As the holiday season approaches, there's no better time to gather with friends and family to celebrate the joyous occasion.
And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a classic cocktail?
Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, a holiday cocktail can set the mood and add a touch of elegance to any occasion.
From warming spiced drinks to sparkling festive concoctions, there's a Christmas cocktail to suit every taste and mood.
But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to serve.
Fear not, as we've compiled a list of the best classic Christmas cocktails that are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday celebrations unforgettable.
So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the world of holiday cocktails. From traditional eggnog to modern twists on classic recipes, we'll explore the history, ingredients, and techniques behind each drink, as well as provide tips on how to make them at home.
Get ready to add some festive cheer to your holiday season with these delicious and timeless Christmas cocktails.
1. Classic Snowball Drink
The Classic Snowball Drink is a quintessential Christmas cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. Made with Warninks Advocaat, a custard-yellow liqueur made with eggs, sugar, and brandy, this cocktail is rich, creamy, and indulgent. It is typically served in a glass with a maraschino cherry on top, which adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
While the recipe for the Classic Snowball Drink is simple, it is the perfect festive cocktail to enjoy during the holiday season. If you are looking for a classic Christmas cocktail that is sure to impress your guests, the Classic Snowball Drink is definitely worth trying.
2. Christmas Cosmopolitan
The Christmas Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail that is perfect for any festive occasion. This beautiful rose-hued cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, made with just four ingredients. It is a simple yet elegant drink that is easy to make and can be served in a stylish martini glass to add a festive touch.
The fresh lime juice adds a vibrant flavor to the drink, making it a crowd-pleaser. It is a perfect cocktail to serve at a party, and the recipe can be easily multiplied to make the required number of drinks. Overall, the Christmas Cosmopolitan is a must-try classic Christmas cocktail that is sure to impress your guests.
3. Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail
The Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail is a classic holiday drink that can be served warm or chilled. It is a traditional cocktail that is perfect for a holiday party, sitting by the fire or serving at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
The cocktail is made with a hot mulled cider, which is a blend of spices and fruits. It is a perfect drink to enjoy during the winter months. The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. The Winter Wassail Christmas Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves classic holiday drinks.
4. Snowball
If you're looking for a classic Christmas cocktail to impress your guests, the Snowball is a must-try. This creamy and festive drink combines Advocaat liqueur, lemonade, and fresh lime juice for a rich and tangy flavor. The velvety texture of Advocaat makes it a perfect winter treat, and the addition of lemonade gives it a fizzy kick.
You can garnish it with a maraschino cherry, a slice of lime, or a cinnamon stick for extra flair. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, the Snowball is a timeless cocktail that will surely impress.
5. Vegan Eggnog Cocktail
If you're looking for a classic Christmas cocktail with a vegan twist, then the Vegan Eggnog Cocktail is the perfect choice. This creamy and spiced drink is made without eggs or dairy, yet still delivers the same traditional flavors of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The cocktail is usually spiked with bourbon or rum, but you can also make it alcohol-free by using rum extract.
The addition of raw cashews and turmeric makes this cocktail a bit healthier than its traditional counterpart, but it's still a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. If you're looking for a festive and indulgent drink that fits your vegan lifestyle, then the Vegan Eggnog Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
6. Lime Gimlet
The Lime Gimlet is a classic Christmas cocktail that is perfect for any gathering. Made with minimal ingredients, this cocktail is simple yet refreshing. It's a throwback to the 1920s and is sure to impress your guests. The combination of gin, lime juice or cordial, and soda creates a clean and straightforward taste that is not overly sweet.
The absence of vermouth in this cocktail sets it apart from a martini, making it a true gimlet. The Lime Gimlet is best mixed with a dry London gin, and can be served with a lime slice or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. If you're looking for a cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for the holidays, the Lime Gimlet is definitely worth a try.
7. Eggnog
Eggnog is one of the most classic Christmas cocktails that has been a part of holiday traditions for centuries. This luxurious cocktail is made with three types of dairy and three types of booze, along with a dash of nutmeg and sugar to provide sweetness and depth. The key to making a delicious eggnog is using quality eggs and properly separating the yolks from the whites to get the right consistency.
This recipe is aged to perfection, making it extra potent, creamy, and luxurious. Eggnog is not only a festive drink, but it also makes for a delicious coffee creamer on a Sunday morning. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your holiday party, eggnog is definitely worth a try!
8. Eggnog White Russian
The Eggnog White Russian is a festive twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, perfect for the holiday season. Made with eggnog, coffee liqueur, vodka, and a dash of nutmeg, this creamy and boozy drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
It's easy to make and can be garnished with cinnamon sticks and maraschino cherries for a festive touch. If you're a fan of eggnog, this cocktail is a creative way to enjoy its spicy flavors in a new way. Don't miss out on this ingeniously simple recipe this holiday season!
9. Perfect Manhattan Cocktail
The Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a timeless classic that is sure to impress your guests this holiday season. Made with whiskey or bourbon, vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice, this cocktail is perfect for those who love a strong and sophisticated drink. Legend has it that it was invented in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City and became very fashionable after a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious cocktail at home and feel like a sophisticated aristocrat in no time. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want to enjoy a delicious drink on a cozy night in, the Perfect Manhattan Cocktail is a must-try for all whiskey lovers.
10. Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktail
The Pomegranate Gin Fizz Cocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice and berry-flavored sparkling water, this cocktail has a light and fruity flavor that is sure to please.
The pomegranate adds a tartness that is balanced out by the sweetness of the sparkling water, making it a well-rounded drink. The color of the cocktail is also visually stunning, making it a great addition to any holiday party. If you're a fan of pomegranates or looking for a lighter take on a classic gin fizz, this cocktail is definitely worth trying.
11. Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a classic Christmas cocktail that is perfect for any holiday party. With just three simple ingredients, this dessert cocktail is easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Brandy, cream, and creme de cacao come together to create a smooth and creamy drink that is perfect for sipping by the fire.
The addition of nutmeg adds a touch of holiday spice and makes this cocktail the perfect addition to any Christmas gathering. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to serve at your holiday party, the Brandy Alexander is definitely worth trying.
12. Bourbon Old Fashioned
The Bourbon Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, orange, and a cherry. The quality of each ingredient greatly affects the flavor. Maraska cherries are the best option, and adding an orange peel provides the right amount of citrus zest.
Clear ice cubes made with the True Cubes ice mold are the best option. Overall, the Bourbon Old Fashioned is a complex and delicious cocktail that is perfect for any celebration.
13. White Russian
The White Russian is a classic cocktail that has been around for decades and is perfect for any holiday gathering. With only three ingredients, this cocktail is simple to make and is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream creates a bold and hearty drink that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.
Whether you are a fan of creamy cocktails or just looking for something new to try, the White Russian is a must-try. So, grab your ingredients and mix up a batch of this classic cocktail for your next holiday party.
14. Homemade Bourbon Eggnog
Looking for a classic Christmas cocktail that will warm you up and get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further than Homemade Bourbon Eggnog. This creamy and delicious drink is made with high-quality ingredients like fresh eggs, whole nutmeg, and good quality bourbon, making it the perfect indulgence for the holiday season.
The light and airy texture of the eggnog mixed with the flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and bourbon make for a perfect holiday cocktail. Whether you're making it for a crowd or just for yourself, this eggnog is sure to impress. So why not give it a try this holiday season and see for yourself why it's one of the best classic Christmas cocktails around?
15. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic cocktail that is perfect for Christmas celebrations. Made with bourbon, bitters, sweetener, and an orange peel, this cocktail is easy to craft and can be garnished in various ways. It is traditionally served in a lowball glass and is chilled with ice.
The bold flavor notes of high-proof bourbon make it an ideal choice for this cocktail. The Old Fashioned is a simple yet satisfying cocktail that never goes out of style. It is perfect for those who prefer a sweet and full-bodied drink. If you're looking for a classic cocktail to impress your guests this Christmas, the Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
16. Plum Pudding Vodka
If you're looking for a unique and festive cocktail to serve this Christmas, then Plum Pudding Vodka might just be the perfect choice. Infused with dried fruits, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg, this vodka has all the flavors of the classic Christmas dessert.
Even if you're not a fan of plum pudding, this cocktail is worth a try. It's a great cordial to sip after dinner or a fun mixer for Christmas cocktails. You could even give it as an edible gift to your friends and family. So, why not add a little extra holiday cheer to your celebrations with this delicious and aromatic Plum Pudding Vodka?
17. Cranberry Daiquiri
The Cranberry Daiquiri is a tangy and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This classic cocktail is made with rum, lime juice, and cranberry juice, and it's a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.
The history of the Daiquiri dates back to the British Navy and Cuba, and it has since become a popular cocktail around the world. The Cranberry Daiquiri is a festive twist on the classic cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail for your next holiday party, the Cranberry Daiquiri is definitely worth a try.
18. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic and timeless drink that has been around since the late 1800s. It is a simple yet sophisticated blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters that creates a smooth and aromatic flavor with a touch of sweetness. Purists believe that it should only be made with rye whiskey, but bourbon can be used as well for a milder and sweeter flavor.
Sweet vermouth is the perfect balance to the spicy and strong whiskey, while bitters add a bittersweet taste and aroma to the cocktail. Garnished with sweet cocktail cherries, the Manhattan is a perfect choice for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Its classic and elegant taste is sure to impress any guest and make for a memorable cocktail experience.
19. Tom and Jerry Drink
The Tom and Jerry Drink is a classic holiday cocktail that was once a staple at Christmas gatherings. It is served warm and made with a batter that contains raw eggs.
The drink is often served in special punch bowls and mugs, and collectors are always on the lookout for vintage sets. If you're looking for a unique and nostalgic holiday cocktail, the Tom and Jerry Drink is definitely worth trying.
20. Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for almost a century. Its origins are uncertain, with some believing it was invented in Paris and others attributing it to London. Regardless of its birthplace, the Sidecar has remained a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. Made with cognac, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, the Sidecar is a simple yet sophisticated drink that can be enjoyed year-round.
The balance of flavors in this cocktail is what makes it so special, with the sweetness of the Cointreau and the tartness of the lemon juice perfectly complementing the rich, smooth cognac. Whether you're looking for a festive drink to enjoy during the holiday season or a classic cocktail to sip on any time of year, the Sidecar is sure to impress.
21. Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail
The Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail is a must-try for whiskey lovers. This cocktail has been around since 1862 and is a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The addition of egg whites gives the cocktail a frothy texture and adds character to the drink.
Although some may be hesitant to try a cocktail with raw egg whites, it is a necessary element in this classic recipe. The cocktail can be served on the rocks or straight up, depending on your preference. If you're looking for a classic Christmas cocktail that is sure to impress, the Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail is a great choice.
