The holidays are here, and I know you’re looking for special drinks to celebrate. This year, I’ve gathered my favorite Christmas cocktail recipes that are easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings.
Whether you like something strong and classic or light and fruity, I have a drink here for you. Let’s get mixing!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Christmas Bourbon Cocktails
- 2. Festive Christmas Cranberry Mojito
- 3. Elegant Christmas Snowflake Cocktail
- 4. Classic Christmas Vodka Martini
Christmas Bourbon Cocktails for the Holidays
These bourbon cocktails bring warm holiday cheer. They are perfect for sipping by the fire on a cold winter night.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Bourbon Drinks
- Good Bourbon: Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking on its own; it makes a big difference in your cocktail.
- Fresh Citrus: Fresh lemon or orange juice brightens the drink’s flavor wonderfully.
What You Need for Bourbon Cocktails
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz maple syrup or simple syrup
- Dash of bitters
- Orange peel or cinnamon stick for garnish
- Ice
⏱️ Time: 5 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make Your Bourbon Cocktail
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup (or simple syrup), and a dash of bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add plenty of ice to the shaker.
Step 2: Shake and Serve
Shake the mixture well for about 15-20 seconds until it is very cold. Strain the chilled liquid into a glass. Garnish with an orange peel or a cinnamon stick before serving.
📝 Final Note
For a warmer drink idea, gently heat the bourbon, syrup, and spices (not the citrus) and serve in a mug.
Festive Christmas Cranberry Mojito Recipe
This mojito adds a beautiful holiday touch to a classic refreshing drink. It’s vibrant, fizzy, and full of flavor.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Mojitos
- Fresh Mint: Gently muddle the mint to release its oils without tearing the leaves too much, which can make it bitter.
- Cranberry Juice: Use 100% cranberry juice for a tart, authentic taste. Sweetened varieties might make your drink too sweet.
What You Need for Cranberry Mojito
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Splash of club soda
- Fresh cranberries and a mint sprig for garnish
- Ice
⏱️ Time: 7 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make Your Cranberry Mojito
Step 1: Muddle Mint and Lime
In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with the fresh lime juice and simple syrup. This helps release the mint’s aroma without crushing it too much.
Step 2: Combine and Top
Add the white rum and cranberry juice to the glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir everything well. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with fresh cranberries and a mint sprig.
📝 Final Note
You can make a large batch of the rum, lime, syrup, and cranberry base ahead of time, then add mint, ice, and soda per glass when ready to serve.
Elegant Christmas Snowflake Cocktail
This beautiful white drink looks just like a snowflake, perfect for a chic holiday party. It’s creamy, sweet, and feels special.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Snowflake Cocktails
- Coconut Cream: For a smooth, rich texture, make sure to use cream of coconut, not just thin coconut milk.
- Rim Sugar: Use fine white sugar mixed with a tiny bit of edible glitter for a frosty, sparkly glass rim.
What You Need for Snowflake Cocktail
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz white cranberry juice (or regular for a pinker tint)
- 0.5 oz cream of coconut
- 0.25 oz blue curaçao (for a very light blue tint, optional)
- Edible silver glitter for garnish
- Ice
⏱️ Time: 6 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make Your Snowflake Cocktail
Step 1: Prepare Glass
First, wet the rim of a chilled martini glass with a lime wedge. Then, dip the rim into edible glitter or fine white sugar to create a beautiful, frosty edge.
Step 2: Shake and Pour
Combine the vanilla vodka, white cranberry juice, cream of coconut, and blue curaçao (if using for tint) in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until very cold and well-mixed. Strain into your prepared martini glass.
📝 Final Note
A tiny drop of food-grade blue coloring can make the “snowflake” effect more noticeable if you don’t have blue curaçao.
Classic Christmas Vodka Martini Recipe
A sophisticated and strong choice, this vodka martini gets a subtle festive update. It’s crisp, clean, and perfect for adult celebrations.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Vodka Martinis
- Good Vodka: Use high-quality vodka for the best, smoothest martini experience. It’s the star of this drink.
- Chill Your Glass: Always chill your martini glass beforehand in the freezer to keep your drink colder for longer.
What You Need for Vodka Martini
- 2.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Olive or a small candy cane for garnish
- Ice
⏱️ Time: 3 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make Your Vodka Martini
Step 1: Chill Glass and Mix
Place your martini glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the drink. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the vodka and dry vermouth.
Step 2: Stir and Garnish
Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds until it is very cold. Strain the liquid into your chilled martini glass. Garnish with an olive or a small candy cane for a holiday touch.
📝 Final Note
For a “dirty” martini, add a splash of olive brine to the mixing glass with the vodka and vermouth.
