The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, cozy drink?
As a bartender, I've tried my fair share of Christmas whiskey cocktails and let me tell you, there are some real gems out there. From the classic eggnog to the trendy hot toddy, there's a whiskey cocktail for everyone.
As the temperatures drop and the snowflakes start to fall, there's nothing quite like sipping on a delicious, warming drink.
With the right mix of ingredients, a whiskey cocktail can be the perfect accompaniment to any holiday gathering. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.
That's why I've put together a list of the best Christmas whiskey cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Whether you're looking for something sweet and indulgent or something a little more classic, I've got you covered. So, grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
1. Cranberry Vanilla Old Fashioned
Looking for a unique and flavorful whiskey cocktail to serve at your Christmas party? Look no further than the Cranberry Vanilla Old Fashioned. This classic bourbon-based cocktail is given a festive twist with the addition of cranberry and vanilla flavors.
Sipping on this drink is like enjoying the holiday season in a glass. The recipe is simple to follow and the ingredients are easy to find, making it a great choice for any level of bartender. Impress your guests with this delicious and unexpected cocktail that is sure to become a holiday favorite.
2. Christmas Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail
The Christmas Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail is a festive and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for the holiday season. With just a few simple ingredients, including sugared cranberries, this cocktail is a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors.
The recipe can be adjusted to make a pitcher size for a holiday party, and the sugared cranberries can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer. The cocktail is versatile and can be made as a punch or with added sparkling soda. It's a great addition to any holiday cocktail menu and is sure to impress guests. Be sure to try this cocktail and other whiskey cocktails this holiday season!
3. Jingle Bell Smash
Looking for a fun and festive whiskey cocktail for the holidays? Look no further than the Jingle Bell Smash! This winter take on a whiskey smash features a rosemary simple syrup and cranberry juice, along with your favorite bourbon.
The addition of the rosemary syrup adds a delightful sweetness and flavor to the drink, making it perfect for sipping during the holiday season. And if bourbon isn't your thing, feel free to swap it out for your favorite spirit. Give this easy cranberry whiskey cocktail a try and get into the holiday spirit!
4. Holiday Whiskey Fizz
The Holiday Whiskey Fizz is a festive and bubbly cocktail that is perfect for any holiday party. Made with Sagamore Spirits rye whiskey, club soda, cranberry syrup, and lime juice, this cocktail is a balanced and refreshing drink that is not too sweet or too strong. The fragrant rosemary and fresh cranberries garnish add a touch of elegance and holiday spirit to the drink.
What sets Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey apart is that it is made with pure and naturally filtered spring water from a limestone aquifer, giving it a unique taste and character. If you're looking for a holiday cocktail that is both delicious and easy to make, the Holiday Whiskey Fizz is definitely worth trying.
5. Ruby Red Jubilee Cocktail
The Ruby Red Jubilee Cocktail is a unique blend of Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey, grapefruit and lime juice, and cinnamon syrup. The sharp citrus flavor of grapefruit pairs perfectly with the brown spirit, making it a perfect choice for whiskey lovers.
This festive cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy night in by the fire or a holiday party with friends and family.
6. Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail
The Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail is a festive and flavorful drink that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. This cocktail is a delightful blend of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and warming whiskey, with a hint of fresh thyme and a touch of simple syrup for balance.
The addition of ginger beer gives it a refreshing fizz, making it a perfect drink for any holiday gathering. Even if you're not a big whiskey fan, this cocktail is sure to impress with its complex flavors and beautiful presentation. Give it a try and let it be the star of your next holiday party!
7. Bourbon Smash Cocktail
The Bourbon Smash Cocktail is a perfect drink for the holiday season. This classic whiskey smash recipe is given a seasonal twist with the addition of fresh fruits and the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon. The cocktail is made with bourbon, fresh lemon, and blueberries that are muddled and strained over ice.
The result is a strong, yet sweet and refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night. The Bourbon Smash is a must-try for any whiskey lover looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail this Christmas.
8. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a cozy and warming cocktail perfect for the holiday season. Its homemade spiced chai simple syrup mixed with bourbon, winter citrus, and a touch of vanilla creates a delicious and sophisticated drink.
Not too sweet and not too heavy on the bourbon, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time for quick and easy mixing. If you love chai and bourbon, this cocktail is a must-try.
9. Cranberry Manhattan
The Cranberry Manhattan is a festive twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. Made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, cranberry juice, and cranberry sauce, this cocktail is perfect for the holiday season. The addition of cranberry sauce adds a depth of flavor and beautiful color, making it a visually stunning drink.
The use of orange bitters instead of standard bitters also adds a seasonal touch. Garnished with fresh cranberries and an orange peel, this cocktail is sure to impress at any holiday party. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful whiskey cocktail to serve this Christmas, the Cranberry Manhattan is definitely worth a try.
10. Pomegranate Irish Mule
The Pomegranate Irish Mule is a must-try Christmas Whiskey Cocktail recipe. This festive cocktail is a perfect blend of pomegranate juice, ginger beer, and whiskey, making it an easy and delicious wintertime drink. The sweetness of the pomegranate juice combined with the spiciness of the ginger beer creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.
You can even make it a mocktail by leaving out the whiskey. The sugared rosemary sprigs add a nice touch to the presentation of the cocktail, making it a beautiful addition to any holiday party. If you're looking for a new and exciting whiskey cocktail to serve this holiday season, the Pomegranate Irish Mule is definitely worth a try.
11. Naughty and Nice Cinnamon Bourbon Toddy
The Naughty and Nice Cinnamon Bourbon Toddy is a must-try Christmas Whiskey Cocktail recipe. This warm and cozy drink is perfect for sipping on while decorating the tree or sitting by the fire on a cold night. The cocktail is hinted with citrus, spiced with a little cinnamon, and then spiked with bourbon.
It's not overly sweet except for a touch of honey, making it a healthier option compared to other holiday cocktails. The name itself is catchy and fun, making it a perfect addition to any holiday party. Overall, this cocktail is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a festive drink without the guilt of consuming too much sugar.
12. Apple Cider Hot Toddy
If you're looking for a cozy and delicious winter drink, look no further than the Apple Cider Hot Toddy. This cocktail mixes warm apple cider, fresh rosemary, and orange slices with a shot of cinnamon whiskey for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Whether you're cuddled up by the fire or hosting a holiday party, this drink is sure to warm you up from the inside out. So why not give it a try and add a little extra cheer to your holiday season?
13. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that has been a tradition in many families for generations. This cocktail is perfect for any holiday or get-together and is sure to please any crowd. The drink is made with simple syrup, lemon juice, Cointreau, and whiskey, and is garnished with maraschino cherries and orange wedges.
This recipe has been updated with fresh ingredients, but still maintains the traditional taste that has been enjoyed for years. The Whiskey Sour is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail for their Christmas party.
14. Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a classic drink that every whiskey lover should try. It's a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, including Christmas. The cocktail is made with bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice, and is garnished with cherries.
Legend has it that the cocktail was invented in the 1870s by Dr. Ian Marshall at the Manhattan Club in New York City for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill. Since then, it has become a fashionable drink that's loved by many. The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is easy to make and is a great way to impress your guests. It's a must-try for anyone who loves whiskey cocktails.
15. Orange Whiskey
The Orange Whiskey cocktail is a perfect addition to your Christmas cocktail menu. This cocktail is made by infusing your favorite whiskey with orange zest for a couple of weeks. The orange-infused whiskey adds a subtle citrus flavor to any whiskey cocktail.
You can optionally add a simple syrup to make it a little sweeter. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to add a twist to their traditional whiskey cocktails. Try it out and impress your guests with this unique and flavorful cocktail.
16. Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail
The Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is a unique twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. This delicious cocktail is made with red wine and bourbon, giving it a sophisticated and smooth taste. The garnish of orange peel and maraschino cherry adds a festive touch to the drink.
With less than 150 calories per serving, it's a great option for those watching their calorie intake. This cocktail is perfect for cozy nights at home or for serving at a holiday gathering. It pairs well with a variety of appetizers and desserts. If you're looking for a creative and delicious whiskey cocktail to serve this Christmas, the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is a must-try.
17. Bourbon Old Fashioned
The Bourbon Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange, and a cherry. The Minimalist Baker team did extensive testing to find the best ingredients for this cocktail. They found that using turbinado sugar, a high-quality bourbon, Maraska cherries, and a combination of bitters resulted in the perfect Old Fashioned.
The ice used in the cocktail is also important, and the team found that using large, clear ice cubes made with the True Cubes ice mold is the best option. Overall, the Bourbon Old Fashioned is a delicious and sophisticated cocktail that will impress any whiskey lover.
18. Port Manhattan
The Port Manhattan is a fresh take on the classic Rye Manhattan cocktail. This cocktail combines two distinct flavors, rye whiskey and port, to create a unique and delicious drink. The name "Portmanteau" is derived from the fact that it is a port and rye whiskey cocktail, two things that are usually enjoyed separately.
The combination of these two ingredients creates a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. If you're a fan of classic cocktails, then you definitely need to try the Port Manhattan. It's a perfect addition to any Christmas party or gathering, and is sure to impress your guests.
19. Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a sultry and flavorful Christmas whiskey cocktail. The rich, musky flavor of the whiskey is perfectly paired with the subtle hint of smoke and sweetness from seasonal cherries.
Made with smoked, muddled cherries, smoked cherry simple syrup, Anastoga bitters, and campfire whiskey, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a subtle smoky flavor in their drinks.
20. Bourbon Eggnog
Bourbon Eggnog is a classic Christmas cocktail that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This spiked eggnog recipe is made with a good 100-proof bourbon whiskey and garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it the perfect festive drink for any holiday gathering. The recipe recommends using Southern Comfort Vanilla Spiced Eggnog for store-bought eggnog, but you can also make your own eggnog from scratch.
The amount of bourbon to add to the eggnog will depend on the bourbon's proof and your personal taste, but the recipe suggests starting with 1 oz. bourbon to 5 oz. eggnog. Bourbon Eggnog is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season.
21. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic and timeless whiskey cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. Made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this cocktail is smooth and aromatic with a touch of sweetness. The combination of spicy rye whiskey and sweet vermouth creates a perfect balance of flavors that is perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season.
While purists believe that the cocktail should only be made with rye whiskey, bourbon can also be used for a milder and sweeter flavor. The cocktail is stirred, not shaken, and is served ice-cold with a garnish of sweet cocktail cherries. If you're looking for a classic and sophisticated whiskey cocktail to enjoy this Christmas, the Manhattan Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
22. Pomegranate Side Car Cocktail
The Pomegranate Side Car Cocktail is a delightful addition to any Christmas cocktail menu. The deep garnet color of pomegranate juice adds a festive touch to the classic Side Car cocktail. The sweet and tart flavors of pomegranate juice, Cointreau, and lemon juice are perfectly balanced with the boldness of bourbon or whiskey.
This cocktail is easy to make with just four ingredients and is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation. So, shake up a Pomegranate Side Car Cocktail and enjoy the holiday season in style!
23. French 95
The French 95 is a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that combines bourbon with champagne. With just four simple ingredients, it is easy to make and perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
The orange twist garnish adds an extra hint of citrus flavor and scent, making the presentation of the cocktail even more appealing. If you are a whiskey lover, you will definitely want to try this cocktail.
