Whether you’re looking for a light, refreshing cocktail to balance out the indulgent food of the season, or are looking to warm up with a hot chocolate (spiked of course!) after a day of outdoor house decorating and snowball fights, then our Christmas Cocktail Round-Up is sure to help you celebrate the holiday in good spirits!
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There are so many ways to make the Christmas season merry. Indulging in a festive-themed cocktail with a loved one is one that always ranks pretty high on our list! After all, there’s nothing better than popping open a bottle of bubbly, or snuggling up with a hot toddy to get you in the holiday spirit.
We’ve ventured across the pond for a little festive inspiration – those Americans definitely know how to ensure all is merry and bright around the holidays! Make sure you check out our imperial to metric measure converter at the bottom of the page to help with calculations!
Of course no Christmas cocktail would be complete without the right glasses or accessories! Why not ensure everyone can easily spot their drink with these festive cocktail glass charms, never more important than this year! Or add a little seasonal silliness to everyone’s glass with these Santa hats and reindeer antlers from Ginger Ray.
And when it comes to glasses, we love these gold-rimmed gin goblets from The Forest & Co, while these tall-stemmed glasses from John Lewis remind us of a starry December night! And if you’re in the mood for complete bubbly indulgence, these Kate Spade saucers will make any cocktail sparkle!
So, ensure your liquor cabinet is well-stocked, put on some festive tunes, and have yourself a very merry Christmas!
Mistletoe Manhattans
A fun twist on the whiskey classic, and a great way to warm the cockles on a wintery day! Don’t forget the rosemary and frosted cranberries for extra festive flare!
Image Credit: How Sweet Eats
The Santa Clause Smash
This seasonal bourbon cocktail will have you feeling as jolly as the man himself! Sweet and spicy all in one, this is perfect cocktail to be sipping as you wait for Santa to come to town!
Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Christmas Sangria
Prepare this fabulous yuletide mix in advance, ready to accompany your Christmas Day festivities – it seriously looks the part too!
Image Credit: Cake n Knife
Amaro Hot Toddy
Hot toddies and Christmas go hand-in-hand. With a perfect balance of flavours, this will keep you warm on even the coldest of nights.
Image Credit: Bon Appétit
North Pole Cocktail
Looking like it could have been made by elves, this north pole vodka-based cocktail combines everything we love about the season: richness, indulgence and candy canes!
Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate
This will be calling your name after a long cold December day! What better way to warm up and ensure you stay merry all night than with a mug of hot chocolate…with a generous splash of bourbon!
Image Credit: Country Living
Jingle Bell Cranberry Paloma
With a citrus tang, gorgeous bright red hues and frosted cranberries, there is no better cocktail than this tequila treat to help you kick off the festive season!
Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Winter Aperol Spritz
A summer favourite, the Aperol Spritz, gets a makeover for the season! Cranberry and orange work wonderfully here to ensure this refreshing cocktail is ready for the Christmas holidays!
Image Credit: How Sweet Eats
Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned with Brûléed Oranges
Another festive take on a classic! This cocktail will warm you from the inside out and have your house smelling just like Christmas!
Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Tree Trimming Punch
We can think of nothing better than a drink made specifically to be consumed while decorating the tree! So, make yourself a glass of this sparkling delight, pull out all the decorations and enjoy bringing Christmas to life!
Image Credit: How Sweet Eats
Swedish Polar Bear Cocktail
This is certainly one of the most vibrant drinks in our cocktail round-up. But with complimentary fruity flavours of raspberry and lemon, this vodka-based cocktail is sure to brighten up those Christmas evenings in more ways than one.
Image Credit: The Kitchen Magpie
Baileys Candy Cane Cocktail
Nothing says Christmas like Baileys! We love this peppermint take on the festive classic. And it’ll look super cute at your Christmas celebrations as well!
Image Credit: Slow The Cook Down
Christmas Mule
This rum-based drink is no traditional mule! With warming ginger beer, hints of lime and a rosemary spring finish, we fear it may slip down far too easily!
Image Credit: Lemon Baby
Pear & Ginger Spritz
This refreshing gin-based cocktail, with its twist of mint, will be a great antidote to the rich foods of the season. Elegant and simple, we imagine it could quickly become a firm festive favourite.
Image Credit: Good Housekeeping
White Christmas Mojito
As white as snow, this simple recipe might just become your go-to Christmas cocktail! Coconut milk adds a velvety richness; top with mint and pomegranate arils for that hit of seasonal colour!
Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Satsuma Fizz Cocktail
A seasonal take on Bucks Fizz, these Satsuma Fizz cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to a long lazy brunch, and fantastic for sipping during present opening!
Image Credit: How Sweet Eats
Poinsettia Spritz Punch
Looking for a cocktail that serves the whole family and can be made ahead? This is the way to go! With its deep red colour and festive bubbles, this is truly the epitome of all things merry & bright!
Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Pomegranate gin & tonic
Pomegranate arils add an extra flavour dimension and look like jewels in this Christmas take on the most classic of classics – what more could you ask for?!
Image Credit: How Sweet Eats
Mulled Wine
No Christmas Cocktail Round-Up would be complete without mulled wine! We recommend making a vat big enough to keep you merry the whole way into the new year!
Image Credit: Bon Appétit
Christmas Ornament Cocktail
Here’s a showstopper of a cocktail if ever we saw one. Of course the gorgeous gin and cranberry combination will be much enjoyed, but its the presentation that will be the real star. Your guests will be wondering at your creativity all night long!
Image Credit: Lemon Baby
Kitchen Conversions
Which cocktails will you be sharing with friends and family this year? Let us know your favourites from the list above, and Christmas drinks that are a must-have in your household.
For more festive drinks to enjoy over the holidays, click here. And what about a little something to eat on the side? We’ve got all sorts of sweet and savoury snack suggestions for you to enjoy.