As winter sets in, imagine yourself unwinding by the fire with a festive holiday cocktail in hand, especially after the whirlwind of baking, shopping, and holiday planning.
Ready to make that cozy scene a reality? We’ve gathered the perfect drinks to brighten your Christmas celebrations—no fuss required. A classic eggnog, a cozy hot toddy, or a nostalgic ‘Tom & Jerry’: these cocktails bring the season to life.
For those hosting parties, we’ve also included batch-friendly options like Mulled Wine and Spiced Hot Cider, so you can keep the drinks flowing without playing bartender all night.
Looking for even more holiday inspiration? Check out our favorite classic cocktails, holiday punch ideas (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and the best hot cocktails to complete the season. And with New Year’s Eve on the way, we’ve got festive drinks to keep the celebrations going!
Our Top Christmas Cocktails with Easy Recipes
These Xmas cocktail recipes are bartender-tested for flavor and ease. Each has its page on our site with step-by-step guides and videos, so you’re fully covered from start to finish if you want to make this at home!
Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday classic—a creamy, spiced drink that’s as rich as it is comforting. Made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and a splash of rum, brandy or bourbon, it’s often served chilled and topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg. The drink’s thick, custard-like texture feels like a dessert in a glass.
Coquito
Coquito is often called “Puerto Rican eggnog.” Made with coconut cream, condensed milk, cinnamon and vanilla, it’s rich and creamy with a pleasant coconut kick. It’s served chilled and it’s easy to pre-batch if you’re serving a crowd!
Porto Flip
The Porto Flip, a rich mix of port wine, brandy, and a touch of egg yolk, dates back to the 19th century and was a favorite of Charles Dickens. Thanks to the port, this cocktail has a unique velvety texture and a warm, fruity flavor. It’s a classic holiday sipper, perfect for those who appreciate some history in their drinks.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a smooth, elegant cocktail that combines brandy, usually Cognac, and creamy chocolate flavors. Its silky, chocolatey taste and creamy texture make it feel indulgent, like a boozy dessert that’s perfect for a holiday evening. It’s generally served in a martini glass and topped with grated nutmeg.
Pink Squirrel
The Pink Squirrel is a throwback to the supper club era of the 1950s. It’s made with crème de noyaux (which gives it that pink hue), white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Garnished with grated nutmeg, it’s nutty, sweet, and slightly fruity.
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee brings together hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream. It’s warm, caffeinated, and just a little boozy, giving it a Christmas holiday feel without being too heavy. It’s served in a glass mug with cream floating on top and is a great pick-me-up for chilly winter mornings or long holiday nights.
Nutty Irishman
The Nutty Irishman combines Irish cream, hazelnut liqueur, hot coffee & whipped cream for a sweet, creamy drink that’s almost dessert-like. . The nutty, smooth flavor feels especially cozy, like an indulgent nightcap for chilly winter evenings. It’s a great holiday treat after dinner!
Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a rich, coffee-flavored cocktail that brings a bit of extra energy to holiday celebrations. Made with vodka, freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sugar, it’s served shaken and chilled. Topped with a few coffee beans for garnish, it’s a festive pick-me-up with a smooth, bold coffee flavor—perfect for keeping spirits high during holiday gatherings.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a warm, comforting drink made with whiskey, honey, lemon, a touch of cinnamon, and hot water. It’s soothing, with a little sweetness from the honey and a kick from the whiskey. It was traditionally thought of as a cold remedy, but can be enjoyed all winter long without a prescription!
Spiced Hot Cider
Spiced Hot Cider combines apple cider with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Sometimes spiked with a splash of bourbon or rum, it’s a drink that fills the room with cozy aromas and is perfect for adults & kids alike.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum is exactly what it sounds like: a warm drink with butter, sugar, spices, and dark rum, sometimes with added cider for extra coziness. Served in a mug, this drink is smooth, rich, and slightly spicy. The butter adds a creamy texture, making it feel heart-warming and perfect for colder days.
Tom & Jerry
The Tom & Jerry is a nostalgic winter warmer with roots in the 1820s. Named after characters in a British novel, it’s similar to eggnog but served hot with brandy, dark rum, and a frothy egg batter. It’s a good choice for a cozy night by the Christmas tree.
Golden Cadillac
The Golden Cadillac is a creamy, dreamy drink that brings elegance to any holiday gathering. It was created in the 1950s at Poor Red’s in California and blends Galliano, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. It is as golden & rich as its name suggests.!
Chocolate Martini
The Chocolate Martini is the ultimate dessert cocktail, combining vodka with chocolate liqueur for a decadent treat. This cocktail’s creamy, rich flavor makes it feel like a drinkable chocolate truffle, perfect for holiday indulgence. It’s often served with a chocolate-rimmed glass -or even a sprinkles-rimmed glass for the holiday season.
Christmas Martini
The Christmas Martini adds a festive twist to a classic with gin, cranberry juice, triple sec, and a splash of lemon juice. This cocktail blends crisp, tart, and slightly sweet flavors with a hint of citrus that feels bright and refreshing. Its cranberry hue and balanced flavor make it an elegant choice for toasting to the season. For garnish, use fresh cranberries or a fresh sprig of rosemary: it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Poinsettia Cocktail
The Poinsettia cocktail is a festive, bubbly drink that combines cranberry juice, a splash of orange liqueur, and sparkling wine. Light, crisp, and slightly tart, it’s an elegant choice for holiday toasts. With its vibrant red color and effervescent finish, the Poinsettia brings a celebratory feel to any gathering, making it perfect for both brunch and evening festivities.
Soyer au Champagne
The Soyer au Champagne is an elegant, bubbly cocktail perfect for holiday celebrations. Made by blending chilled Champagne with a touch of port and brandy, it has a refined yet slightly fruity flavor that complements the sparkling wine’s crispness. It’s a sophisticated and vintage drink that brings luxury and festivity to any holiday gathering.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a warm, spiced classic with roots that stretch back to ancient Rome. It’s made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon and cloves, citrus peels and sometimes includes a dash of added brandy or amaretto. This holiday staple is popular across Europe, especially on Christmas markets, where many countries offer their twist.
Godfather
The Godfather is a simple, bold mix of Scotch and amaretto named after the famous movie series. Its smooth, nutty flavor feels refined yet easygoing, making it a favorite for casual holiday nights.
Añogo
The Añogo cocktail is a rich, holiday-inspired twist on eggnog with a bold, earthy edge. Made with añejo tequila, amontillado sherry, and a creamy eggnog base, it combines the smooth, aged notes of tequila with the nutty, slightly dry character of sherry. Garnished with a hint of orange peel, it’s a unique, warming drink that brings festive flavors and sophistication to your holiday celebrations.
Bourbon Lift
The Bourbon Lift is creamy, fizzy, and all about indulgence. With bourbon, coffee liqueur, and cream, it’s like a dessert in a glass. The cocktail has an inviting, almost milkshake-like feel. The Bourbon Lift delivers for anyone who enjoys a holiday treat with a bit of spirit.
Toblerone Cocktail
The Toblerone Cocktail takes inspiration from the iconic Swiss chocolate bar, blending Irish cream, coffee liqueur, Frangelico, honey & heavy cream for a rich, dessert-like drink. Its chocolatey, nutty flavor feels festive and luxurious.
Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail
Sweet and cozy, the Oatmeal Cookie Cocktail tastes like a dessert in a glass. This creamy mix of Baileys, butterscotch schnapps, and cinnamon schnapps offers a balance of sweet and spicy notes, reminiscent of fresh-baked oatmeal cookies. Rimmed with honey and ground cookies for extra flavor, it’s a fun, nostalgic cocktail perfect for a holiday treat or after-dinner drink.
Mezcal Hot Chocolate
Mezcal Hot Chocolate offers a smoky twist on classic hot chocolate, blending rich cocoa with the earthy depth of mezcal and a touch of cinnamon & chili for added heat. The mezcal adds warmth and smokiness, making this drink feel adventurous yet comforting.
Cinnamon & Aguardiente Hot Chocolate
The Cinnamon and Aguardiente Hot Chocolate is a warming holiday drink with a twist. Rich hot chocolate is elevated by the addition of anise-flavored aguardiente, giving it a subtle licorice note and pairing beautifully with ground cinnamon. Topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick or star anise, this comforting cocktail is ideal for cozying up by the fire on chilly nights.
Blue Blazer
The Blue Blazer is a fiery classic, famously crafted by 19th-century bartender Jerry Thomas. Made with whiskey, hot water, and sugar, it’s traditionally set ablaze when poured between mugs. The result is a rich, warm drink with a caramelized sweetness, ideal for anyone who wants a bit of spectacle and history on Christmas. Just be careful not to prepare it too close to the Christmas tree!
