The winter season is upon us, and with it comes the magical holiday of Christmas. It’s a time of joy, love, and celebration with family and friends.
One of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by indulging in some delicious winter cocktails. These drinks are the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter night and add a touch of excitement to any holiday gathering.
Whether you prefer something sweet and creamy or bold and spicy, there’s a winter cocktail that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
From classic favorites like eggnog and hot cocoa to more unique creations like mulled wine and peppermint martinis, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to holiday drinks.
But what makes a truly great winter Christmas cocktail? Is it the perfect balance of flavors, the right amount of alcohol, or the presentation?
Perhaps it’s a combination of all three. Whatever the secret ingredient may be, one thing is for certain – a great winter cocktail can turn any night into a memorable occasion.
So, get ready to grab a cozy blanket, put on your favorite Christmas movie, and indulge in some of the best winter Christmas cocktail recipes out there.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to enjoy a festive drink at home, these recipes are guaranteed to add some cheer to your holiday season.
1. Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
The Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail is a refreshing and cheerful drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with a mix of vodka, St. Germain, and freshly squeezed winter citrus juice, this cocktail is topped with bubbly ginger beer and festive pomegranates. It's simple to make and can be served in a pitcher for friends and family to enjoy.
The cocktail is heavy on the citrus flavor and sweetened with ginger beer, making it a perfect balance of sweet and tart. You can use clementine juice, blood orange juice, or even grapefruit juice to make this cocktail. This drink is perfect for those who want to enjoy a festive cocktail without the heaviness of traditional holiday drinks.
2. Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail
The Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail is a traditional holiday drink that can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any winter occasion. This classic cocktail is made with hot mulled cider and is a part of the Medieval Christmastide English drinking ritual.
The recipe can be made with homemade wassail, but Trader Joe's also offers a winter wassail that is delicious and easy to use. The drink is perfect for a holiday party, sitting by the fire, or serving at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. If you're looking for a warm and cozy drink to enjoy during the winter months, the Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. Frosty the Snowman Cocktail
The Frosty the Snowman Cocktail is a festive and delicious drink perfect for any Christmas celebration. It features a delightful blend of coconut rum, blue curacao, peppermint schnapps, pineapple juice, and Sprite, all topped off with a crushed candy cane rimmer.
The addition of peppermint schnapps adds a touch of Christmas to the tropical flavors of coconut rum and pineapple juice, while the blue curacao gives the drink a shimmering blue hue. The crushed candy cane rimmer adds a crunchy and sweet finish to each sip. It's simple to make and sure to impress your guests.
4. Jack Frost Winter Cocktail
The Jack Frost Winter Cocktail is a delightful and festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season. This cocktail is a tropical twist on the classic piña colada, with blue curacao and sweet shredded coconut adding a wintery touch.
The drink is easy to make and takes only a few minutes to whip up. It is sweet, tropical, and refreshing, making it the perfect drink to sip on while enjoying the winter festivities. If you're looking for a fun and delicious holiday drink, the Jack Frost Winter Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
5. Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and warming drink this holiday season. This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, with vodka, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and jalapeños, all topped off with ginger beer.
The minted sugar-rimmed glass adds a festive touch to this already fun drink. It's easy to make and perfect for a holiday party or a cozy night in by the fire. The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is a unique and delicious addition to any winter cocktail list.
6. Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail
The Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. This cocktail is a sweet and spiced blend of flavors that is sure to impress your guests. It's easy to make and takes only a few minutes to prepare. The combination of rum, creamer, and eggnog makes for a rich and creamy drink, while the cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice.
This cocktail is best served cold, making it perfect for those who want to cool off after a long day of holiday festivities. Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet night in, the Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail is sure to be a hit.
7. Winter Aperol Spritz
The Winter Aperol Spritz is a festive and sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for any holiday party. This cocktail combines the classic flavors of orange and cranberry with the bubbly goodness of Prosecco and soda water. The result is a tart and sweet cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
The Winter Aperol Spritz is easy to make and can be set up as a DIY station for your guests to create their own drinks. With its beautiful presentation and delicious taste, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add some festive flair to their holiday party.
8. Winter Wassail Cocktail
The Winter Wassail Cocktail is a fruity and spiced drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with just three ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and can be ready in just five minutes. The balance of juice with peach schnapps creates a fruity flavor that is followed by the kick of cinnamon, cardamom, and orange peel.
The addition of vodka adds strength to the drink without affecting the taste. This cocktail is best served chilled and can be made with homemade wassail or the store-bought version from Trader Joe's. Overall, the Winter Wassail Cocktail is a great addition to any holiday party and is sure to impress your guests.
9. A Winter Snowflake
"A Winter Snowflake" is a soothingly sweet and creamy Christmas cocktail that is perfect for the winter season. This decadent cocktail is a combination of Bailey's Irish Cream, hot chocolate, and milk, topped with light whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
The best part? It's only around 200 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free indulgence. If you're looking for a festive drink to warm you up during the holidays, A Winter Snowflake is definitely worth trying. So go ahead and treat yourself to this delicious winter cocktail!
10. Red Winter Sangria
The Red Winter Sangria is a festive and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. It is made with a combination of affordable dry red wine, fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries, and a touch of sugar and fruit juices to sweeten it up. The cocktail is garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise, which give it a holiday kick of flavor.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be adjusted to your taste by adding more juice or more booze. It pairs well with holiday appetizers like Pear & Brie Crostini, Rosemary Roasted Nuts, and Cranberry Brie Hand Pies. If you're looking for a winter cocktail that is both delicious and visually appealing, the Red Winter Sangria is definitely worth a try.
11. Sugar Cookie Martini
The Sugar Cookie Martini is a must-try cocktail for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for all things Christmas cookies. This creamy and rich cocktail has the delicate vanilla flavor of a frosted sugar cookie, complete with sprinkles. The key to its delicious flavor is the vanilla-flavored vodka, which gives it a less aggressive taste and a touch of sweetness.
The addition of amaretto and Irish cream adds to its boozy kick, making it the perfect holiday drink. To make it extra festive, the rim of the glass is coated with frosting and sprinkles. This cocktail is a great addition to any holiday party and is sure to impress your guests.
12. Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing winter drink. This cocktail is made with vodka, orange liqueur, Elderflower liqueur syrup, white cranberry juice, and lime juice, and garnished with cranberries.
The Elderflower syrup adds a delicate and fragrant flavor to the drink, making it a popular choice for the winter season. This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a holiday party or just relaxing at home. With its unique blend of flavors, the Winter Cosmopolitan Cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
13. Eggnog Cocktail
The Eggnog Cocktail is a classic winter drink that is perfect for Christmas celebrations. Made with a combination of brandy and dark rum, this cocktail is rich, creamy, and indulgent. The best part is that it's super easy to make, thanks to the use of store-bought eggnog.
The addition of a spicy garnish on the rim of the glass adds a festive touch to this delicious drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season, the Eggnog Cocktail is definitely worth trying. With its creamy texture and warm, spicy flavor, it's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
14. Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail
The Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail is a festive and delicious winter drink perfect for any holiday party. It's a combination of warming bourbon, sweet pomegranate juice, zesty citrus, and bubbly Prosecco. The cocktail is served over homemade festive "holiday" ice cubes made with fresh cranberries, blood orange slices, and fresh rosemary.
This adds an extra touch of holiday cheer to the drink. Unlike most punch recipes, this cocktail is not loaded with added sugars and keeps the punch perfectly sweet. It's a refreshing and bubbly drink that will surely bring happiness to all who choose to indulge. If you're looking for a fun and easy-to-make holiday party punch, the Holiday Cheermeister Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
15. Pomegranate Champagne Spritzers
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Pomegranate Champagne Spritzer! This winter cocktail combines the bubbly goodness of champagne with the sweet and tangy flavor of pomegranate.
It's the perfect drink to sip on while mingling with friends and family during the holiday season. The recipe is easy to follow and the end result is a beautiful and delicious cocktail that will impress your guests. So why not add a little sparkle to your holiday party with this delightful Pomegranate Champagne Spritzer?
16. Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
The Pomegranate Ginger Paloma is a perfect holiday drink that is fizzy, minty, and gingery. It is made with sweet pomegranate, tequila, and a special Christmas touch of ginger beer that adds a killer ginger flavor to the drink.
The simple syrup used in the cocktail can be easily doubled or tripled for a large batch of drinks. This cocktail is perfect for any holiday party and is sure to be a hit among your guests. The Pomegranate Ginger Paloma is one of the best Winter Christmas Cocktail recipes that you should definitely try this holiday season.
17. Very Merry Ornamentini
The Very Merry Ornamentini is a festive Winter Christmas Cocktail served in a clear glass ornament. It's a variation of a classic cosmopolitan with cherry and orange juice, giving it a beautiful deep red color and a seasonal twist.
The cocktail is garnished with sugared cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary, making it Christmas AF. It can be made in advance and portioned into the ornaments for easy serving. It's perfect for a party of up to 10 people.
18. Coconut Mojitos
Coconut Mojitos are a perfect winter twist on the classic Mojito. This cocktail is flavored with coconut cream, fresh mint, rum, and lime juice, and served with a garnish of pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. The creamy coconut flavor adds a unique touch to the classic Mojito, making it the perfect holiday cocktail for any Christmas party.
The combination of mint and lime gives a refreshing taste, while the pomegranate seeds add a festive touch to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for those who love the taste of coconut and want to try something new this holiday season. So, if you're looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to serve at your Christmas party, Coconut Mojitos are definitely worth a try!
19. Festive Gin Smash
The Festive Gin Smash is a perfect Christmas cocktail that is sure to impress your guests with its colorful layers of white lychees, red strawberries, and green mint. The clever use of ingredients and presentation makes this cocktail an instant hit during the holiday season.
The recipe involves three quick steps to assemble this fabulous cocktail, which is made in tall glasses and enjoyed over equally delicious canapes. The final touch of chilled sparkling water takes this gin cocktail to lofty new heights. The Festive Gin Smash is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to add some festive cheer to their holiday gatherings.
20. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for the upcoming winter season. This cozy drink is perfect for cold nights and holiday gatherings. The homemade spiced chai syrup adds a unique twist to the classic old fashioned, while the bourbon and winter citrus give it a warming kick.
The touch of vanilla and fizzy sparkling water make this cocktail well-balanced and not too sweet. The best part? The syrup can be made ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a batch for unexpected guests. If you're looking for a festive and delicious drink to serve this holiday season, the Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
21. Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail
The Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is a festive and refreshing drink that is perfect for holiday parties. Made with 7UP, sparkling wine, and peppermint extract, this cocktail is sure to please peppermint lovers. The rim of the glass is coated with crushed peppermint candy, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the mint and lemon-lime flavors of the cocktail.
Garnished with a candy cane, this cocktail is not only delicious but also visually appealing. If you're looking for a simple and easy cocktail to serve at your holiday gathering, the Candy Cane Spritzer Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
22. Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
Looking for a festive and easy-to-make holiday punch recipe? Look no further than the Jingle Juice Holiday Punch! With just three ingredients, this delicious and beautiful cocktail is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Made with whipped vodka, pink champagne or sparkling rosé, and Cherry 7-up, this punch is both sweet and refreshing.
For an extra touch of holiday flair, consider adding cranberries and rosemary to your ice cubes. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a fun and festive drink to enjoy with friends and family, the Jingle Juice Holiday Punch is a must-try recipe this holiday season.
23. Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail is a perfect addition to your holiday party this winter season. The presentation of the cocktail is what makes it stand out, with an adorable snowman made out of fondant placed at the bottom of the glass. The cocktail itself is a refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, and rosemary-infused simple syrup, topped with soda water.
The rosemary adds a festive touch to the cocktail and complements the gin perfectly. The snowman lasts for about 45 minutes, which is a great amount of time to enjoy sipping on this delightful cocktail. Overall, the Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail is a charming and festive drink that is sure to impress your guests.
24. Blood Orange Champagne Mule
The Blood Orange Champagne Mule is a festive and colorful cocktail that is perfect for ringing in the New Year. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with the addition of champagne and the substitution of blood oranges. The red hue of the blood oranges makes this cocktail look beautiful and adds a touch of festivity to any holiday party.
The combination of lime juice, vodka, ginger beer, and champagne creates a delicious and refreshing taste that is sure to impress your guests. If you can't find blood oranges, you can substitute with pomegranate juice or regular orange juice. Overall, the Blood Orange Champagne Mule is a must-try cocktail this holiday season.
25. Christmas Cranberry Margarita
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your holiday party? Look no further than the Christmas Cranberry Margarita! This cocktail is a fun twist on the classic margarita recipe, with the addition of fresh or frozen cranberries and a homemade rosemary simple syrup.
The result is a crisp and flavorful drink that's perfect for sipping during the holiday season. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a big party, this cocktail is sure to be a hit with your guests. So why not add a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations with a Christmas Cranberry Margarita?
26. Chai Espresso Martini
The Chai Espresso Martini is a perfect winter cocktail for those who love the classic espresso martini but want a subtle twist. The homemade vanilla chai and honey simple syrup add a festive touch to the drink, while the shot of coconut milk makes it creamy and delicious. The frothy top, achieved by shaking the drink together with ice, gives it a perfect finish.
The sweet vanilla-sugar rim adds a festive touch to the drink, making it perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining. If you're looking for a cozy, warming, and delicious cocktail to end your holiday evening just right, the Chai Espresso Martini is the perfect choice.
27. Eggnog White Russian
The Eggnog White Russian is a delightful twist on the classic vodka cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with eggnog, coffee liqueur, vodka, and a dash of nutmeg, this creamy spiked treat is sure to be a hit at any winter gathering. It's easy to make and can be served in beautiful glasses with festive garnishes like cinnamon sticks and maraschino cherries.
The addition of eggnog gives this cocktail a cozy, seasonal flavor that is perfect for sipping by the fire. If you're a fan of White Russian cocktails or eggnog, you won't want to miss out on this delicious drink. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
