When the festive season arrives, nothing complements holiday gatherings quite like signature Christmas cocktails. These seasonal libations combine warming spirits, spices, and festive flavours that capture the essence of yuletide celebrations.
Here are 10 classic Christmas cocktails that will delight your guests and add a spirited touch to your holiday festivities.
1. Eggnog
The quintessential Christmas beverage, Eggnog has been gracing holiday tables for centuries with its rich, creamy character. This indulgent treat combines eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and typically rum or bourbon, finished with a dusting of nutmeg. The result is a velvety, spiced cocktail that embodies Christmas comfort in a glass.
Dating back to medieval Britain where it was known as "posset," Eggnog made its way to American colonies in the 18th century. George Washington famously created his own potent recipe featuring rum, sherry, and brandy! Today's versions often include vanilla for enhanced sweetness and cinnamon for additional warmth, creating the perfect balance of festive flavours.
Find our classic Eggnog recipe here.
2. Mulled Wine (Glühwein)
Few aromas evoke Christmas spirit more effectively than the spiced bouquet of Mulled Wine gently warming on the stove. This centuries-old holiday tradition transforms ordinary red wine into a fragrant elixir by infusing it with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, orange slices, and a touch of sweetener like honey or sugar.
Originating in Europe during the 2nd century, Mulled Wine (known as Glühwein in German-speaking regions) was initially created to salvage wine that had gone slightly off and prevent waste. The spices and heat would mask any imperfections while providing warmth during winter months. Modern versions often include a splash of brandy or port for extra depth, creating a warming cocktail perfect for frosty evenings around the fire.
Master our Mulled Wine recipe here.
3. Hot Toddy
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The Hot Toddy stands as the ultimate medicinal-turned-recreational Christmas cocktail, offering comfort on the coldest winter evenings. This revitalizing hot beverage combines whiskey (traditionally Scotch), honey, fresh lemon juice, and boiling water, often enhanced with a cinnamon stick and star anise for festive flair.
Created in 18th-century Scotland, the Hot Toddy was originally prescribed as a remedy for the common cold. The honey soothes sore throats, the lemon provides vitamin C, the hot water opens sinuses, and the whiskey... well, it makes everything more bearable! Today's holiday versions often incorporate ginger for additional warming properties, making it the perfect companion for Christmas Eve gatherings.
Discover our warming Hot Toddy recipe here.
4. Irish Coffee
Elegant and warming, Irish Coffee provides the perfect harmony of caffeine and spirits for those long evenings of holiday celebrations. This sophisticated cocktail masterfully balances hot brewed coffee with Irish whiskey and brown sugar, crowned with a layer of lightly whipped cream that's carefully floated on top.
First created in the 1940s by chef Joe Sheridan at Foynes Port in Ireland, this cocktail was designed to warm and revive weary American travelers arriving by flying boat. The drink became internationally renowned when travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced it to the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco. It's now a Christmas favourite worldwide, with modern holiday variations often including a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top.
Learn to make our perfect Irish Coffee here.
5. Tom and Jerry
Not to be confused with the cartoon characters, the Tom and Jerry is a rich, frothy Christmas cocktail that dates back to the 1820s. This luxurious drink begins with a batter of beaten eggs, sugar, and warm spices, which is then mixed with hot milk and rum or brandy (sometimes both), creating a decadent eggnog-like experience that's served hot.
Created by British journalist Pierce Egan to promote his book "Life in London," this festive concoction became a holiday staple throughout America during the 19th century. So popular was this Christmas drink that specially designed Tom and Jerry punch bowls and mugs became coveted items. Modern interpretations often add vanilla extract and freshly grated nutmeg, creating a nostalgic holiday experience that deserves its comeback.
6. Spiced Apple Cider (Mulled Cider)
Spiced Apple Cider embodies the essence of Christmas with its fragrant combination of fresh apple cider, warming spices, and complementary spirits. This comforting hot beverage infuses apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and orange slices, typically enhanced with rum, bourbon, or brandy for a proper festive kick.
An autumn and winter staple dating back to early colonial America, hot spiced cider has long been associated with harvest celebrations that eventually merged with Christmas traditions. The drink's natural sweetness and aromatic spice profile make it particularly appealing during the holiday season. Modern Christmas versions often incorporate caramel for richness and star anise for visual appeal, creating the perfect beverage for trimming the tree.
7. Wassail Punch
Wassail Punch represents one of the oldest Christmas traditions in liquid form, dating back to medieval England. This communal holiday punch combines apple cider, orange juice, and spices with madeira, sherry, or brandy, creating a fragrant brew that's traditionally served from a decorative bowl.
The term "wassail" comes from the Old English phrase "waes hael," meaning "be of good health" - a traditional toast during yuletide celebrations. Historically, revelers would go "wassailing" from door to door, sharing the punch and singing carols. Today's Christmas versions often incorporate cranberry juice for color and tartness, making this shared punch the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
8. Poinsettia
Named after the iconic Christmas flower, the Poinsettia cocktail offers a vibrant, ruby-red libation perfect for holiday brunches or evening celebrations. This effervescent delight combines chilled cranberry juice and orange liqueur, topped with sparkling wine or champagne and garnished with fresh cranberries or a twist of orange peel.
Relatively new to the Christmas cocktail scene compared to its traditional counterparts, the Poinsettia emerged during the cocktail renaissance of the 1980s. Its striking color and refreshing profile offer a lighter alternative to the rich, heavy drinks typically associated with the season. Modern Christmas variations might include a splash of pomegranate juice for additional complexity, creating an elegant yet accessible festive beverage.
9. Candy Cane Martini
The playful Candy Cane Martini captures the whimsy of Christmas in cocktail form, transforming the beloved holiday sweet into a sophisticated adult beverage. This festive creation typically combines vanilla vodka, white crème de cacao, and peppermint schnapps, served in a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy canes.
A modern addition to the Christmas cocktail repertoire, the Candy Cane Martini gained popularity in the early 2000s as themed martinis became fashionable. Its striking appearance—often featuring a red and white color scheme—and familiar holiday flavor make it instantly recognizable as a Christmas speciality. Contemporary versions sometimes incorporate a splash of cream for additional richness, resulting in a dessert-like cocktail that's perfect for holiday parties.
10. Christmas Punch
Christmas Punch serves as the ultimate communal holiday beverage, designed to serve crowds with festive flair. This adaptable bowl typically features fruit juices (cranberry, orange, and pineapple), spices, sparkling water, and a combination of spirits like rum, brandy, or champagne, garnished generously with seasonal fruits and perhaps a floating ice ring studded with berries and citrus slices.
Punch traditions date back centuries, with holiday variations becoming particularly popular during Victorian-era Christmas celebrations. The word "punch" itself comes from the Hindi word "panch," meaning five, referring to the traditional five ingredients: spirits, sugar, lemon, water, and spices or tea. Modern Christmas punches often incorporate unexpected elements like rosemary sprigs or star anise pods for visual impact, creating a spectacular centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Ready to elevate your holiday entertaining?
Browse our complete Christmas cocktail collection for these festive recipes and many more seasonal specialties. From warming winter classics to sparkling celebrations, we have everything you need to make your Christmas gatherings merry and bright!
