Best Christmas Cocktails to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

If snow on the ground hasn’t already put you in the holiday spirit, these Christmas cocktail recipes definitely will! All you need is a cozy spot, a drink in hand, and a holiday movie on the screen—because these recipes are designed to help you unwind and embrace the season’s cheer.

We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of 7 festive cocktails, from classic favorites to creative twists. Plus, we’ve included tips on how to make each drink shine, along with suggestions for variations to keep things fresh every year.

1. Hot Buttered Rum

A timeless, spiced classic that’s ideal for curling up by the fire. Rich butter, dark rum, and aromatic spices come together in this drink to create the ultimate cozy comfort—like warmth in a mug.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 2/3 cup dark rum

Serves 2

How to Make It:
Bring water, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in rum, and serve hot.

2. The Boulevardier Cocktail

This bold cocktail blends bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, making it an excellent choice for a holiday aperitif.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Garnish: orange slice, lemon twist, or cherry

Serves 1

How to Make It:
Combine the batter, brandy, and rum in your favorite mug. Top with hot water and stir until combined. Enjoy warm!

3. Honey-Bourbon Hot Toddy

Ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather or simply need to unwind. The combination of honey, apple bourbon, and cinnamon offers a soothing, warm embrace that brings both comfort and relaxation with the Honey-Bourbon Hot Toddy.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 cup hot water
• 6 Tbsp. Apple Bourbon
• Lemon peel for garnish
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Serves 2

How to Make It:
Stir honey and water together until the honey dissolves. Add bourbon, pour into mugs, garnish with lemon peel, and stir with cinnamon sticks.

4. Pomegranate Champagne Punch

This vibrant, bubbly punch is the perfect festive cocktail for any holiday celebration. With a blend of champagne, rum, and pomegranate juice, it’s refreshingly light yet full of celebratory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 bottles chilled brut champagne
• 1-1/2 cups white rum
• 1-1/4 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
• Pomegranate seeds
• Fresh mint leaves

Serves 10-12

How to Make It:
Make a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar until dissolved. Combine champagne, rum, pomegranate juice, and syrup in a punch bowl. Add lemon slices, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Add an ice block to keep it cool.

5. Christmas Jones Cocktail

This bright and fruity cocktail is ideal for a holiday brunch or as a lively pre-dinner drink. With a mix of vodka, fresh strawberries, and pineapple juice, it’s a vibrant, refreshing sip that’s sure to brighten any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 oz. vodka
• 4 fresh strawberries
• 2 tsp. superfine sugar
• 5 oz. pineapple juice
• 7-Up or other lemon-lime soda to top off

Serves 2

How to Make It:
Blend vodka, strawberries, sugar, and pineapple juice together. Pour into two glasses and top with 7-Up. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

6. Peppermint Pattie Cocktail

With its minty, chocolatey goodness, this cocktail is like sipping a York Peppermint Pattie in a glass. A sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
• 1/4–1/2 cup peppermint schnapps
• 1/4 cup crème de cacao chocolate liqueur
• Whipped cream
• Festive sprinkles

Serves 2

How to Make It:
Warm milk in a saucepan, then stir in hot chocolate mix. Remove from heat and add peppermint schnapps and crème de cacao. Pour into cups, top with whipped cream, and garnish with festive sprinkles.

7. Sugar Cookie Martini

If you're in the mood for something sweet and dessert-inspired, the Sugar Cookie Martini is the perfect pick. It tastes just like a holiday sugar cookie, with a rich, creamy finish that’s truly irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. vanilla vodka
• 1 oz. amaretto liqueur
• 2 oz. coffee creamer (either a vanilla or sweet cream variety))
• Sugar (for rim)
• Light corn syrup (for rim)

Serves 1

How to Make It:
Dip the rim of a martini glass in corn syrup, then coat it in sugar. Shake vodka, amaretto, and coffee creamer with ice, then strain into the prepared glass.

With the chill of winter already in the air, these holiday cocktails will help you cozy up and celebrate the season. Share them with friends and family to spread festive cheer and get everyone in the holiday spirit!