39 Christmas Cocktails to Get into the Holiday Spirit
Sleigh bells ring, are you drinking?
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'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way than with festive Christmas cocktails? From big-batch holiday punches to classic eggnog, we've got drinks for every holiday vibe — even single-serving sips for solo celebrations.
Our selection highlights winter’s best flavors, from tangy citrus and warm spices to cooling peppermint. Cozy up with hot drinks like spiked hot chocolate, or get festive with Christmas shots and classic cocktails. We also included nonalcoholic options that deliver just as much flavor. For a crowd, try make-ahead options like Aperol Spritz Granitas or a spiced rum pitcher. And skip the store-bought eggnog — our old-fashioned recipe is fresher, using simple pantry staples.
These delicious drinks are perfect for a holiday party, a Christmas movie night, or even a cookie-baking session (with some Christmas tunes, of course). It’s time to eat, drink and be merry!
Peppermint Martinis
Sweet, creamy and cooling from white chocolate liqueur and peppermint schnapps, these martinis get a double dose of mint from the crushed candy cane rims.
Get the Peppermint Martinis recipe.
Grinch-Green Punch
You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch — but we sure do love your punch. Electric green and tangy with lime, the kid-friendly version has no alcohol. Grown-ups can spike their glasses with vodka or tequila.
Get the Grinch-Green Punch recipe.
Winter Punch
"Yo ho-ho-ho! (and a bottle of rum)," is what Santa will be yelling after a few glasses of this delicious punch. Spiced rum gives this big-batch drink those cozy holiday vibes while pineapple and fresh mandarin juice add mouthwatering tang.
Get the Winter Punch recipe.
Cassis Manhattan
A little black currant liqueur gives the classic Manhattan a crimson hue and forest vibes, which feel just right for any holiday activity.
Get the Cassis Manhattan recipe.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
Think of this stiff cocktail as a dry martini with a tart, citrusy edge. It gets its name from a category of cocktails intended to be a pick-me-up after a night of over-imbibing (perhaps from all your holiday parties?).
Get the Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe.
Pom-Lime French 75
Pomegranate and lime add red and green flair to this gin-and-bubbly drink.
Get the Pom-Lime French 75 recipe.
Cranberry 75 Punch
Cranberries and clementine slices are suspended in a frozen ice ring, which keeps this fizzy, fruity punch cold all night long.
Get the Cranberry 75 Punch recipe.
Coquito
Similar to eggnog — but without the egg — this Puerto Rican Christmas cocktail is ideal for gifting (or keeping for yourself).
Get the Coquito recipe.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
This boozy sipping chocolate gets a double dose of cacao with chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Toasted marshmallows not optional!
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
RELATED: 8 Best Hot Chocolate Mixes for the Perfect Cozy Cup
Blood Orange Spritz
This delightful aperitif is the love child of an Aperol spritz and a mimosa.
Get the Blood Orange Spritz recipe.
Cosmopolitan
With its crimson color and tart cranberry flavor, this iconic cocktail was meant for the holidays.
Get the Cosmopolitan recipe.
Cherry Bomb Fizz
Think of this glass of bubbly as the grown-up version of a Shirley Temple. (And obviously, it's best served with a side of cherries.)
Get the Cherry Bomb Fizz recipe.
Old-Fashioned Eggnog
Creamy, sweet and nicely spiced, eggnog is the quintessential holiday drink.
Get the Old-Fashioned Eggnog recipe.
Aperol Spritz Granita
This fun (frozen!) twist on Aperol spritz stays perfectly cold until the end, thanks to the flaky shards of citrus ice in the granita.
Get the Aperol Spritz Granita recipe.
Dirty Martini with Stuffed Olives
All you need is ice-cold vodka and a splash of olive brine to create the perfect party starter.
Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
A sprig of rosemary plus ice cubes frozen with pomegranate arils gives this tall cooler loads of festive flair.
Shirley Temple Drink
Psst...not all cocktails need alcohol! This sweet and fruity classic is every bit as fun as the boozy sips.
Get the Shirley Temple Drink recipe.
RELATED: 25 Best Mocktail Recipes for a Deliciously Booze-Free Gathering
Pear Punch
Put the pear rum pum pum pum in the holidays with this zingy rum punch. Plus, it makes enough for a crowd.
Get the Pear Punch recipe.
Citrus Whiskey Punch
Simmering the cinnamon sticks in simple syrup will make your house smell amazing while you whip up a big bowl of this punch.
Get the Citrus Whiskey Punch recipe.
Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch
What's a holiday cocktail without champagne? Boring, that's what.
Get the Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch recipe.
Susan (she/her) is the recipe editor at Good Housekeeping, where she pitches ideas, parses words, and produces food content. In the Test Kitchen, she cooks (and samples!) recipes, working with developers to deliver the best written versions possible. A graduate of Brown University and a collaborator on several cookbooks, her previous experience includes stints at Food & Wine, Food Network, three meal kit companies, a wine shop in Brooklyn and Chez Panisse, the pioneering restaurant in Berkeley, California. She enjoys playing tennis, natural wines and reality competition shows.
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