Timeless Christmas Cocktails That Never Go Out of Style
Why Eggnog and Mulled Wine Still Top Our List
I’ll never forget the first Christmas I made eggnog from scratch. I was 26, still trying to impress my in-laws, and I whisked that custard like my life depended on it. When it finally chilled and I topped it with a dusting of nutmeg, it felt like pure holiday magic in a cup.
Eggnog is more than just a drink—it’s a tradition. This rich, velvety blend of cream, eggs, sugar, and bourbon (or rum) is a symbol of cozy gatherings. You can even experiment with flavored versions—think cinnamon-maple or vanilla-bourbon. For more festive ideas like this, check out the cocktail collection on Flavorsof, where holiday spirits take center stage.
Mulled wine is another timeless Christmas cocktail that warms you from the inside out. It’s a blend of red wine, citrus, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and just the right touch of honey. My grandma used to heat it low and slow in her cast iron pot while we decorated the tree. The scent alone was like a hug from the holidays.
Hot Buttered Rum and Hot Toddies—Warmth in a Mug
There’s nothing like sipping something warm on a frosty December night. One of my all-time favorite christmas cocktails is hot buttered rum. It’s buttery, spiced, and comfort in a cup. You mix dark rum with a spiced butter batter, hot water, and a touch of brown sugar.
A hot toddy, on the other hand, is what I turn to when I’ve got a scratchy throat or a quiet night by the fire. I make mine with honey, lemon, bourbon, and a cinnamon stick. For more cozy hot drinks, swing by the holiday drinks section on Flavorsof—you’ll find plenty of inspiration.
Festive Cocktails with a Playful Twist
Candy Cane Martinis & Peppermint-Chocolate Shooters
If you’re anything like me, the holidays aren’t complete without a little kitchen chaos. One Christmas Eve, I tried to impress my neighbors with peppermint-chocolate shooters. I dropped the candy canes, burned the chocolate syrup, and made a mess so big, it looked like Santa had crash-landed in my kitchen. But when we took that first chilly shot—minty, creamy, with a cocoa kick—everybody laughed, and I knew the mess was worth it.
These festive cocktails are pure fun. For the candy cane martini, shake together vanilla vodka, white crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps. Rim your glass with crushed candy canes for an extra crunch. Want it creamier? Add a splash of half and half. For a twist on presentation, you can also freeze candy cane shards in the ice cubes ahead of time.
As for the shooters, think rich hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps and topped with whipped cream. They’re the perfect sip-and-smile treat for a holiday party. You can explore more fun drink recipes like this on Flavorsof’s peppermint cocktail collection to keep your spirits high and your fridge festive.
Cranberry Moscow Mule & Ginger-Cranberry Mimosa
Let’s talk cranberry. I had half a bowl of leftover cranberry sauce once and thought, “Could this become a drink?” A few muddles, some ginger beer, and a splash of vodka later, I was sipping what would become one of my favorite festive cocktails ever: the cranberry Moscow mule.
It’s bright, bubbly, and perfect with a copper mug to keep things icy cold. Fresh lime balances the tartness, while rosemary adds a fresh, piney aroma. For a brunch-ready version, try a cranberry-ginger mimosa with sparkling wine and cranberry juice—it’s a refreshing way to toast the season.
Both drinks are perfect for a crowd and can easily be batched ahead. You’ll find more cranberry-based cocktail ideas in Flavorsof’s drink section, where seasonal ingredients shine in every glass.
Holiday Cocktails from Around the World
Coquito – Puerto Rico’s Coconut Eggnog
I didn’t grow up with Coquito. But one December night, a Puerto Rican neighbor dropped off a mason jar full of creamy, boozy magic. I took one sip and said, “Where has this been all my life?” Since then, it’s become my go-to when I want a holiday cocktail that feels both tropical and festive.
Coquito is Puerto Rico’s answer to eggnog—but richer, silkier, and with coconut flavor that transports you to sandy shores even when snow’s falling outside. The classic base combines coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a healthy pour of white rum. Some folks add vanilla or even a pinch of clove. Just blend it, chill it, and serve it in small glasses—this one’s decadent.
You’ll find my favorite Coquito recipe here, and I promise it’ll win over even the most eggnog-skeptical guest. It also makes a great homemade gift—just bottle it with a ribbon and keep it refrigerated.
Tom and Jerry & Snowball – Warming Sips with a Nostalgic Twist
When I was little, I thought Tom and Jerry was just a cartoon. But during one snowy North Carolina Christmas, my aunt handed me a mug of this warm, frothy drink—and I realized the name also belonged to one of the coziest holiday cocktails around.
The Tom and Jerry is a cousin of eggnog, made with whipped egg whites and yolks folded into a sweet batter that’s mixed with brandy, rum, and hot milk or water. It’s decadent and old-fashioned in the best way. You can make the batter ahead and keep it chilled for quick holiday servings.
Then there’s the Snowball—a British classic made with advocaat (a Dutch egg liqueur), lemonade, and a twist of lime. It’s creamy, fizzy, and surprisingly light. Perfect for mid-afternoon sipping while watching a holiday movie or trimming the tree.
Want more nostalgic recipes like these? Visit Flavorsof’s holiday drinks archive, where warm flavors and retro cocktails come to life.
Christmas Drink Ideas for Toasts & Celebrations
Holiday Punch Bowls & Big Batch Margaritas
Let me tell you—when you’ve got ten people coming through your door in 30 minutes and your stuffing isn’t even browned yet, batch cocktails become your best friend. One Christmas Eve, I threw together a punch bowl with cranberry juice, orange slices, prosecco, and spiced rum. By the time folks walked in, I was ready—with a ladle in one hand and a grin in the other.
Holiday punch bowls make serving easy and festive. Mix up a batch with sparkling wine, citrus juice, spiced or dark rum, a splash of ginger ale, and cranberries floating on top. Use a large ice ring to keep it cold without watering it down. Want variety? Add pomegranate seeds or blood orange slices for extra flair.
Big batch margaritas also deserve a spot at the Christmas table. Use silver tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice for a holiday twist. Rim glasses with salt and crushed rosemary to give it a wintry touch. Visit Flavorsof’s party drinks section for more big-batch magic.
Sparkling Spritzes & Champagne Cocktails
Some drinks were made for toasting. And when it comes to Christmas drink ideas, you can’t skip a classic Champagne cocktail. I still remember my first sip of one—Champagne with a sugar cube, a dash of Angostura bitters, and a twist of lemon. Elegant, simple, and it made me feel like I’d stepped into an old holiday movie.
Another go-to is the cranberry Aperol spritz. It’s bubbly, slightly bitter, and festive with a pop of color. Combine Aperol, cranberry juice, prosecco, and soda water. Serve over ice with a rosemary sprig. Perfect for a Christmas brunch or a New Year’s countdown.
If you’re looking for more bubbly recipes to round out your celebration, check out Flavorsof’s sparkling cocktail roundup for easy-to-make stunners that shimmer in the glass.
FAQ
What is the most popular Christmas cocktail?
Eggnog holds the crown as the most popular Christmas cocktail. Its creamy, spiced flavor and rich texture make it a seasonal favorite across many households. Whether you add bourbon, rum, or keep it non-alcoholic, eggnog’s nostalgic charm keeps it at the top of holiday drink lists year after year.
What is the most consumed drink at Christmas?
Beyond cocktails, mulled wine and hot toddies are among the most consumed drinks during the Christmas season. Their warming spices and comforting aromas fit perfectly with cold weather, making them staples at holiday gatherings nationwide.
What is an old fashioned Christmas drink?
The Tom and Jerry is a classic old-fashioned Christmas drink. It’s a warm, frothy cocktail made from whipped egg batter combined with brandy, rum, and hot milk or water. This cozy drink has been warming hearts for centuries, especially in traditional holiday celebrations.
Which popular alcoholic Christmas drink is best served hot?
Hot buttered rum is one of the best-known alcoholic Christmas drinks served hot. Made with spiced butter, rum, hot water, and brown sugar, it’s a comforting mug full of rich, buttery warmth that’s perfect for chilly holiday nights.
Christmas Cocktails: 7 Irresistible Recipes to Warm Your Holiday Spirit
Five festive christmas cocktails—from creamy eggnog to bubbly punch—designed to bring warmth, cheer, and nostalgia to every gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixed / Shaken
- Cuisine: Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Eggnog: eggs, sugar, milk, cream, rum or brandy, nutmeg
Champagne Punch: champagne, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, soda water, fresh cranberries
Coquito: coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, Puerto Rican rum, vanilla, cinnamon
Brandy Alexander: brandy, dark crème de cacao, heavy cream, nutmeg
Peppermint White Russian: vodka, coffee liqueur, peppermint syrup, heavy cream, crushed candy cane
Instructions
1. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy, then stir in milk, cream, and rum. Shake with ice, strain, top with nutmeg.
2. In punch bowl, combine juice and liqueur. Chill. Add champagne and soda water before serving. Garnish with cranberries.
3. Blend milks, cinnamon, vanilla, and rum. Chill 2 hours. Shake and serve over ice with cinnamon stick.
4. Shake brandy, crème de cacao, and cream with ice. Strain into glass, grate nutmeg on top.
5. Stir vodka and coffee liqueur with ice. Add cream mixed with peppermint syrup. Garnish with crushed candy cane.
Notes
Use fresh grated nutmeg for a richer flavor.
Chill all punch ingredients ahead of time for best fizz.
Let coquito sit overnight for deeper flavor.
Serve Brandy Alexander very cold.
Peppermint syrup sweetness can be adjusted to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg