Christmas Cocktails: 2024 Edition
The holidays are already packed with so much preparation, and the cocktail menu is just one more thing to think about. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! We’ve curated a list of easy-to-make recipes perfect for Christmas morning, Noche Buena, or any spontaneous holiday gathering. Whether you're hosting or just celebrating with close friends, these drinks will add the perfect festive touch to your celebration.
1. Boozy Hot Chocolate
Christmas isn't complete without hot chocolate, so why not make it even better by spiking it with a spirit of your choice?
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 6 ounces milk, heated
- 1 1/2 ounces spirit of choice (whiskey, rum, tequila, up to you!)
- Garnish: mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Put the chopped chocolate in an Irish Coffee mug.
- Pour the hot milk into the mug and let stand for 2 minutes until the chocolate melts, then stir with a spoon until smooth.
- Pour in the spirit of your choice and stir to combine.
- Garnish with mini marshmallows.
2. Glögg
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy hot cocktails. Embrace the cozy vibes and whip up this large batch for your next Christmas gathering!
Ingredients:
- 2 750 ml bottles red wine
- 1 1/2 750 ml bottles ruby port
- 1 cup vodka
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 pound dried figs, sliced
- 1/2 pound raisins
- 2 oranges, peeled and juiced
- 7 green cardamom pods
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 long peppers
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise pods
- Garnish: raisins
- Garnish: sliced blanched almonds
Instructions:
- Add the red wine, ruby port, vodka, brown sugar, dried figs, raisins, orange peels and juice, cardamom pods, whole cloves, long peppers, cinnamon sticks and star anise pods into a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat to a simmer, then remove from the heat and let stand for 2 hours.
- Strain, discard the solids, and reheat to serving temperature.
- Serve in glass mugs.
- Garnish each mug with raisins and sliced blanched almonds.
3. The Nice List
You’d better be on the nice list this year – because this delicious cocktail is waiting for you under the tree!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce peach mead
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce spiced cranberry syrup*
- Garnish: dehydrated orange wheel
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.
- Spiced cranberry syrup: Add 3 cups 100% cranberry juice, 15 grams orange peel, 5 grams whole cloves, and 5 grams cardamom into a saucepot and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 cups white granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon orange blossom water, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool completely before using. Will keep, tightly sealed and refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.
4. Elf on the Shelf
Santa’s little helpers deserve a drink too! Unwind with this festive cocktail after all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz porto
- 1.3 oz orange juice
- q.s. tonic water
- 1 cube ice (for glass)
- 6 cubes ice (for the pitcher or shaker)
Instructions:
- Put the ice cubes in the Boston shaker.
- Pour the gin, port and orange juice into the shaker, measuring them with the jigger.
- Shake!
- Put the ice cube in the glass.
- Filter with the strainer into the glass.
- Fill with tonic water.
5. Christmas Margarita
A margarita is always a welcome addition to the table, but turning it into a Christmas margarita makes it the perfect holiday drink!
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
- 1/2 oz. Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 2 oz Tequila
- Top with frozen cranberries, ice and a sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to your martini shaker. (Tip: If you don't have a shaker, a mason jar works just fine if you strain the ice.) Make sure the covers are tight and shake it! Up, down and all around.
- Now, pour into a glass over ice and top with frozen cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.