[Recipes] 18 Festive Christmas Cocktails to Enjoy All Holiday Season

The holidays are here, and there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a creative cocktail in hand. Whether you're heading to an ugly Christmas sweater party or hosting a cozy dinner with loved ones, these holiday drinks will bring extra cheer to any celebration.
What’s even better? Many of these festive concoctions come together in just a few quick steps. Whether you're in the mood for the warm comfort of mulled wine or the elegant pop of a champagne cocktail, we’ve got something for every taste. Read on for the best Christmas cocktails that will keep the festivities flowing all season long!

01/18 Cranberry Margaritas
If you're craving a cocktail that's the perfect balance between sweet and tart, look no further than this festive cranberry margarita. It's refreshing and elegant, making it a great choice for holiday sipping. But don’t be fooled by its light, crisp flavor—this drink packs a punch that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!

02/18 'Una Buena Noche' Cocktail
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a peaceful night? This two-toned cocktail is sure to do the trick. The drink features homemade honey and ginger syrups, both of which are easy to make with just a few ingredients in a saucepan. You can prepare the syrups up to seven days in advance, so you can spend less time behind the bar and more time enjoying the holiday cheer with your loved ones.

03/18 Bourbon-Campari Punch
This festive punch combines bourbon and Campari with a citrusy, tart twist, making it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. The star of the show? An ice ring adorned with floating pomegranate arils that resemble a Christmas wreath. For a hassle-free prep, opt for pre-packaged pomegranate arils—easy, elegant, and holiday-ready!

04/18 Rosemary-Ginger Spritz
Unwind after a hectic day of holiday shopping with this refreshing spritz. The pairing of fragrant rosemary and spicy ginger creates a flavor profile that's both unique and irresistible. It’s so delightful, you’ll find yourself craving it beyond the holiday season—and honestly, why not enjoy it year-round?

05/18 Spicy Mulled Wine
Cozy up on a cold winter night with a glass of this warm and aromatic mulled wine. Infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it’s a sensory delight that brings festive cheer with every sip. Perfect for sipping by the fire with loved ones, this might just become your go-to Christmas cocktail.
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06/18 Pomegranate Reverse Manhattan Cocktail
Elevate your holiday happy hour with this festive spin on the classic Manhattan. This three-ingredient cocktail flips the script by emphasizing vermouth over bourbon, while pomegranate juice adds a tart, fruity touch perfect for the season. The best part? You can prepare it in a large batch and store it for up to two days, making party prep a breeze.

07/18 Champagne Cocktail No. 1
Celebrate the season in style with this glamorous Champagne cocktail. Sweet and citrusy syrup made from macerated raspberries and oranges adds a festive touch to the bubbly mix of Lillet Rosé and Champagne. The syrup can be prepared up to two days ahead, making this elegant drink perfect for a stress-free and memorable Christmas celebration.

08/18 Classic Amaretto Sour
Make the most of winter citrus with a festive classic: the amaretto sour. The almond notes of amaretto pair perfectly with the bright tang of citrus, creating a drink that’s as delicious as it is simple. With just three ingredients, you can shake up this crowd-pleaser and serve it in a rocks glass, beautifully garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

09/18 Apple Cider Sidecar
This festive twist on the classic sidecar is perfect for the holiday season. Apple cider and maple syrup add cozy, seasonal flavors, while a garnish of freshly grated nutmeg and a thin apple slice brings extra holiday charm. Planning a party? Prepare a big batch up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator—just chill and serve for a no-fuss festive delight!

10/18 Chocolate Black Currant
There’s never a wrong time for chocolate, but Christmas is the ultimate excuse to indulge! This decadent cocktail blends chocolate liqueur, black currant liqueur, rum, simple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice for a perfectly balanced holiday treat. Serve it in a coupe glass for an elegant and festive presentation.

11/18 Minty Moscow Mule Punch
Who says Moscow mules aren’t festive? This holiday-ready punch combines vodka, ginger beer, and a homemade ginger-mint simple syrup for a refreshing twist your guests will love. To make hosting effortless, pre-batch the drinks into individual mugs so everyone can grab and go. Don’t forget to add a sprig of mint for the perfect finishing touch!

12/18 Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail
Calling all Negroni fans—this sparkling twist on the classic is perfect for the holidays! The Negroni Sbagliato swaps gin for Prosecco, resulting in a lighter, bubbly drink that’s both refreshing and festive. Garnish with a slice of orange for an elegant finishing touch.

13/18 Sparkly Gold Rush Cocktail
This glamorous cocktail may not have the usual seasonal spices, but its shimmering gold hue will steal the show at your Christmas celebration. Pineapple liqueur adds a fruity twist, honey syrup brings the perfect sweetness, and bourbon gives it a warm, cozy kick. A twist of lemon peel on top completes this dazzling drink that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

14/18 Irish Iced Coffee
This creamy holiday treat combines bold coffee with sweet syrup and a splash of whiskey for a boozy iced coffee that’s perfect for Christmas brunch. To prevent your drink from getting watered down, freeze coffee or cold brew in an ice cube tray. Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a festive and delicious touch!

15/18 Plaza Champagne Punch
This sparkling punch proves that the best holiday surprises aren't always wrapped up under the tree. Delight your guests with this festive, bubbly drink that begins with tropical tea and is topped off with champagne. Its vibrant red color adds an extra touch of holiday cheer, making it the perfect drink to celebrate the season.

16/18 Hot Buttered Rum
Warm up on a chilly winter evening with this delicious twist on the classic hot buttered rum. Made from a creamy base of butter, sugar, and ice cream, this drink offers a smooth, velvety texture full of rich flavors. Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s the ideal cozy beverage for any winter occasion, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday gatherings.

17/18 Holiday Negroni Cocktail
Give the classic Negroni a festive twist this holiday season. By infusing Campari with spices overnight, this version takes on a mulled wine-like depth while maintaining the signature bitterness of the original. Garnish with orange zest and a star anise pod for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress at any celebration.

18/18 Tarragon French 75 Cocktail
Elevate the classic French 75 with a cozy winter twist. This version swaps gin for warming cognac, adding a rich depth to the sparkling wine and lemon combo. The highlight is the tarragon-infused simple syrup, which imparts a subtle licorice aroma, making this cocktail a unique and festive choice for any occasion.