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Home » Holidays » Christmas

Best Easy Christmas Cocktails everyone loves!

Published: Dec 22, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links

Epic Christmas Cocktails everyone will love! Make these great drinks for your holiday party and celebrate the holiday season with these great cocktail recipes!

Christmas Cocktails in a collage surrounding the text Best Easy Christmas Cocktails

Contents

  • Epic Christmas Cocktails
    • Liquors and Mixers Needed
    • Classic Christmas Cocktails
      • Milk Punch
      • Hot Toddy
      • Wassail Cocktail
      • Crockpot Mulled Wine
      • Crockpot Hot Buttered Rum
    • Fun Christmas Cocktails
      • Cranberry Mimosa
      • Cranberry Moscow Mule
      • Dirty Shirley
      • Boozy Grinch Cocktail
      • Spiced Cranberry Cocktail
      • Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail
      • Cranberry Lime Cocktail
      • Homemade Peppermint Vodka Made From Candy
      • Classic Grasshopper Cocktail
      • Tiramisu Martini
      • Deal Closer
    • Boozy Christmas Hot Chocolate
      • Bailey’s Hot Chocolate
      • Kahlúa Hot Chocolate
      • Crockpot Mexican Hot Chocolate
      • Boozy Frozen Hot Chocolate
    • Christmas Eggnog Cocktails
      • Bourbon Eggnog
      • Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail
      • Eggnog White Russian
      • Fireball Eggnog Cocktail
      • Eggnog Mudslide
      • RumChata Eggnog Cocktail
    • Christmas Shots
      • Grinch Jello Shots
      • Peppermint Patty Shot
      • Three Wise Men Shot
      • Polar Bear Shot
      • Red Snapper Shot
      • Cherry Bomb Shot
      • Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot
      • Fireball Jello Shots
      • Oatmeal Cookie Shot
    • Cocktail Tools

Epic Christmas Cocktails

Make spirits bright this year with these spirited holiday concoctions. From classic cocktails to martinis and sangria, there is something for everyone.

Packed with flavor, these Xmas cocktails are a great way to entertain guests and bring amazing fun to your event.

We focused on easy cocktails that all you need to do is have a few ingredients available and a few tools.

If you are heading to an event and may have to speak make sure to check out these Christmas Party Toasts so you are prepared!

From Christmas Eve to Christmas day these holiday inspired cocktails are the perfect additional to all the Xmas fun.

Liquors and Mixers Needed

The following liquors, liqueurs, and mixers frequently appear in this list of winter beverages.

  • Whiskey (including scotch and bourbon)
  • Rum
  • Vodka
  • Midori
  • RumChata
  • Kahlúa
  • Crème de Cacao
  • Peppermint Schnapps
  • Amaretto
  • Wine (including sparkling)
  • Grenadine
  • Cranberry juice
  • Eggnog
  • Milk
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Apple Cider or Juice

Optional additional liquors/flavors to have available at your Christmas event - Gin, Tequila, coconut milk, lime juice, or your favorite winter flavored liquors.

Garnishes - orange peel, salt, lemons, limes, star anise, Cinnamon Sugar to rim the cocktail glass, grated nutmeg, pomegranate seeds, Sugared Cranberries,

Classic Christmas Cocktails

These tried-and-true Christmas classics have never failed us. These are crowd pleaser holiday flavored cocktails that can be made in big batches or as individual Christmas drinks.

Milk Punch

Ingredients: Whole Milk, Bourbon Whiskey, Brandy, Simple Syrup, Vanilla; a pinch of Grated Nutmeg and Star Anise for Garnish

Milk Punch is a southern holiday tradition featuring a rich eggnog-like trifecta of milk, bourbon, and brandy. This Christmas punch is a family favorite.

Hot Toddy

Ingredients: Bourbon, Mild Honey, Fresh Lemon Juice, Boiling-Hot Water

Served hot and with soothing honey, the classic hot toddy is equal parts warming and healing on a cold winter’s night. Sip this classic Christmas cocktail in front of the fire watching the snow fall for an epic winter night.

Wassail Cocktail

Ingredients: Apple Cider; Peeled, Grated, or Minced Fresh Ginger; Sliced Lemons, Cinnamon Stick,  Star Anise, Vanilla Extract, Bourbon Per Drink

Wassail is an English apple cider that made its way to the northern Midwest through settlers. It is delicious for the fall and winter months.

crockpot mulled wine in a glass with orange slice, cranberries, and a cinnamon stick

Crockpot Mulled Wine

Ingredients: Merlot, Orange Juice, Fresh Whole Cranberries, White Sugar, Orange, Cloves, Cinnamon Sticks, Brandy

Garnish with Cinnamon Sticks, Orange Slices, and Fresh Cranberries

Our Crockpot Mulled Wine is perfect for winter home gating. It will stay warm for the entire party and can also be prepared ahead of time.

Hot Buttered Rum in a glass mug with a cinnamon stick

Crockpot Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Dark Rum, Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves, Apple Cider or Apple Juice

Put your crockpot to work with this make-ahead recipe for hot buttered rum.

Cranberry Mimosa in a champagne glass with champagne pouring into the glass

Fun Christmas Cocktails

These festive cocktails are perfect for a cozy night by the fire or an evening spent with loved ones.

Cranberry Mimosa

Ingredients: Champagne, Cranberry Juice, Cranberries for Garnish

This cheery take on a mimosa is all dressed up and ready for Christmas brunch. You can't go wrong with champagne cocktails!

cranberry mule in a copper mug with cranberries and rosemary garnish

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Ingredients: Ice, Juiced Lime, Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Ginger Beer; Lime Wheel, Cranberries, Rosemary Sprig for Garnish

Tart cranberry pairs beautifully with spicy ginger beer in this holiday-friendly play on the classic mule. Add a dash of orange bitters for more complexity.

Check out all of our ginger beer cocktails.

two glasses with Dirty Shirley Cocktails garnished with maraschino cherries by a bowl of lemons

Dirty Shirley

Ingredients: Plain, Cherry, or Vanilla Vodka; Grenadine; Sprite (or more as needed to fill the glass); Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

Our grownup Shirley Temple is ready to spread joy in your next holiday punch bowl.

two boozy grinch cocktails in martini glasses with a maraschino cherry

Boozy Grinch Cocktail

Ingredients: Midori, Pineapple Juice, Ice, Maraschino Cherries

We concocted this sweet, Grinch-inspired holiday delight at the Reno Santa Pub Crawl.

spiced cranberry cocktail in a glass with cranberries and rosemary

Spiced Cranberry Cocktail

Ingredients: Deep Eddy’s Cranberry Vodka, Cranberry Wine, Spiced Cranberry Cocktail, Cranberries, Rosemary Sprig, Ice

Although this festive recipe uses store-bought spiced cranberry cocktail juice for convenience, you can still use cranberry juice in place of this ingredient. The level of vodka can also be adjusted to taste.

Mulled cherry cider cocktail in a glass with greenery around it

Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail

Ingredients: Vodka, Maraschino Cherry Juice, Cherry Cider, Mulled Cider, Maraschino Cherries, Ice

The tartness and sweetness of cherry complement the warm spices of mulled cider in this festive take on the classic screwdriver.

cranberry lime cocktail in a spotted glass with a lime wheel

Cranberry Lime Cocktail

Ingredients: Plain or Cranberry Vodka, Ginger Ale or Cranberry Splash Soda, Cranberries and Lime Slices, Ice

The Cranberry Lime Cocktail is the ideal blend of citrus, sweet, and tart.

peppermint vodka in a mason jar

Homemade Peppermint Vodka Made From Candy

Ingredients: Vodka, Peppermint Candies

Our homemade peppermint vodka is a refreshing yet festive treat. Even better, only vodka and peppermint candies are needed to make it.

grasshopper cocktail printed over a martini glass filled with green cocktail and garnished with chocolate shavings

Classic Grasshopper Cocktail

Ingredients: Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, Heavy Whipping Cream

This creamy green cocktail has a fantastic chocolate peppermint flavor. My husband thinks I am crazy for thinking the grasshopper cocktail is a Christmas Cocktail but I love the peppermint chocolate flavor and green color.

Tiramisu martini text printed over a martini glass with chocolate designs and a cocktail shaker pouring a tiramisu martini

Tiramisu Martini

Ingredients: Malibu coconut rum, Irish Cream, Frangelico, Peach Schnapps, Amaretto, Butterscotch Schnapps

This dessert martini is a chocolate lovers dream cocktail. Make a chocolate design on the glass to make it even more fun.

Deal Closer cocktail printed over a filled glass and Alchemy Bar napkin

Deal Closer

Ingredients: Vanilla Rum, Amaretto, Irish Cream, and Dark Creme de Cacao

This adult chocolate milk cocktail is the perfect fun twist on classic cookies and milk for Santa.

Boozy Christmas Hot Chocolate

A steaming cup of rich hot chocolate warms winter-weary souls. Here are our favorite boozy cocoa recipes.

These recipes can be made with Crockpot Hot Chocolate and/or Crockpot White Hot Chocolate, homemade hot chocolate, or a store mix.

baileys hot chocolate with a whipped cream garnish next to a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream

Bailey’s Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: Hot Chocolate Mix Envelope, Milk, Bailey’s Irish Cream

Bailey’s transforms packaged hot cocoa into a decadent delight. Add marshmallows and whipped cream for an extra treat.

Kahlua Hot Chocolate text over a glass coffee mug with kahlua hot chocolate whipped cream and an espresso bean

Kahlúa Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: Hot Chocolate Mix Envelope, Milk, Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur

While this boozy hot chocolate uses packaged hot cocoa mix, you can replace this with any Mexican hot chocolate brand, such as Abuelita, for south-of-the-border flair.

crockpot mexican hot chocolate in a glass coffee mug garnished with whipped cream

Crockpot Mexican Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: Heavy Whipping Cream, Half and Half, Whole or 2% Milk, Boiling Water, Vanilla Extract, Instant Coffee, Ground Cinnamon, Milk Chocolate, Dried Ancho Chili

The ancho chili enhances the cocoa in this crockpot hot chocolate recipe. Add in Tequila or Fireball.

boozy frozen hot chocolate text over a glass mug filled and garnished with whipped cream

Boozy Frozen Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: Milk, Water, American Heritage Chocolate Drink Mix, Coffee Ice Cream, ½ Cup Ice, Irish Cream of Kahlúa Based on Preference

This boozy frozen hot chocolate is one of our favorite takeaways from our weekend in Washington, DC courtesy of American Heritage Chocolate. It is also perfect for warming up during the cooler months.

 

Christmas Eggnog Cocktails

Creamy and delicious eggnog is the perfect accompaniment to many base spirits and liqueurs. From our family to yours, here are our favorite ways to use this seasonal dairy delight.

Make our Eggnog Whipped Cream for a really fun garnish!

Bourbon Eggnog text over a glass cocktail glass with cinnamon garnish

Bourbon Eggnog

Ingredients: Eggnog, Bourbon, Ground Nutmeg for Garnish

In this festive two-ingredient cocktail, the smooth vanilla and caramel notes of American bourbon make eggnog shine.

Amaretto Eggnog text over a cocktail glass

Amaretto Eggnog Cocktail

Ingredients: Amaretto, Eggnog

Mamma mia, does amaretto make eggnog sing! Enjoy this creamy almond eggnog cocktail with a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for added warmth.
Eggnog White Russian text over a cocktail glass garnished with a cinnamon stick

Eggnog White Russian

Ingredients: Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur, Vodka, Eggnog

The addition of vodka turns our Eggnog Mudslide into the Eggnog White Russian. The 2:1 ratio of liquor and mixer will warm spirits on a cold winter night.

Fireball Eggnog text next to a bottle of fireball and a glass filled and garnished with a cinnamon stick

Fireball Eggnog Cocktail

Ingredients: Fireball Whisky, Eggnog, Cinnamon Sticks for Garnish

Creamy eggnog and warmly spiced Fireball combine to make a comforting winter holiday cocktail.

Eggnog Mudslide text over a filled cocktail glass garnished with whipped cream

Eggnog Mudslide

Ingredients: Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur, Vodka, eggnog; Whipped Cream and Ground Nutmeg for Garnish

Our seasonal twist on the classic dessert cocktail uses eggnog instead of heavy cream or half and half.

RumChata Eggnog text over a filled cocktail glass garnished with whipped cream

RumChata Eggnog Cocktail

Ingredients: RumChata, Eggnog; Whipped Cream and Ground Nutmeg for Garnish

The cinnamon rice milk goodness of RumChata combines with eggnog to create a memorable holiday beverage.

 

Christmas Shots

Toast to good times past, present, and future with these holiday shooters.

Grinch Jello Shots in plastic cups on a red rack with whipped cream and a red heart

Grinch Jello Shots

Ingredients: Green Jello, Boiling Water, Vanilla or Plain Vodka, Cold Water; Whipped Cream, Red Heart Candies, Sprinkles for Garnish

Inspired by the Grinch movies, these red and green jello shots look stunning on any holiday cocktail party platter.

Peppermint Patty Shot text over a filled shot glass with peppermint patty chocolates around it

Peppermint Patty Shot

Ingredients: Crème de Cacao Liqueur, Peppermint Schnapps, Bailey’s Irish Cream

This wintry three-ingredient shot tastes just like a peppermint patty candy.

Three wise men shot on a coaster with johnnie walker, jim beam, and jack daniels bottles behind it

Three Wise Men Shot

Ingredients: Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey, Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey, Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky

What happens when a Kentuckian, a Tennessean, and a Scotchman walk into a bar? All jokes aside, feel free to use your preferred regional whiskeys in this three-spirit shot.

Polar Bear Shot text over a filled shot glass and 2 polar bear marshmallows

Polar Bear Shot

Ingredients: White Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps

Don’t let the Polar Bear Shot’s clear color deceive you - it packs a punch of chocolate peppermint delight that is perfect for your next winter party.

Red Snapper Shot text over two filled shot glasses on white marble coasters

Red Snapper Shot

Ingredients: Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, Amaretto, Cranberry Juice

This fun red cocktail shot tastes amazing and is so easy to make.

cherry bomb shot text printed over a filled shot glass surrounded by cherries

Cherry Bomb Shot

Ingredients: Grenadine, Cherry vodka, and Red Bull Energy Drink

This fun cherry shot is the perfect red cocktail for Christmas. Packed with flavor and easy to make.

Chocolate covered cherry shot text over a layered shot surrounded by chocolate covered cherries

Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot

Ingredients: Grenadine, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Bailey's Irish Cream

This layered cocktail shot is easy to make and tastes amazing. We always had at least one box of classic chocolate covered cherries at Christmas.

Fireball Jello Shots in a plastic cup with a bottle of Fireball

Fireball Jello Shots

Ingredients: Cherry Jello, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Garnished with Red Hots and Whipped Cream.

The combination of cherry and Fireball Cinnamon whiskey is perfect for enjoying at a Christmas party!

Oatmeal cookie shot text over two filled shot glasses next to oatmeal cookies

Oatmeal Cookie Shot

Ingredients: Baileys Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps, Kahlua, Fireball

A fun twist on leaving Santa cookies and milk you can instead leave a cookie inspired cocktail shot.

 

Cocktail Tools

Ice Cube maker - This ice cube maker produces the most amazing cubes of ice perfect for cocktails. It easily fits in the freezer and you can make up to 3 trays of round ball ice at a time.

2 ounce shot glasses - We love these 2 oz shot glasses especially for layered shots.

Bar Spoon - Bar spoons help to create layers in the cocktail shot. They fit perfectly into the cocktail shot glass. They also look really cool when you need to stir a drink.

Cocktail Shaker – This cocktail shaker comes with a fantastic set of tools. Super easy to shake and pour/strain your favorite Christmas Cocktail.

Stemless Martini Glasses - These stemless martini glasses are fantastic.

Martini Glass - We like the look of the classic martini glass

Jell-O Shot Cups - We suggest using two-ounce Jell-O shot cups.

Copper Mug

High Ball Glasses

OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails.

Margarita Glasses - We like the look of classic margarita glasses but you can use any glass for this great cocktail.

Champagne glass

Hurricane Glass - For a truly tropical look serve this drink in a hurricane glass.

Copper Mule Mugs  - Copper Mule Mugs are the classic way to serve Moscow Mules. The copper mugs keep them nice and cold and look amazing.

Old Fashion Glass/Rocks Glass

Cute Coffee Mugs - We really like the clear insulated coffee mugs that show off how epic your drink looks.

Soda fountain-type glasses - I love the look of these soda fountain glasses. They just make the milkshake look even more decadent.

Paper milkshake straws - if you are serving this at a party or want to make them look like you are at an ice cream counter I love these paper milkshake straws.

Alcohol content depends on the products used.

 

More Christmas

  • Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls (4 Ingredients)
  • Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipe
  • Easy Dump Cake Recipes (Oven and Crockpot)
  • Best Hot Chocolate Recipes (Easy and Delicious)

About Tammilee

Lifestyle blogger who travels the world and drinks too much Chai tea. Travel blogger, award winning photographer, sunset hunter, Birkenstock girl, bird nerd
You can find Tammilee on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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