Blog
Shake Up Your Holiday Spirit with These 11 Festive Christmas Cocktails
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive cocktail in hand? Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to indulge in some Christmas cheer, these tantalizing concoctions are sure to shake up your holiday spirit!
Imagine sipping on a rich and creamy Eggnog Martini, with its velvety texture and hints of nutmeg dancing on your taste buds. Or perhaps the aromatic aroma of a Spiced Cranberry Mule, with its tangy cranberry juice and warm notes of cinnamon, is more your style. Whatever your preference, the world of Christmas cocktails offers a wide array of options to suit every palate.
We will explore the best Christmas cocktails that are guaranteed to impress your guests and elevate your holiday celebrations. From traditional favorites to modern twists, you’ll discover a treasure trove of creative libations to add a touch of sparkle to your festivities. So grab your shaker, don your apron, and get ready to embark on a merry mixology adventure as we shake up your holiday spirit with these festive Christmas cocktails. It’s time to toast to the most wonderful time of the year!
Exploring the World of Christmas Cocktails
Christmas cocktails are more than just drinks; they are an expression of joy and creativity. Each sip tells a story, capturing the essence of the holiday season. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or crave something new and innovative, there is something for everyone.
One popular choice during this time of year is the Eggnog Martini. This creamy concoction combines the richness of eggnog with the smoothness of vodka or rum, creating a velvety texture that is pure indulgence. Sprinkle some nutmeg on top, and you have yourself a holiday masterpiece.
Eggnogg Martini
45 ml Vanilla vodka
15 ml Amaretto
60 ml Eggnog
Ice
Chocolate shavings, simple syrup, and cinnamon sugar to garnish
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing and tangy, try a Spiced Cranberry Mule. This twist on the classic Moscow Mule adds cranberry juice and spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a festive flavor profile that will awaken your taste buds.
Spiced Cranberry Mule
10 dried cranberries
5 fresh mint leaves
15 ml lime juice
45 ml cranberry juice
45 ml spiced vodka
75 ml ginger beeras needed
1 lime wedge, for garnish
ice
For those who enjoy bold flavors, consider trying a Peppermint White Russian. This minty delight combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint schnapps for an irresistible combination that will leave you feeling merry and bright.
Peppermint White Russian
60ml vodka
30ml coffee liqueur (eg Kahlua)
30ml single cream
Freshly grated nutmeg
Traditional Favorites: Classic Christmas Cocktails
When it comes to Christmas cocktails, there are certain classics that have stood the test of time. These beloved recipes have been passed down through generations, bringing comfort and joy to countless holiday gatherings.
The first on our list is the iconic Mulled Wine. This warm and aromatic drink is made by simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. The result is a cozy beverage that will warm you from the inside out.
Mulled Wine
750ml bottle red wine
1 large cinnamon stick, or 2 small ones
2 star anise
4 cloves
2 strips orange peel
4 tbsp caster sugar
Another timeless favorite is the Hot Buttered Rum. This comforting cocktail combines dark rum with a mixture of butter, sugar, and spices to create a velvety smooth drink that is perfect for sipping by the fireplace.
Hot Buttered Rum
1 tbsp soft light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
100ml dark rum
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cinnamon sticks, to serve
No list of classic Christmas cocktails would be complete without mentioning the Old Fashioned. This timeless cocktail combines whiskey or bourbon with bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus for a sophisticated drink that never goes out of style.
Old Fashioned
2 tsp sugar syrup or 1 tsp granulated sugar
1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
splash of water
60ml Scotch whisky or bourbon
soda water (optional)
orange slice
Modern Twists: Creative Christmas Cocktails
If you’re looking to shake things up this holiday season, why not try some creative Christmas cocktails that put a modern twist on traditional recipes? These innovative libations are sure to impress your guests and add an element of surprise to your festivities.
One such cocktail is the LuvJus Pomegranate Champagne Punch. This elegant drink combines a LuvJus blood orange, pomegranate & vodka soda with champagne for a sparkling concoction that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs for an extra touch of elegance.
LuvJus Pomegranate Champagne Punch
200ml LuvJus blood orange, pomegranate & vodka
50ml champagne
orange slice
Vodka, blood orange, pomegranate & soda
This crisp and lightly sparkling ‘Craft-Pop’ is full of zesty blood orange and sweet pomegranate. With energising Korean ginseng, and a dash of vodka, it’s the perfect party aperitivo.Serve either chilled out of the can or in a glass with ice and a garnish.
One such cocktail is the Cranberry Mojito. This refreshing drink takes the classic mojito recipe and adds cranberry juice for a festive twist. The combination of mint, lime, and cranberry creates a vibrant flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Cranberry Mojito
20 fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons lime juice
120 ml cranberry simple syrup
120 ml white rum
ice cubes
120 ml sparkling water
Garnish: fresh mint leaves, fresh cranberries, lime slices
For those who enjoy a bit of spice in their cocktails, the Gingerbread Martini is a must-try. This unique concoction combines gingerbread syrup with vodka or rum for a sweet and spicy treat that captures the essence of holiday baking.
Gingerbread Martini
200ml vodka
50ml hazelnut-flavoured liqueur
25ml herbal digestif or liqueur
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with an Apple Cider Margarita? This unexpected combination brings together tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and cinnamon for a cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors.
Apple Cider Margarita
30ml Apple Cider
30ml Cointreau L’Unique
30ml Fresh Lime Juice
60ml Tequila
Elevate Your Festivities: Impressive Christmas Cocktail Recipes
If you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to impress your guests, it’s time to elevate your festivities with some show-stopping Christmas cocktail recipes. These drinks not only taste amazing but also look stunning, making them the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
For a cocktail that screams luxury, try the White Chocolate Peppermint Martini. This indulgent drink combines white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, and peppermint schnapps for a dessert-like treat that will leave your guests in awe.
White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
30 ml Peppermint Schnapps or Crème de Menthe
15 ml vodka
45 ml Crème de Cacao
45 ml Heavy Cream
Peppermint sweets and grenadine for rim
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option that still packs a punch, consider serving a Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail. This vibrant drink combines cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing and festive beverage that everyone can enjoy.
Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
125 mls Cranberry juice low sugar
125 mls Sparkling drink of your choice see notes
Crushed ice
Toast to the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to raise our glasses and toast to the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you prefer traditional favorites or modern twists, there is no shortage of Christmas cocktails to choose from. So gather your loved ones, shake up some festive libations, and let the magic of Christmas cocktails fill your hearts with joy. Cheers!