20 Top Christmas Cocktails to Savor This Festive Season

1. Cranberry Margarita

Craving a drink that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart? This crisp cocktail offers a delightful way to ring in the holidays. It's refreshing, sophisticated, and sure to impress. But don't let its elegance fool you—it'll truly surprise you this Christmas!

2. Not Santa's Hot Chocolate

Think this drink is just for Santa? We’re pretty sure he’d enjoy this indulgent hot cocoa cocktail after a busy night of gift-giving. Start with your favorite hot chocolate mix, prepare it as usual, then add blanco tequila and elderberry liqueur—simple, right? The most time-consuming part is toasting the marshmallow topping, but feel free to substitute with whipped cream if you're short on time.

3. Warm Apple Cider Mule

Apple cider isn't just for autumn drinks, especially when it's heated up and blended with the spicy zing of ginger beer. Warm the mixture on the stove with maple syrup and lemon juice, just under a simmer, then stir in some vodka. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and replace it with herbal tea—perfect for a Christmas morning treat.

4. 'Una Buena Noche' Cocktail

Wishing you a Merry Christmas—especially if you're sipping on this festive two-toned cocktail. For this simple drink, you'll need a couple of syrups: honey and ginger, both of which can be easily made in a saucepan with just a few ingredients. Prepare them up to a week in advance so you can spend more time celebrating and less time mixing drinks.

5. Bourbon-Campari Punch

This festive punch, made with Campari and bourbon, is topped with an ice ring that resembles a Christmas wreath, complete with floating pomegranate arils. A zesty, tart drink that's sure to steal the show at your holiday gathering. Save some time by opting for pre-packaged pomegranate arils.

6. Rosemary-Ginger Spritz

After a full day of holiday shopping, this refreshing spritz will be just what you need to unwind. It blends fragrant rosemary with spicy ginger for a rich, multi-layered flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Seriously, this cocktail is so irresistible, you’ll find yourself making it all year long—and why not?

7. Spicy Mulled Wine

Few things are as cozy as sipping mulled wine on a cold winter evening. A blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise will excite your senses while gently warming you up. This could very well become your go-to Christmas drink to enjoy by the fire with friends and family.

8. Pomegranate Reverse Manhattan Cocktail

Planning a holiday happy hour or dinner? Treat your guests to a festive spin on the classic Manhattan. This three-ingredient cocktail uses more vermouth than bourbon, and the addition of pomegranate juice gives it a tart, fruity flavor perfect for the season. Plus, you can prepare it in advance, storing it for up to two days before your gathering!

9. Champagne Cocktail No. 1

If you're looking for a sparkling cocktail to toast the season, this radiant, sophisticated drink is the one. Raspberries and oranges are macerated to create a sweet and tangy syrup, which can be prepared up to two days ahead. When paired with Lillet Rosé and Champagne, this elegant yet easy cocktail will make your Christmas celebration unforgettable.

10. Classic Amaretto Sour

Make the most of winter citrus fruits this Christmas by serving a timeless amaretto sour. The amaretto brings a delightful almond flavor to the cocktail, making it perfect for the season. Shake together just three ingredients, then serve it in a rocks glass with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for an elegant touch.

11. Apple Cider Sidecar

This holiday drink is as festive in appearance as it is in flavor. The classic sidecar cocktail is given a seasonal makeover with apple cider and maple syrup. For an extra touch of holiday spirit, garnish each glass with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg and a thin slice of apple on the rim. If you're planning a holiday gathering, you can prepare this cocktail in bulk up to two days in advance—just keep it chilled in the fridge until party time!

12. Chocolate Black Currant

There's never a wrong time for chocolate, and Christmas is the perfect reason to treat yourself! A delightful mix of chocolate liqueur and black currant liqueur, combined with rum, simple syrup, and lemon juice, creates a quick cocktail that will spread holiday joy. Serve it in a coupe glass for an elegant touch.

13. Minty Moscow Mule Punch

Who would have thought a Moscow mule could feel so refreshing? This mix of vodka, ginger beer, and a homemade ginger-mint simple syrup will be a crowd-pleaser for sure. To make hosting easier, prepare a batch in advance and serve it in mugs so guests can help themselves. Don't forget to finish it off with sprigs of fresh mint!

14. Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail

If you love a classic Negroni, this sparkling twist is about to become your go-to holiday drink. The Sbagliato version swaps gin for Prosecco, offering a lighter, bubbly option. A slice of orange completes this festive cocktail.

15. Sparkly Gold Rush Cocktail

While this timeless cocktail may not feature festive spices, its sparkling golden hue will definitely catch the eye at your Christmas gathering. Pineapple liqueur adds a fruity note, honey syrup provides sweetness, and bourbon gives it a warm kick. Finish it off with a twist of lemon peel, and you'll have a cocktail that's bound to be the talk of the party.

16. Irish Iced Coffee

This creamy indulgence blends bold coffee with sweet syrup and whiskey, crafting a rich boozy iced coffee perfect for your Christmas brunch. To prevent your drink from becoming watered down, freeze some coffee or cold brew in an ice cube tray. Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish.

17. Plaza Champagne Punch

This champagne punch shows that not all of the best holiday surprises come wrapped in paper. Gift your guests with the finest present this season—a delightful bubbly drink that starts with a tropical tea base and finishes with champagne. Its bright red color makes it the perfect festive beverage.

18. Hot Buttered Rum

This delicious spin on the classic hot buttered rum is just what you need to stay warm on a cold winter night. With a rich, creamy base of butter, sugar, and ice cream, it’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a drink that’s as smooth as it is flavorful. This cozy cocktail is a must-serve for any winter gathering, sure to be loved by all.

19. Holiday Negroni Cocktail

Bring some festive cheer to your Negroni with this seasonal twist. By infusing spiced Campari overnight, this holiday version takes on the rich, warming flavors of mulled wine while still maintaining its signature bitterness. Add a touch of orange zest and a star anise pod to create a cocktail that's both refined and perfect for holiday celebrations.

20. Tarragon French 75 Cocktail

Elevate the classic French 75 with a cozy, winter-inspired twist. Substituting gin with warming cognac adds a rich depth to the bright combination of sparkling wine and lemon. The star of this cocktail is the tarragon-infused simple syrup, which delivers a delightful, licorice-like aroma to enhance each sip.