-Maple) is tiki meets tinsel, combining aged rum, orange liqueur, lime, orgeat, and maple syrup. Poured over crushed ice with mint and lime, it feels like a tropical Christmas vacation in a glass.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz aged rum
• ½ oz orange liqueur
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ¼ oz orgeat syrup
• ¼ oz maple syrup
• Mint sprig (for garnish)
• Lime wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and maple syrup.
2. Shake well until chilled and combined.
3. Fill a tiki or rocks glass with crushed ice from an ice crusher and strain the cocktail over the ice.
4. Garnish with a fluffy sprig of mint and a lime wheel tucked against the glass.

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Brandy & Applejack

51. Yuletide Sidecar

The Yuletide Sidecar is an elegant citrusy classic with a cozy holiday feel. Cognac or brandy, Cointreau, and lemon shake together into a bright, refined cocktail that looks beautiful in a sugared coupe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz cognac or brandy
• ¾ oz Cointreau
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• Superfine sugar for rim (optional)
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Directions

1. If you’d like a sugar rim, run a lemon wedge around a chilled coupe and dip it into superfine sugar, then set aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the cognac or brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
3. Shake well until the shaker feels frosty, then strain into the prepared coupe using a fine cocktail strainer.
4. Express an orange peel over the top for aroma and drop it in.

52. Christmas Eve Brandy Alexander

The Christmas Eve Brandy Alexander is a silky, chocolatey dessert cocktail that feels like a grown-up milkshake. Brandy, crème de cacao, and cream come together in a rich sip topped with a dusting of nutmeg.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz brandy
• 1 oz dark crème de cacao
• 1 oz half-and-half
• Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and half-and-half to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake very hard until the mixture is icy cold and slightly frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a fine cocktail strainer.
4. Finish with a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg on top.

53. Applejack Sleigh Ride

The Applejack Sleigh Ride is crisp, appley, and just tart enough to feel refreshing. Applejack, lemon, and honey syrup make a simple sour-style drink that’s perfect over ice.

Ingredients

• 2 oz applejack
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
• Apple slices (for fan garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the applejack, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
2. Shake until well chilled, then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice from an ice cube tray.
3. Fan a few thin apple slices together and rest them on the rim as garnish.

54. St. Lucia Mulled Brandy

St. Lucia Mulled Brandy is spiced, soothing, and perfect for sipping warm on a cold December night. Hot cider, brandy, honey, and a cinnamon stick make this feel like a hug in a mug.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz brandy
• 4 oz hot apple cider
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Cinnamon stick

Directions

1. Warm the apple cider gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
2. In a heat-safe mug, combine the brandy, hot cider, and honey, then stir until the honey is dissolved.
3. Add a cinnamon stick for stirring and extra flavor, and serve warm.

55. Caroling Jack Rose

The Caroling Jack Rose is a jewel-bright sour made with applejack, real pomegranate grenadine, and lime. It’s tangy, vibrant, and looks so pretty served in a small coupe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz applejack
• ¾ oz grenadine (real pomegranate)
• ¾ oz lime juice
• Lime twist (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the applejack, grenadine, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a fine cocktail strainer.
4. Garnish with a curled lime twist over the top.

56. Noel Champagne Cocktail

The Noel Champagne Cocktail is a classic holiday flute that starts with a bitters-soaked sugar cube, a splash of brandy, and a pour of bubbles. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for toasting.

Ingredients

• ½ oz brandy
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 4 oz Champagne or prosecco

Directions

1. Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a chilled Champagne flute and soak it with Angostura bitters.
2. Pour in the brandy over the soaked cube.
3. Top slowly with chilled Champagne or prosecco, letting the bubbles rise around the cube.

57. Poinsettia Brandy Spritz

The Poinsettia Brandy Spritz is a cranberry-forward spritz with a hint of brandy and plenty of bubbles. It’s light, sparkly, and pretty served in a big wine glass over ice.

Ingredients

• 1 oz brandy
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz club soda
• Orange wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the brandy and cranberry juice.
3. Top with chilled club soda and give it one gentle stir with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with an orange wheel on the rim.

58. Gingerbread Milk Punch

Gingerbread Milk Punch is a spiced, creamy classic with a holiday twist. Brandy, dark rum, milk, and gingerbread syrup shake together into a cozy dessert-like drink over ice.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz brandy
• ½ oz dark rum
• 3 oz milk
• ½ oz gingerbread syrup
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the brandy, dark rum, milk, and gingerbread syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake until the drink is very cold and slightly frothy.
3. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass.
4. Dust the top with a little ground nutmeg before serving.

59. Winter Orchard Old Fashioned

The Winter Orchard Old Fashioned is an apple-brandy spin on the classic, sweetened with demerara syrup and rounded out with bitters. It’s simple, spirit-forward, and ideal for slow sipping.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple brandy
• ¼ oz demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the apple brandy, demerara syrup, and Angostura bitters.
2. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled.
3. Strain over a large ice cube in an old fashioned glass.
4. Express an orange peel over the top and drop it in.

60. Figgy Pudding Brandy Sour

The Figgy Pudding Brandy Sour nods to classic fruitcake flavors with brandy, lemon, and fig. It’s tangy, lightly sweet, and a fun way to bring fig flavor into your holiday cocktail menu.

Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz fig syrup or 1 teaspoon fig jam + ½ oz simple syrup
• Lemon coin (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the brandy, lemon juice, and either fig syrup or the combination of fig jam and simple syrup.
2. Shake well until the drink is nicely chilled and blended.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe using a fine cocktail strainer to catch any fig bits.
4. Garnish with a small lemon coin floating on top.

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Sparkling & Champagne

61. Poinsettia Sparkler

The Poinsettia Sparkler is a cranberry-and-bubbles classic that feels instantly festive. Orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and sparkling wine come together in a pretty ruby flute perfect for holiday toasts.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 3 oz Champagne or prosecco
• Orange twist (for garnish)

Directions

1. Chill a clean Champagne flute in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
2. Pour the Cointreau and cranberry juice directly into the flute.
3. Top slowly with chilled Champagne or prosecco, letting the bubbles rise.
4. Garnish with a thin orange twist curled over the rim.

62. Mistletoe 75

The Mistletoe 75 is a herbal holiday spin on a French 75, with rosemary syrup adding wintery aroma. It’s light, bubbly, and looks gorgeous with a tiny sprig of rosemary standing in the flute.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• ½ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz rosemary syrup
• 3 oz Champagne or prosecco
• Rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Directions

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until the shaker feels very cold, then strain into a chilled Champagne flute.
3. Top with chilled Champagne or prosecco.
4. Lightly clap a rosemary sprig between your hands to release the oils and stand it in the glass.

63. Snow Angel Bellini

The Snow Angel Bellini is pear-forward and elegant, a simple two-ingredient drink that feels extra special. Smooth pear purée and prosecco make a delicate, wintry twist on the classic bellini.

Ingredients

• 2 oz pear purée (fine strained)
• 4 oz prosecco
• Pear slice (for garnish)

Directions

1. Press your pear purée through a fine mesh strainer so it’s smooth.
2. Spoon or pour the pear purée into the bottom of a chilled flute.
3. Slowly top with chilled prosecco, letting it gently mix with the purée.
4. Give the drink one soft stir with a slim bar spoon and garnish with a thin pear slice on the rim.

64. Noel Spritz (Aperol-Maple)

The Noel Spritz is a bittersweet Aperol spritz with a cozy wink of maple syrup. It’s festive, bright orange, and perfect for holiday happy hours when you want something lower in alcohol.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Aperol
• ½ oz maple syrup
• 3 oz prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Orange wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Add the Aperol and maple syrup, then pour in the chilled prosecco.
3. Top with a splash of cold soda water.
4. Give everything a quick stir with a bar spoon and garnish with an orange wheel.

65. Cranberry Kir Royale

The Cranberry Kir Royale is a ruby-hued twist on the classic, combining crème de cassis, cranberry juice, and Champagne. It’s an easy, elegant flute that still feels fun and festive.

Ingredients

• ½ oz crème de cassis
• ½ oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz Champagne
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish)

Directions

1. Pour the crème de cassis and cranberry juice into a chilled flute.
2. Top slowly with chilled Champagne, letting the colors blend.
3. Drop a few fresh cranberries into the glass for a festive touch.

66. North Star Spritz

The North Star Spritz is a citrus-gold sparkling drink built with limoncello, prosecco, and a splash of soda. It’s bright, zesty, and perfect when you want something simple but special.

Ingredients

• 1 oz limoncello
• 3 oz prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Lemon wheel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the limoncello and chilled prosecco.
3. Top with a splash of cold soda water.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon and garnish with a lemon wheel.

67. Sugar Plum Fizz

The Sugar Plum Fizz is a purple-hued, playful drink that pairs gin and grape juice with prosecco. It’s simple to build and looks extra magical in a tall flute.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz grape juice
• 3 oz prosecco

Directions

1. Pour the gin and grape juice into a chilled Champagne flute.
2. Top with cold prosecco.
3. Give the drink one gentle stir with a slim bar spoon to combine without losing the bubbles.

68. Cran-Apple Holiday Spritz

The Cran-Apple Holiday Spritz is fruity, festive, and lower in alcohol, making it great for long holiday evenings. Apple cider, prosecco, cranberry juice, and soda water come together over ice in a stemless glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz apple cider
• 2 oz prosecco
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz soda water
• Apple slice (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a stemless wine glass with ice.
2. Add the apple cider, chilled prosecco, and cranberry juice.
3. Top with a splash of cold soda water.
4. Stir once or twice with a bar spoon and garnish with an apple slice.

69. Sleigh Bells Sbagliato

The Sleigh Bells Sbagliato is a bitter-bubbly cheer-in-a-glass, made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco. It’s built right over ice and is great for Negroni lovers who want something sparkling.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 3 oz prosecco
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth.
3. Top with chilled prosecco and give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
4. Express an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

70. Golden Carol Champagne Cocktail

The Golden Carol Champagne Cocktail is a simple, shiny flute built around a bitters-soaked sugar cube and a twist of lemon. It’s a classic, minimal-effort way to make your Champagne feel extra special.

Ingredients

• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 4–5 oz Champagne
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Directions

1. Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a chilled Champagne flute.
2. Soak the cube with a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters.
3. Top slowly with chilled Champagne, letting the cube fizz gently at the bottom.
4. Finish with a bright lemon twist expressed over the top and placed in the glass.

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Wine & Mulled

71. Classic Christmas Mulled Wine

Classic Christmas Mulled Wine brings all the cozy holiday market aromas right into your kitchen. Warm red wine with citrus, spices, and a touch of sweetness turns into the perfect drink for wrapping gifts or hosting a small gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup sugar or ¼ cup honey
• Whole cloves
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Orange wheels for garnish

Directions

1. Pour the red wine and orange juice into a large saucepan or small stock pot.
2. Add your sweetener of choice: either sugar or honey, along with a handful of whole cloves, a few cinnamon sticks, and several pieces of star anise.
3. Warm over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Don’t let it boil—just gently steam.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then ladle into heat-safe mugs using a ladle and garnish each mug with an orange wheel.

72. White Winter Mulled Wine

White Winter Mulled Wine is lighter and pear-kissed, perfect if you want something cozy but not too heavy. Dry white wine, pear juice, honey, and warm spices make a delicate, fragrant drink for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine
• 1 cup pear juice
• ¼ cup honey
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Pear slices for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the dry white wine and pear juice.
2. Stir in the honey, then add a few cinnamon sticks and several whole cloves.
3. Warm over low heat for about 15 minutes, making sure the mixture steams but does not boil.
4. Ladle into heat-safe mugs and garnish each with a thin pear slice on the rim.

73. Cranberry Red Sangria

This Cranberry Red Sangria is fruity, cold, and easy to make ahead for a party. Red wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and fresh fruit chill together into a festive pitcher everyone can scoop from.

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• ½ cup orange liqueur
• 1 orange, sliced
• Fresh cranberries
• Soda water (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Add the sliced orange and a handful of fresh cranberries to a large glass pitcher.
2. Pour in the red wine, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur, then stir with a long stirring spoon.
3. Cover the pitcher and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the flavors can meld.
4. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour in the sangria, and top each glass with a splash of chilled soda water if you’d like extra fizz.

74. Rosé Pomegranate Sangria

Rosé Pomegranate Sangria is a jewel-toned, slightly tart sangria that looks gorgeous in a clear pitcher. Dry rosé, pomegranate juice, brandy, and pomegranate arils make this feel like a chic holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry rosé
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• ½ cup brandy
• Pomegranate arils for garnish and texture

Directions

1. In a large clear pitcher, combine the rosé, pomegranate juice, and brandy.
2. Stir in a generous handful of pomegranate arils with a long stirring spoon.
3. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the flavors blend and the drink gets nicely cold.
4. Serve over ice in wine glasses, making sure to spoon some arils into each glass.

75. Fireside Glogg

Fireside Glogg is a deep, spiced Scandinavian-inspired drink made with red wine, ruby port, sugar, and warm cardamom and cinnamon. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for sipping by the fireplace.

Ingredients

• 3 cups red wine
• 1 cup ruby port
• ¼ cup sugar
• Cardamom pods
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves

Directions

1. Combine the red wine, ruby port, and sugar in a large heavy-bottomed pot.
2. Add a few cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and several whole cloves, then stir with a wooden spoon.
3. Warm the mixture over low heat for about 25 minutes, keeping it just below a simmer so the alcohol doesn’t cook off.
4. Strain out the spices using a fine mesh strainer, then ladle the glogg into sturdy heat-resistant mugs and serve hot.

76. Cider-Mulled White

Cider-Mulled White is an apple-forward mulled wine that feels a little lighter but still cozy. Dry white wine, apple cider, honey, and cinnamon warm together into a fragrant drink for holiday nights.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dry white wine
• 1½ cups apple cider
• 2 tablespoon honey
• Cinnamon stick
• Apple slices for garnish

Directions

1. Pour the dry white wine and apple cider into a medium saucepan.
2. Stir in the honey and add a cinnamon stick.
3. Warm over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a heat-resistant spatula. Avoid letting it boil.
4. Ladle into mugs and garnish with thin apple slices on top.

77. Pomegranate Wine Spritz

The Pomegranate Wine Spritz is a refreshing holiday red that takes just a minute to build. Red wine, pomegranate juice, and soda water come together over ice for a simple, easy-sipping spritz.

Ingredients

• 3 oz red wine
• 2 oz pomegranate juice
• 2 oz soda water
• Orange peel for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the red wine and pomegranate juice.
3. Top with chilled soda water and stir once with a bar spoon.
4. Express an orange peel over the top for aroma, then drop it into the glass.

78. Mulled Rosé & Cran

Mulled Rosé & Cran is bright, cozy, and a little lighter than traditional red mulled wine. Rosé warms with cranberry juice, sugar, and cinnamon for a pretty pink mug of holiday comfort.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rosé wine
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• Cinnamon stick
• Fresh cranberries for garnish

Directions

1. Add the rosé wine, cranberry juice, and sugar to a medium saucepan.
2. Drop in a cinnamon stick and stir with a wooden spoon.
3. Warm gently for about 15 minutes over low heat, making sure the mixture steams but does not come to a full simmer.
4. Serve warm in mugs and add a few fresh cranberries to float on top.

79. Apple Cider Wine Cooler

The Apple Cider Wine Cooler is cold, crisp, and easy to sip during a holiday happy hour. Dry white wine, apple cider, and soda water are poured over ice for a refreshing cooler with a fall-meets-winter flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 oz dry white wine
• 2 oz apple cider
• 2 oz soda water
• Apple slices for a fan garnish

Directions

1. Fill a stemless wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dry white wine and apple cider.
3. Top with chilled soda water and stir gently with a bar spoon.
4. Fan a few thin apple slices together and nestle them on the rim for garnish.

80. Christmas Eve Lambrusco Spritz

The Christmas Eve Lambrusco Spritz is a bubbly red delight with just a kiss of orange and fizz. Dry Lambrusco, orange liqueur, and soda water are built over ice for a festive, easy-drinking spritz.

Ingredients

• 4 oz dry Lambrusco
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1 oz soda water
• Orange twist for garnish

Directions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the chilled Lambrusco and orange liqueur.
3. Top with a splash of cold soda water and stir gently with a bar spoon.
4. Garnish with a long orange twist expressed over the top for a pretty, aromatic finish.

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Creamy/Dessert

81. Gingerbread Cookie Flip

The Gingerbread Cookie Flip is a rich, spiced custard-style sip that tastes like a gingerbread cookie in a glass. Bourbon or brandy, gingerbread syrup, cream, and an optional egg yolk make this feel extra luxurious for cozy holiday nights.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz bourbon or brandy
• ½ oz gingerbread syrup
• ¾ oz half-and-half
• 1 small egg yolk (optional)
• Fresh nutmeg for grating on top

Directions

1. Add the bourbon or brandy, gingerbread syrup, half-and-half, and optional egg yolk to a cocktail shaker with no ice.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 10–15 seconds to emulsify the cream and egg yolk.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until very cold and frothy.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine cocktail strainer.
5. Grate a little fresh nutmeg on top before serving.

82. Peppermint Bark Martini

The Peppermint Bark Martini is a candy-cane-inspired dessert cocktail with creamy chocolate and cool peppermint. It’s a fun holiday drink that looks extra festive with a crushed candy cane rim and a mini candy cane garnish.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• 1 oz half-and-half
• 2–3 drops peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes (optional rim)
• Mini candy cane for garnish

Directions

1. If you want a candy rim, run the rim of a chilled martini glass with a bit of water or cream and dip into a plate of crushed candy cane.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, white crème de cacao, half-and-half, and peppermint extract.
3. Shake very hard until the shaker feels icy cold.
4. Strain into the prepared martini glass using a strainer.
5. Hook a mini candy cane on the rim to finish.

83. Eggnog Espresso Martini

The Eggnog Espresso Martini combines creamy eggnog with bold espresso and vodka for a fun holiday buzz. It’s a great dessert or after-dinner drink when you want something cozy with a little caffeine kick.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz chilled espresso
• 1 oz eggnog
• ¼ oz simple syrup
• Ground nutmeg for garnish

Directions

1. Brew a shot of espresso and let it cool slightly in a small espresso cup.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, cooled espresso, eggnog, and simple syrup.
3. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds to create a nice foam.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Finish with a small pinch of ground nutmeg on top.

84. Sugar Cookie White Russian

The Sugar Cookie White Russian is a cozy, vanilla-cookie twist on the classic cocktail. Vodka, coffee liqueur, and a creamy vanilla layer make this taste like a spiked sugar cookie in a glass.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1½ oz half-and-half
• ½ oz vanilla syrup
• Sugar crystals or sprinkles for topping

Directions

1. Fill a short rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. In a small mixing cup, stir together the half-and-half and vanilla syrup.
4. Gently float the vanilla cream mixture over the back of a bar spoon onto the drink, then give it one slow stir.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar crystals or sprinkles on top.

85. Chocolate Orange Nightcap

The Chocolate Orange Nightcap is silky and rich, with brandy, dark chocolate, and orange liqueur giving strong “chocolate orange candy” vibes. It’s an elegant sipper to end the night.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz brandy
• 1 oz dark crème de cacao
• ½ oz orange liqueur
• Orange peel for garnish (flamed if you like)

Directions

1. Add the brandy, dark crème de cacao, and orange liqueur to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir with a long bar spoon for about 20 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or small Nick & Nora glass.
4. Express an orange peel over the surface; if you’re comfortable, you can briefly flame it with a kitchen torch for extra aroma, then drop it in.

86. Maple Cream Toddy

The Maple Cream Toddy is a sweet, soothing warm drink with Irish whiskey, hot milk, and maple syrup. It’s simple to make in a mug and perfect when you want something cozy but not too heavy.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Irish whiskey
• 4 oz hot milk
• ½ oz maple syrup
• Ground nutmeg for garnish

Directions

1. Warm the milk gently in a small saucepan or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
2. In a heat-safe mug, combine the Irish whiskey and maple syrup.
3. Pour in the hot milk and stir with a spoon until everything is combined.
4. Top with a light sprinkle of ground nutmeg before serving warm.

87. White Christmas Grasshopper

The White Christmas Grasshopper is a mint-chocolate cloud in a glass. White crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream shake into a pale, silky dessert cocktail topped with shaved chocolate.

Ingredients

• 1 oz crème de menthe (white)
• 1 oz crème de cacao (white)
• 1½ oz half-and-half
• Chocolate bar for shaving on top

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the white crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and half-and-half.
2. Shake very cold until the shaker frosts.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Use a small peeler to shave a bit of chocolate bar over the top.

88. Toasted Marshmallow Cocoa Martini

The Toasted Marshmallow Cocoa Martini tastes like a grown-up campfire cocoa. Vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream get shaken and poured into a graham-rimmed glass, then topped with a tiny toasted marshmallow.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz vodka
• 1 oz chocolate liqueur
• 1 oz cream
• Graham cracker crumbs for rim
• Mini marshmallow on a cocktail pick

Directions

1. Dip the rim of a chilled coupe glass in a little cream or chocolate syrup, then into a plate of graham cracker crumbs.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, chocolate liqueur, and cream.
3. Shake well until very cold and smooth.
4. Strain into the prepared coupe.
5. Skewer a mini marshmallow on a cocktail pick, lightly toast it with a kitchen torch, and lay it across the rim.

89. Sugarplum Milk Punch

Sugarplum Milk Punch is light and creamy with soft vanilla notes and a gentle brandy warmth. Served over ice, it’s an easy, old-fashioned style cocktail that feels very holiday-ready.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz brandy
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 3 oz milk
• 2 dashes vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg for garnish

Directions

1. Add the brandy, simple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
3. Strain over fresh ice into a short rocks glass.
4. Dust the top with a little ground nutmeg and serve.

90. Snowed-In Irish Cream Coffee

Snowed-In Irish Cream Coffee is a creamy holiday coffee drink that’s perfect for slow mornings or after-dinner sipping. Irish cream, hot coffee, and a splash of Irish whiskey get topped with whipped cream and cocoa.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Irish cream liqueur
• 4 oz hot coffee
• ½ oz Irish whiskey (optional)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Directions

1. Brew a fresh cup of hot coffee using your favorite coffee maker.
2. In a heat-safe mug, combine the Irish cream liqueur and optional Irish whiskey.
3. Pour in the hot coffee and stir with a spoon.
4. Top generously with whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder.

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Hot Toddies & Warm Mugs

91. Classic Christmas Hot Toddy

The Classic Christmas Hot Toddy is simple, cozy, and perfect for sipping on a cold night. Warm lemon, honey, and whiskey come together with hot water for a soothing holiday mug.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz whiskey (any)
• ½ oz lemon juice
• ½ oz honey
• 4 oz hot water
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Directions

1. Heat water until hot but not boiling, using a kettle or small saucepan.
2. In a heat-safe mug, add the honey and lemon juice, then pour in the hot water.
3. Stir with a spoon until the honey fully dissolves.
4. Add the whiskey and give it one more gentle stir.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim and serve warm.

92. Mulled Cider & Rum

The Mulled Cider & Rum tastes like a cozy orchard in winter. Hot apple cider, dark or spiced rum, and a cinnamon stick make a simple warming drink for holiday evenings.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz dark or spiced rum
• 5 oz hot apple cider
• Cinnamon stick

Directions

1. Gently warm the apple cider in a small saucepan or microwave-safe cup until hot.
2. Pour the hot cider into a heat-safe mug.
3. Add the dark or spiced rum and stir with a cinnamon stick.
4. Leave the cinnamon stick in the mug for extra flavor as you sip.

93. Pomegranate Toddy

The Pomegranate Toddy is a jewel-toned warm drink with tart pomegranate, soothing honey, and bourbon. It’s a pretty twist on a hot toddy that still feels classic and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz bourbon
• 3 oz hot water
• 2 oz pomegranate juice
• ½ oz honey
• Lemon peel for garnish

Directions

1. Heat water until hot, then pour 3 oz into a heat-safe mug.
2. Stir in the honey until it dissolves completely.
3. Add the bourbon and pomegranate juice, then stir again.
4. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the mug to release the oils and drop it in.

94. Gingerbread Whiskey Warmer

The Gingerbread Whiskey Warmer is spiced and soothing, with rye and gingerbread syrup blended into hot water. It’s a cozy, simple drink that tastes like a gingerbread cookie in a mug.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz rye whiskey
• 4 oz hot water
• ½ oz gingerbread syrup
• Cinnamon stick for serving

Directions

1. Pour the hot water into a heat-safe mug.
2. Stir in the gingerbread syrup until fully combined.
3. Add the rye whiskey and stir again with a spoon.
4. Drop in a cinnamon stick for a little extra spice as you sip.

95. Peppermint Cocoa with Schnapps

Peppermint Cocoa with Schnapps is minty, rich, and perfect for holiday movie nights. Hot cocoa gets a boost from peppermint schnapps and an optional splash of vodka, then finishes with whipped cream and crushed candy cane.

Ingredients

• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 5 oz hot cocoa
• ½ oz vodka (optional)
• Whipped cream
• Crushed candy cane for topping

Directions

1. Prepare hot cocoa according to package directions using your favorite mug.
2. Add the peppermint schnapps and, if using, the vodka to a heat-safe mug.
3. Pour the hot cocoa over the spirits and stir with a spoon.
4. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.

96. Chai-Spiced Hot Buttered Bourbon

Chai-Spiced Hot Buttered Bourbon is a cozy mash-up of chai tea and hot buttered bourbon. Spiced tea, butter, brown sugar, and bourbon melt together into a rich, fragrant mug.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz bourbon
• 5 oz hot chai tea
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Star anise for garnish

Directions

1. Brew a strong cup of chai tea and measure out 5 oz into a heat-safe mug.
2. Add the unsalted butter and brown sugar and stir until they melt into the hot chai.
3. Pour in the bourbon and stir again.
4. Drop a piece of star anise on top for a fragrant garnish.

97. Mulled White Wine Toddy

The Mulled White Wine Toddy is light, aromatic, and a nice way to repurpose leftover mulled white wine. A splash of brandy adds extra warmth to each cozy mug.

Ingredients

• 4 oz hot mulled white wine (see #72)
• 1 oz brandy
• Pear slice for garnish

Directions

1. Warm your prepared mulled white wine in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling.
2. Pour 4 oz into a heat-safe mug, then add the brandy.
3. Stir gently with a spoon to combine.
4. Garnish the mug with a thin pear slice on the rim or floating on top.

98. Cran-Orange Grog

Cran-Orange Grog is a tart, soothing warm drink with dark rum, cranberry, and orange. It’s an easy, fruity option when you want something cozy that isn’t too heavy.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz dark rum
• 3 oz hot water
• 1½ oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz orange juice
• Orange wheel for garnish

Directions

1. Pour the dark rum, cranberry juice, and orange juice into a heat-safe mug.
2. Add the hot water and stir well with a spoon.
3. Garnish with an orange wheel and serve warm.

99. Maple-Apple Hot Whiskey

Maple-Apple Hot Whiskey is comforting and balanced, with apple cider and maple syrup rounding out Irish whiskey. It’s a gently sweet warm drink that feels perfect for a snowy evening.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz Irish whiskey
• 4 oz hot apple cider
• ½ oz maple syrup
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

1. Warm the apple cider in a small saucepan until hot.
2. Pour the hot cider into a heat-safe mug and stir in the maple syrup.
3. Add the Irish whiskey and stir again.
4. Drop in a cinnamon stick and serve hot.

100. Silent Night Amaretto Coffee

Silent Night Amaretto Coffee is a dessert-like ending to the evening. Hot coffee, sweet amaretto, and a float of cream come together in a simple, cozy holiday mug.

Ingredients

• 1½ oz amaretto
• 4 oz hot coffee
• ½ oz cream
• Nutmeg for grating on top

Directions

1. Brew fresh coffee with your favorite coffee maker.
2. Pour the amaretto into a heat-safe coffee mug and top with the hot coffee.
3. Carefully float the cream over the back of a spoon so it sits on top instead of mixing in.
4. Finish with a light grate of nutmeg and serve without stirring for that layered look.

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FAQ

What basic tools do I need to make these Christmas cocktails at home?

You don’t need a full bar to mix these Christmas cocktails, but a few basics make things easier. A good cocktail shaker set, a jigger for measuring, and a sturdy bar spoon will cover most recipes. It also helps to have a small citrus juicer for fresh lemon and lime juice.

Can I batch any of these Christmas cocktails for a party?

Yes, many of these Christmas cocktails can be scaled up, especially sangrias, spritzes, and anything built in a pitcher. Use a large glass drink dispenser or big pitcher, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, and chill with plenty of ice. Add any sparkling wine or soda right before serving and keep cups and a ladle nearby so guests can help themselves.

How can I make non-alcoholic versions of these Christmas drinks?

To turn Christmas cocktails into mocktails, swap liquor for flavored syrups, juices, or zero-proof spirits. For example, use non-alcoholic gin or whiskey alternatives, or replace sparkling wine with sparkling juice. Keep the same garnishes—like sugared cranberries, citrus wheels, and cinnamon sticks—so the mocktails still feel festive and special.

What kind of glassware is best for these Christmas cocktails?

Different Christmas cocktails shine in different glasses, but you can absolutely mix and match. Bubbly drinks look great in Champagne flutes, creamy dessert sips are perfect in small coupes, and hot cocktails need sturdy Irish coffee mugs. If you’re keeping it simple, a pack of classic rocks glasses will work for most recipes.

Do I really need fresh citrus and garnishes for Christmas cocktails?

Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor and presentation, especially for holiday drinks. Keep a few lemons, oranges, and a bag of cranberries on hand, plus pantry staples like cinnamon sticks and star anise. Even one pretty garnish on top instantly makes a Christmas cocktail feel more festive.

How can I keep guests’ Christmas cocktails cold (or hot) during a party?

For chilled drinks, use lots of fresh ice from a large ice cube tray or sphere ice molds, and rotate a few wine or Champagne chillers on the table. For hot cocktails like mulled wine and toddies, a slow cooker or small warming pot on the “hot drinks” station helps keep everything warm and ready to ladle into mugs.

Hosting Notes & Last Sips

• Prep smart: Pre-juice citrus, label squeeze bottles (simple syrup, maple, gingerbread syrup) and chill glassware.
• Ice matters: Big cubes for spirit-forward drinks, crushed for tiki—grab a large-cube mold and a crushed ice tray.
• Bubbles last: Add soda/tonic or sparkling wine at service for max fizz.
• Tools upgrade: A good shaker, jigger, and fine strainer make cleaner, faster pours.

From sparkling poinsettias to gingerbread sours, mulled mugs, and creamy dessert nightcaps, this collection covers every festive moment—tree trimming, cookie exchange, dinner toast, and fireside lounging. Cheers—and please enjoy responsibly.