Christmas Cocktail Recipes

We’re in the final countdown to Christmas with activities every weekend leading up to the holiday. We tend to be low key when it comes to holiday parties and get togethers, but we do enjoy having them (just smaller groups and earlier bedtimes – I just blame it on our six year old). Since we love cocktails, and not the sugary punch kid, my husband and I have been looking for some Christmas cocktail recipes and why not share the wealth!

And on the topic of Christmas parties and gifts. A few gift ideas for cocktail connoisseurs (beginning or seasoned) are these ice molds, this complete bar set (so sleek and with a lovely cocktail shaker, muddler, spoon, and jigger), or these recycled, stackable glasses! If you’re buying spirits for yourself or as a gift, try to support one of these organic wine and sustainable alcohol brands (you’ll know some of them!!).

11 Christmas Cocktail Recipes

So here’s the thing about a good cocktail – in my humble opinion. First, the flavors need to be balanced between the spirit, the sweetness, and the depth. Most cocktails have simple ingredients, they’re just combined in intentional ways.

I do understand that our tastes are all different in terms of sweetness, but I think there’s also something to be said for cocktails that aren’t too sweet. I know they aren’t as easy to sip down, but that’s usually the point – they’re meant to be sipped and not gulped.

With every good cocktail recipe, Christmas or otherwise, however, there’s usually an easy place to make things a bit more or less sweet, depending on your preferences! Deciding what to pick for your get-together or experimentation depends mostly on the flavors you like.

My husband and I like bourbon/whiskey, so that’s usually where we look first. But we are slowly growing on tequila and gin – when made just right. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw our foray into margaritas (now with our homegrown Mexican limes) in the last year!

There are Christmas cocktail recipes below with vodka, red and white wine, and liqueurs, however, because I want to provide something for everyone. There are also a few sangrias, since those are so great for a crowd and entertaining!

What Is A Good Christmas Cocktail

When it comes to a good Christmas Cocktail, there are a few flavors that are not only festive in color, but they’re seasonal in flavor and availability. You won’t be surprised to see basically a list of fall fruits here.

Favorite flavors for Christmas cocktail recipes include pomegranate, cherry juice (it’s not cherry season), apples, pears, and lots of citrus (lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, and the like).

You can also easily switch up your go to cocktail recipes with an infused simple syrup like rosemary simple syrup or lavender simple syrup!!

What Are The Best Christmas Cocktails

Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail

This apple cider cocktail is a favorite of mine through fall and winter. Apple cider screams those cooler temps, bourbon is a perfect counterpart with a deep, smoky flavor, and the cinnamon is just the bee’s knees when it comes to this drink. You can also make this festive cocktail in bulk (i.e. more than 1 or 2 at a time).

Serve these with pumpkin butter grilled cheese (make with a flavorful cheese) and cut them into sticks for an easy appetizer.

Rosemary Orange Whiskey Cocktail

Sweet and tart orange juice (you can also use tangerine juice – so good) pairs with the whiskey and rosemary for a refreshing and bright whiskey and orange juice cocktail! I’ve got a weakness for fresh herbs in cocktails. They provide such a light flavor profile with a great depth of flavor – and no extra calories. Herbs are also great for pairing with fresh fruit. Rosemary is one of the truly hearty herbs that’s grown and available year-round. It’s also a glorious flavor to marry with citrus.

Serve this with cheese crackers and enjoy!

Pomegranate Sangria

A crowd favorite, Pomegranate Sangria pairs pomegranate juice with sparkling red Lambrusco wine – a sparkling red wine for an easy make-ahead cocktail. You don’t have to juice the pomegranate arils yourself either (though that’s obviously an option), just get the bottled juice and enjoy your libation!

Pull in all the festive flavors with cornbread crackers and this pomegranate sangria!

Pear Martini

For you martini lovers, this pear martini is especially for you. Pear juice and pear brandy make this classic drink a next level Christmas cocktail recipe! I’ve never mastered the art of drinking out of a martini glass – looking like I’ve had to much to drink before I even take the first sip.

Elderflower & Pomegranate Bourbon Cocktail

Called a Forbidden Flower Sour, this Christmas cocktail recipe is made with tart pomegranate juice and sweet elderflower liquor. It’s a refreshing pomegranate bourbon cocktail, ideal for hanging out with friends. It’s one of many delicious cocktails with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur.

Winter Sangria

One of my oldest and favorites recipes, winter sangria hits all the flavor marks you’d expect this time of year without any of the work! Made with sparkling white wine, this sangria has some effervescent to balance the earthy cinnamon and seasonal fresh fruit slices! Serve this holiday favorite with brie cranberry appetizer – a delectable crostini for the season.

Turmeric Spritzer

Created from a fun restaurant in LA (that’s sadly no longer open), this turmeric orange spritzer is a refreshing and light cocktail perfect for a gathering any time of day – brunch to Happy Hour! The turmeric simple syrup really elevates this from a mimosa to a truer cocktail recipe. Serving with lunch, happy hour, or dinner? Try it with this chicken salad appetizer – lighter flavors all around!

Shaken Old-Fashioned

A classic cocktail for a reason, an old fashioned is always an easy go for cocktail lovers. Normally served with an orange slice – and it’s citrus season – now is the time. Before you break out your muddler, however, try a shaken old-fashioned. The flavors blend more easily for a foolproof libation.

Serve this classic cocktail with a burrata appetizer plate complete with fresh citrus, smoked almonds, and honey!

Chardonnay Brunch Sangria

This brunch sangria is like a mimosa without the bubbles but with the chardonnay. A perfect drink for brunch (or whenever really), this Christmas Cocktail recipe can easily be made ahead and serves a small crowd in just one lovely pitcher.

Serve this with Christmas Deviled Eggs – a festive twist on a classic brunch offering with sun dried tomatoes and spinach! They’re so good!

Mint & Citrus Punch

This citrus vodka punch is another great one to take advantage of all the fresh citrus available right now! Though it’s certainly a cocktail, this one can (and should) be made ahead of time for a bit of a crow. Hand torn basil and mint infuse orange juice, lemon juice, and vodka before pouring it over ice!

This bright Christmas cocktail recipe pairs nicely with the saltiness of easy prosciutto and broccoli appetizer skewers.

Irish Whiskey Cocktail

This is a fun cocktail with just the right amount of accoutrement! Fresh ginger infuses into the spirit before mixing up this Irish Whiskey Cocktail. Add thinly sliced green apples and a honey sugared rim for aa pretty fancy looking drink!!

Pair this with raisin rosemary crackers (yes a la Trader Joe’s crackers)!

how to make Christmas Cocktails at Home

Plan with Intention

It’s easy to overdo it on alcohol during this festive season, so I like to do a bit of intentional planning – part of it is not putting too man options out there (not necessarily limiting people) but keeping it to a cocktail or two of choice and then beer or wine. And I always like to have a mocktail option. A great seasonal option is this pomegranate lemonade or this ginger beer mocktail is a fun one.

Drink Small

I’ve found the bigger the plate, the more food. And the bigger the glass…the more drink, so try to offer smaller glasses for drinks – somehow 1 drink is still 1 drink no matter how big the vessel!

And don’t get caught up in the glass size or shape. Don’t even get caught up in everyone having the same glasses – it isn’t why we gather together with friends and family!

Make Ahead

Lots of cocktails have components that can be made ahead. Whether it’s simple syrups, infusions, or even just mixing things beforehand (even just an hour beforehand) can really make holiday gatherings that much more enjoyable and less stressful for you.

Offer Food

It’s easy to get caught up in the Christmas cocktail recipes, but try to offer (or invite guests to bring) food to offset the alcohol consumption. We want good times and happy memories here, party people!!