As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to create lasting memories than by sharing delicious, festive cocktails. Christmas cocktails bring a special kind of warmth and joy to gatherings, infusing your celebrations with both seasonal flavors and cheerful spirits.
Whether you’re looking to warm up with a classic mulled wine, impress guests with a unique Gingerbread Old Fashioned, or enjoy a light and sparkling Plum Spritz, we’ve got the perfect recipes for every occasion. From rich and creamy Hot Buttered Rum to the tropical twist of Coquito, these cocktails will elevate your holiday festivities.
Let us give you expert, step-by-step instructions to craft these holiday favorites in the comfort of your own home, and discover the best ways to enjoy these. Whether you’re hosting or simply indulging, our collection offers something for every taste—giving you all the inspiration you need to enjoy a truly memorable Christmas.
Our Favourite Festive Cocktails for this Season
Christmas Punch
This Christmas Punch is a light, fruity blend that pairs perfectly with holiday festivities. The prosecco adds bubbles, while the herbal notes from the gin and rosemary give it a festive flair.
Ingredients:
500ml spiced rum
750ml cranberry juice, chilled
500ml orange juice, chilled
250ml ginger ale, chilled
100ml triple sec
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
1 lime, thinly sliced into rounds
1 cup fresh cranberries
Ice
Method:
In a large punch bowl, combine the spiced rum, cranberry juice, orange juice, and triple sec. Add the cinnamon sticks, orange slices, lime slices, and cranberries. Just before serving, add ice and pour in the ginger ale for a fizzy finish. Stir gently and serve. The punch will stay flavorful for up to two hours.
Classic Mulled Wine
A holiday classic, mulled wine fills the room with cosy, spicy aromas. This warm, fragrant drink is ideal for Christmas evenings and gatherings.
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine
250ml orange juice
100ml brandy
75g caster sugar
2 oranges, sliced into rounds
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
2 star anise
1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise
Optional: fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Method:
In a large saucepan, combine the wine, orange juice, brandy, and caster sugar. Add the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and vanilla pod. Gently heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the wine is steaming (do not let it boil). Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cranberries or rosemary sprigs if desired.
Hot Buttered Rum
For those chilly winter nights, Hot Buttered Rum provides a rich, buttery warmth. This recipe combines dark rum with spices and brown sugar, making it perfect for relaxing by the fire.
Ingredients:
60ml dark rum per serving
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp salt
500ml boiling water
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Method:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to create a spiced butter paste. Divide the paste evenly among serving mugs (about 1 tbsp per mug). Add 60ml of dark rum to each mug and top with boiling water. Stir until the butter mixture dissolves. Garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Coquito
Coquito is Puerto Rico’s creamy and spiced answer to eggnog, made with coconut and rum. This festive drink is rich and flavorful, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
400ml coconut milk
400ml sweetened condensed milk
250ml evaporated milk
250ml white rum (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Method:
In a blender, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours. Before serving, stir well and pour into small glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve cold.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Rich, creamy, and with a hint of bourbon and Kahlúa, this Spiked Hot Chocolate is a decadent treat for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
500ml whole milk
250ml double cream
150g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
50ml coffee liqueur
50ml Irish cream liqueur
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)
Method:
In a saucepan, heat the milk and double cream over medium heat until warm (do not boil). Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the coffee liqueur, Irish cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
This Gingerbread Old Fashioned adds a holiday twist to the classic with the warmth of gingerbread syrup. It’s a smooth and spiced cocktail that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients:
60ml bourbon
10ml gingerbread syrup
2 dashes of aromatic bitters
Ice
Orange peel (for garnish)
Candied ginger (optional, for garnish)
Method:
In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel and a piece of candied ginger if desired.
Plum Spritz
Light, bubbly, and fruity, the Sugarplum Spritz is an elegant cocktail perfect for holiday toasts. Plum wine and prosecco create a beautifully refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
30ml plum liqueur
30ml sparkling water
120ml prosecco, chilled
10ml simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Ice
Fresh plums, sliced (for garnish)
Sprig of thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Method:
In a wine glass, add the plum liqueur and simple syrup if using. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the sparkling water. Top with chilled prosecco and stir gently. Garnish with plum slices and a sprig of thyme or rosemary if desired.
For more festive cocktail ides, check out our top tequila cocktail recipes.
If you’d rather skip the fuss at home, check out London’s Best Christmas Cocktails to find the most festive spots to enjoy a holiday drink out on the town.
