It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, cozy, and oh-so-delicious Christmas drink? Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to get into the spirit (pun intended), we’ve got you covered with 18 festive Christmas drink recipes featuring alcohol. From spiced mulled wine to peppermint schnapps hot cocoa, and from eggnog martinis to cranberry Moscow mules, these boozy beverages are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday gatherings.
So grab a mug, don your favorite Santa hat, and get ready to indulge in some festive fun! In this article, we’ll take you on a merry journey through the most merry-making Christmas drink recipes that incorporate a little bit of liquor. From classic cocktails to creative twists, these 18 festive Christmas drink recipes with alcohol are sure to make your holiday season one to remember.
Spiced Mulled Wine with Brandy
As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to cozy up than with a warm and spicy mulled wine. This recipe combines the rich flavors of brandy, spices, and red wine for a deliciously warming drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1/2 cup brandy
– 1 orange, sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine and brandy.
2. Add the sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to the pot.
3. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Strain the mulled wine into a serving pitcher or individual cups.
6. Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peppermint White Russian
This refreshing twist on the classic White Russian cocktail combines the cooling flavors of peppermint with the creamy richness of Kahlúa and Baileys Irish Cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka (such as Stolichnaya or Absolut)
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce Baileys Irish Cream
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 3-4 dashes of seltzer water
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys to the shaker.
3. Add the peppermint extract.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Top with seltzer water (about 1/4 cup).
7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake and serve.
Eggnog with Bourbon and Nutmeg
Warm up with a rich and creamy Eggnog infused with the smoothness of Bourbon and the warmth of Nutmeg!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons Bourbon whiskey
– Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract.
3. Temper the egg yolks by gradually adding the warm milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.
4. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the eggnog thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Bourbon whiskey and ground nutmeg.
6. Strain into a clean bowl or individual cups. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Elevate the classic Moscow Mule with a festive twist by adding cranberries and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the juice of one lime wedge.
4. Add cranberry juice (about 2 tbsp) and stir gently to combine.
5. Muddle in a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries to release their flavor and color.
6. Stir well to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a refreshing cocktail!
Gingerbread Martini
Experience the warm spices of gingerbread in a cool, refreshing martini. This unique cocktail combines the flavors of gingerbread with vodka and cream for a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gingerbread-infused vodka
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg
– Edible gold dust or sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gingerbread-infused vodka, heavy cream, and simple syrup.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the martini into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with edible gold dust or sprinkles, if desired.
Cooking Time: None – just shake and serve!
Hot Buttered Rum
Warm up with this classic winter drink that combines the richness of butter and rum with the sweetness of brown sugar.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 cup hot water
– Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for topping
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour in the dark rum and stir until the mixture is smooth and hot.
4. Add the hot water and stir until well combined.
5. Serve immediately, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
A refreshing twist on the classic martini, this chocolate peppermint treat is perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce vodka
– 1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps
– 1/4 ounce heavy cream
– Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine white chocolate liqueur, vodka, and peppermint schnapps.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Top with heavy cream and garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings.
Cooking Time: None
Pomegranate Champagne Punch
Elevate your party with this refreshing and fruity punch that combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the effervescence of champagne. Perfect for special occasions or gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup champagne (or sparkling wine of your choice)
– Slices of orange, lemon, and lime for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, lemon-lime soda, and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in the champagne.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
5. Garnish with citrus slices and fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None
Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
Warm up with a twist on the classic whiskey sour by adding a hint of cinnamon to this autumnal cocktail.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (see below for recipe)
• Dash of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Lemon twist and cinnamon stick for garnish
Cinnamon Syrup:
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cinnamon syrup.
2. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist and a cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Baileys
Rich and velvety hot chocolate meets the decadence of salted caramel and the smoothness of Baileys, making for a perfect winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cups water
– 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
– Whipped cream and sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Add milk or dark chocolate chips and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add water, coffee powder (if using), and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in caramel sauce and Baileys.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and sea salt, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Add a touch of tartness and sophistication to your cocktail hour with this refreshing Cranberry Gin Fizz. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this fizzy delight is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Splash of sparkling water
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Enjoy your Cranberry Gin Fizz!
Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa
Experience the ultimate wintertime treat with this refreshing twist on traditional hot cocoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 shot of peppermint schnapps (about 1 ounce)
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming hot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and schnapps.
5. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Spiced Apple Cider with Rum
Warm up on a chilly fall or winter evening with this aromatic and flavorful Spiced Apple Cider with Rum. This recipe combines the classic flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the smooth richness of rum for a delightful twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon apple cider
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 6 whole cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add the ground nutmeg and stir well.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the cider.
5. Strain the cider into a large jug or individual mugs to serve. If desired, add honey or sugar to taste.
6. Pour in the dark rum and stir gently.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (20 minutes simmering + 30 minutes steeping)
Eggnog Martini with Vanilla Vodka
A festive twist on the classic martini, this Eggnog Martini with Vanilla Vodka combines the warm spices of eggnog with the smooth sweetness of vanilla vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka
– 0.5 oz Eggnog
– 0.5 oz Heavy Cream
– 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
– Dash of Salt
– Ice
– Martini glass
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vanilla vodka, eggnog, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Christmas Margarita with Cranberry and Lime
Kick off your holiday gatherings with a festive twist on the classic margarita. This Christmas Margarita with Cranberry and Lime combines the warmth of cranberries with the brightness of lime, perfect for sipping by the tree or sharing with friends.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ounce triple sec
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Add cranberry juice and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 2 minutes!
Bourbon Eggnog with Cinnamon Stick
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this rich and creamy bourbon eggnog recipe, served with a crunchy cinnamon stick garnish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (or to taste)
– Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract. Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring the warm cream mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
3. Return the saucepan to the stovetop and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon whiskey. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating until chilled.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serve chilled with a cinnamon stick garnish for a festive touch.
Winter Sangria with Red Wine and Brandy
As the temperature drops, warm up with a rich and fruity Winter Sangria infused with the bold flavors of red wine and brandy. Perfect for cozy gatherings around the fireplace or as a festive addition to your holiday party.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1/2 cup of brandy
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 apple, sliced
– 1 cup of mixed berries (cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange slices, apple slices, and mixed berries.
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with additional fruit slices or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (chilling time only)
Spiked Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
Warm up with a rich and creamy hot chocolate infused with the refreshing zing of peppermint schnapps.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 shot of peppermint schnapps (about 1.5 ounces)
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the melted chocolate, whisking until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream (if using) and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the peppermint schnapps and whisk until well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with whipped cream and crushed candy canes if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Enjoy your spiked hot chocolate!
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 festive Christmas drink recipes featuring alcohol. From Spiced Mulled Wine with Brandy to Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa, and from Cinnamon Whiskey Sour to Winter Sangria with Red Wine and Brandy, there’s something for everyone on this merry list. Whether you’re looking for a warm cup of hot buttered rum or a refreshing cranberry Moscow mule, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. So grab some festive flair and get mixing!