Time-Honored Favorites
When it comes to holiday drinks, few things evoke the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas like the classic cocktails we’ve all come to love. These tried-and-true favorites have graced holiday tables for generations—and for good reason.
Print
Christmas Cocktails for 2025: Easy Recipes, Best Drinks, Festive Tips
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy Christmas cocktails are festive, flavorful, and require only a few ingredients—perfect for cozy nights or holiday parties.
Ingredients
2 oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice
Ginger beer to top
Ice
1 rosemary sprig
Sugared cranberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and cranberry juice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Gently stir.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and sugared cranberries.
Notes
Make it a mocktail by omitting vodka and adding a splash of lime. Prep sugared cranberries a day ahead for best texture. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas cocktails, cranberry mule, holiday drinks, festive drinks
- Eggnog: Rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, Eggnog is a quintessential Christmas beverage. Traditionally made with eggs, milk or cream, nutmeg, and a spirit like bourbon, rum, or brandy, this velvety drink is synonymous with cozy gatherings by the fire.
- Hot Buttered Rum: This comforting cocktail blends dark rum with a buttery mixture of brown sugar and winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s served hot—perfect for chilly December nights.
- Mulled Wine: A European staple that’s become a global favorite, Mulled Wine is made by gently simmering red wine with spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, often accented with orange zest. It fills the home with a delightful aroma and warms the soul with every sip.
These classic drinks are more than just beverages—they’re rituals of the season. Whether served at a holiday party or sipped quietly while watching snow fall, they instantly bring a sense of comfort and tradition.
Table of Contents
Regional Twists on the Classics
Across different regions, beloved Christmas cocktails take on unique local flavors, adding character and cultural flair:
- Tom and Jerry (Midwest USA): Not the cartoon characters, but a warm, frothy cousin of Eggnog made with whipped egg whites, brandy, and rum. It’s often served in special Tom and Jerry mugs at Midwest gatherings.
- Coquito (Puerto Rico): A creamy coconut-based version of Eggnog infused with rum, sweetened condensed milk, and warming spices. It’s a staple at Puerto Rican Christmas parties and a symbol of island hospitality.
- Gløgg (Scandinavia): Similar to Mulled Wine, this Nordic version includes raisins, almonds, and often aquavit or vodka. Served hot, Gløgg is deeply rooted in Scandinavian Christmas markets and traditions.
These regional variations not only reflect local ingredients and customs but also show how the universal spirit of the holidays can be adapted to different palates and cultures.
Simple Cocktails, Big Holiday Flavor
Let’s face it—Christmas is busy enough without a 10-step cocktail recipe. When your kitchen’s filled with cookie trays, roast dinners, and visiting relatives, a low-ingredient Christmas cocktail can be a lifesaver. The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to keep things simple.
One standout is the Cranberry Moscow Mule. Just three ingredients—vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer—create a sparkling, tart cocktail that looks festive and tastes crisp. Serve it in copper mugs with a few fresh cranberries for garnish, and you’ve got holiday charm with zero fuss.
Then there’s the Peppermint White Russian—a playful, creamy twist on the classic. All it takes is vodka, coffee liqueur, and a splash of peppermint cream or crushed candy cane stirred into cream. It’s rich, cozy, and doubles as dessert in a glass.
Even simpler? Champagne with a splash of pomegranate juice or a sugar cube and bitters for an easy holiday sparkler. With its ruby-red hue and festive bubbles, it’s perfect for Christmas brunch or New Year’s Eve toasts.
These cocktails shine because they’re fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. You don’t need to be a mixologist to make Christmas cocktails that delight your guests.
You can find more low-effort holiday ideas in my easy winter drinks section, including festive mocktails and family-friendly options.
Pantry to Party: Ingredients You Already Have
Most of these Christmas cocktails use ingredients you probably have lying around. Think vodka, rum, cranberry juice, ginger ale, citrus fruits, or leftover candy canes from decorating.
Take the Spiced Apple Cider Punch—apple cider warmed with cinnamon and cloves, spiked with rum or left virgin for the kids. It’s made in one pot and ladled straight into mugs. No bar cart needed.
Or try the Holiday Gin Fizz—gin, lemon juice, and soda water, with a dash of rosemary syrup if you have it. It’s refreshing and herbaceous, made with what’s already in your kitchen.
For more inspiration using pantry ingredients, I often refer readers to quick seasonal cocktails where I offer shortcuts that taste like you worked all day.
The key is confidence. Use what you have, skip what you don’t, and remember—it’s the holiday spirit, not the spirit brand, that counts.
Trending Christmas Cocktails in 2025
Every Christmas brings its own flavor of trends—and this year, festive drinks are getting creative but staying comforting. While classics like eggnog and mulled wine never leave the table, newer cocktails are making waves at holiday parties across the U.S.
One of the biggest trends? The Cranberry Aperol Spritz. Bright, slightly bitter, and perfect before dinner, it’s become the go-to for holiday happy hours. Aperol, prosecco, and cranberry juice come together for a cheery red drink that’s easy to love.
Bourbon Apple Smash is another star, especially for those who want something both strong and seasonal. Fresh apple slices, cinnamon, and a generous pour of bourbon make it feel like Christmas in a glass. Serve over crushed ice and top with ginger beer or soda.
And we can’t forget about the viral Christmas Margarita—a snowy twist with white cranberry juice, silver tequila, lime, and a rosemary garnish that mimics a tiny Christmas tree. It’s both pretty and punchy.
Over at holiday drink ideas, I’ve noticed readers gravitating toward bold, fruit-forward cocktails like the Cherry Brandy Fizz and the Festive Negroni. These are drinks that look as good as they taste, and they’re perfect for Instagram-ready moments.
Whether you’re mixing a punch bowl or stirring a single glass, this year’s cocktails prove that you don’t need a complex recipe to impress.
Non-Alcoholic Stars of the Season
Of course, not everyone wants alcohol during the holidays—and the rise in zero-proof Christmas cocktails proves that sober can still be festive.
One of my favorites is the Pomegranate Rosemary Sparkler—just pomegranate juice, soda water, and a sprig of rosemary. It’s crisp, seasonal, and elegant enough to serve in a champagne flute.
Mulled Cranberry Punch is another crowd-pleaser. Simmer cranberry juice with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices for a warming drink everyone can enjoy. A splash of apple cider or sparkling water adds depth and fizz.
These drinks aren’t just placeholders—they’re thoughtful, flavorful, and made with as much care as their boozy cousins. In fact, my Christmas mocktails guide is one of the most visited pages each December.
Including non-alcoholic options isn’t just polite—it’s welcoming. It ensures every guest, no matter their preferences or age, has something festive in hand.
Planning for a Crowd or a Cozy Night In
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or sharing a quiet evening by the fire, crafting the right mix of Christmas cocktails makes all the difference. Think balance—sweet, strong, light, and warm drinks to suit every taste and setting.
Start with a signature cocktail like the Spiced Pear Spritz—a bubbly mix of prosecco, pear juice, and cinnamon simple syrup. It’s elegant, fragrant, and makes an impression right away. For those chilly nights, keep a slow cooker of mulled wine simmering in the corner—it keeps the house smelling magical and warms guests from the inside out.
Offer something stirred and spirit-forward, like a Christmas Old Fashioned with hints of orange zest and a dash of cranberry bitters. And always include one fun, approachable option like the Sugar Cookie Martini, a creamy vanilla cocktail that tastes like dessert.
For more hosting ideas, I’ve gathered top-performing suggestions in my Christmas entertaining hub, including batch cocktails and make-ahead tips.
A well-rounded cocktail menu isn’t just about variety—it’s about atmosphere. You’re setting the mood with every pour.
Garnishes, Glassware & Final Touches
Great holiday cocktails are as much about presentation as taste. A few smart details go a long way.
Use garnishes to elevate even the simplest drinks—rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, orange wheels, or cinnamon sticks all add festive flair. Rim your glasses with crushed candy cane for peppermint drinks, or dip them in sugar for something sparkling and elegant.
Don’t overlook glassware. Serve eggnog in footed mugs, highballs for spritzes, and vintage coupes for your sparkling cocktails. The right glass can make a two-ingredient drink feel luxurious.
In my kitchen styling section, I show how to create a beautiful DIY bar setup using what you already have—no expensive tools required.
And if you’re short on time? A well-chosen tray, a few holiday napkins, and a bowl of garnishes invite guests to serve themselves. That’s not just efficient—it’s festive.
With a little preparation and a dash of creativity, your Christmas cocktails will be as memorable as the meal itself.
FAQ
What is the most popular Christmas cocktail?
The most popular Christmas cocktail is arguably eggnog with bourbon or rum. Its creamy, spiced flavor and nostalgic appeal make it a seasonal favorite across generations. Other classics like mulled wine and cranberry mules are also widely served during the holidays.
What is an easy low ingredient Christmas cocktail?
One of the easiest low-ingredient Christmas cocktails is the Cranberry Moscow Mule. It uses just three ingredients—vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer—and is ready in seconds. It’s festive, refreshing, and requires no fancy tools or prep.
What is the most consumed drink at Christmas?
The most consumed drink at Christmas globally is likely wine, especially red and mulled varieties. In the U.S., eggnog and hot apple cider—both spiked and alcohol-free—also top the list for Christmas gatherings and holiday dinners.
What drinks to have at Christmas?
Great drinks to have at Christmas include spiced cocktails like mulled wine or bourbon apple cider, bubbly options like pomegranate prosecco, and non-alcoholic festive mocktails like cranberry punch. A well-balanced menu should include a mix of hot, cold, alcoholic, and alcohol-free drinks. See more ideas in our holiday drink roundup.
Conclusion
Christmas cocktails, whether traditional or innovative, play a significant role in holiday celebrations, bringing people together and enhancing the festive spirit. From classic favorites to creative mocktails, there’s a drink for everyone to enjoy. As you gather with loved ones this season, consider trying out these delightful beverages to make your celebrations even more memorable.