Sip & Celebrate with these show-stopping holiday cocktails!
Impress your guests with these festive Christmas cocktails featuring cranberry, peppermint, and seasonal spices. These elegant drinks are quick to make and perfect for holiday entertaining.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cocktails add a touch of holiday magic. From vibrant cranberry martinis to warm spiced drinks, each recipe is designed to delight the senses.
With beautiful garnishes like sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and candy cane rims, these drinks are as stunning as they are delicious. The bold flavors of cranberry, peppermint, and cinnamon will transport you straight to a winter wonderland.
Perfect for holiday entertaining, these recipes require minimal effort but maximum impact. You'll have your guests raising their glasses in no time!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick to Make
No cooking required – mix and serve in minutes. Ideal for busy hosts.
💰 Cost-Effective
Uses pantry staples and seasonal ingredients at their peak value.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Vibrant colors and festive garnishes create a memorable experience.
🌟 Customizable
Easily adapt recipes for non-alcoholic versions or dietary preferences.
Festive Christmas Cocktail Recipes
Create holiday magic with these show-stopping drinks!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 12 oz cranberry juice
- - 6 oz vodka
- - 12 oz ginger ale
- - 12 oz peppermint schnapps
- - 12 oz spiced rum
- - Cranberries for garnish
- - Candy canes
- - Cinnamon sticks
- - Rosemary sprigs
- - Lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Garnishes: Sugared cranberries (coat cranberries in sugar, let dry 1 hour)
💡 Use fresh cranberries for best texture
Chill Glasses: Place cocktail glasses in freezer 15 minutes
💡 Chilled glasses enhance cold drink experience
Make Cranberry Cocktail: Mix 1 oz vodka, 2 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz ginger ale in chilled glass. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary.
💡 Add a candy cane stirrer for extra flair
Make Peppermint Martini: Combine 1 oz vodka, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, 1 oz cranberry juice. Rim glass with crushed candy cane.
💡 Use a cocktail shaker for best results
Make Spiced Drink: Mix 1 oz spiced rum, 2 oz cranberry juice, 1 oz ginger ale. Garnish with cinnamon stick and lemon wedge.
💡 Add a cinnamon sugar rim for extra holiday flair
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cranberry Juice
Provides vibrant color and tart flavor. Use 100% juice for best taste.
Substitutions: Frozen cranberries (thawed) or cranberry-apple juice
Peppermint Schnapps
Adds festive mint flavor. Can be omitted for non-alcoholic version.
Substitutions: Peppermint extract (1/4 tsp) or fresh mint leaves
Spiced Rum
Contributes warm spice notes. Substitute with bourbon or brandy.
Substitutions: Apple cider or ginger beer for non-alcoholic option
Candy Canes
Create festive candy cane rimmer and stirrers. Use red and white stripes for holiday flair.
Substitutions: Crushed peppermint candies or edible glitter
Pro Tips for Perfect Cocktails
✨ Presentation Tips
Use clear glassware to showcase vibrant colors. Add fairy lights behind glasses for warm glow.
❄️ Chilling Techniques
Chill glasses in freezer 15 minutes before serving. For extra cold, use ice cubes made with cranberry juice.
🎨 Garnishing Tips
Thread cranberries on toothpicks with cinnamon sticks for elegant skewers. Add edible gold dust for sparkle.
📸 Serving Suggestions
Arrange cocktails on dark wooden tray with scattered cranberries and star anise for Instagram-worthy presentation.
Variations & Customizations
Non-Alcoholic Versions
Omit alcohol and add sparkling apple cider. Use cranberry-apple juice blend for festive flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
Use sugar-free cranberry juice and light ginger ale for lower-calorie options.
Seasonal Twists
Add orange zest for citrus notes or switch to pomegranate juice for a different holiday flavor.
Garnish Ideas
Try snowball candies, holly leaves, or edible silver dust for extra holiday sparkle.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Mini Appetizers: Pair with mini quiches or stuffed mushrooms for balanced meal
- Cheese Board: Serve alongside brie and gouda for complementary flavors
- Chocolate Desserts: Dark chocolate truffles enhance peppermint notes
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Cranberry cocktails pair beautifully with sparkling wine. Spiced drinks complement dark beer or port.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare sugared cranberries up to 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage
Chilled cocktails last 24 hours. Store in sealed bottles or mason jars.
Freezer Storage
Make cocktail bases (without garnishes) up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Not applicable for cold cocktails. For spiced drinks, gently warm in microwave 15-20 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: How to prevent sugared cranberries from clumping?
A: Toss cranberries in sugar gently. Use a silicone spatula to separate them after coating.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, but thaw completely first. Fresh cranberries provide better texture for garnishes.
Q: How to make non-alcoholic versions?
A: Substitute alcohol with sparkling apple cider or cranberry-apple juice blend.
Q: What if my cocktail is too tart?
A: Add a splash of simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) to balance flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas cocktails are the perfect combination of festive flavors and stunning presentation. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you'll create drinks that will make any holiday gathering shine.
From the vibrant cranberry martinis to the warm spiced drinks, each recipe offers a unique taste of the season. The beautiful garnishes and elegant glassware will impress your guests and make your holiday party unforgettable.
