Top 10 Festive Cocktails to Try This Christmas

As Christmas draws near, it’s time to trade in your regular drinks for something more festive and warming. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or just enjoying a cozy night by the fire, there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a delicious, seasonal cocktail. From spiced concoctions to creamy delights, here’s a roundup of the top 10 festive cocktails to try this Christmas. Let’s raise a glass to good times, great company, and drinks that add that perfect Christmas touch!

Mulled Wine

Eggnog

Spiced Cranberry Marga

Hot Buttered Rum

Peppermint Martini

Cinnamon-Maple Whiskey Sour

Gingerbread White Russian

Holiday Sangria

Pomegranite Fizz

Winter Spice Mojito

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is the quintessential Christmas drink, warming you up from the inside out. This spiced red wine is infused with a blend of comforting flavours like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange peel, creating the perfect drink for cold winter nights. Whether you serve it in a festive mug or a warm glass, mulled wine is sure to bring cheer to any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 750 ml red wine (a fruity, medium-bodied variety works best)
• 60 ml brandy
• 60 ml honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise pods

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, but avoid boiling.
3. Strain and serve warm with a cinnamon stick or orange slice as garnish.

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Eggnog

Nothing says Christmas quite like a creamy glass of eggnog. This classic drink is made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and spices, and often spiked with rum, bourbon, or brandy. It’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to bring festive cheer to your celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 480 ml milk
• 240 ml heavy cream
• 150 g sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 120 ml bourbon or rum
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and sugar until warm (do not boil).
2. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl and slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly.
3. Return the mixture to the pan and heat gently until thickened (about 10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in alcohol, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
5. Let it cool and refrigerate until chilled. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.

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Spiced Cranberry Margarita

Give your usual margarita a Christmas twist with this vibrant and tangy spiced cranberry version. The tart cranberry juice pairs beautifully with the bright lime and a dash of cinnamon for a festive touch. It’s perfect for a Christmas party or just a fun night with friends.

Ingredients:

• 240 ml cranberry juice
• 60 ml tequila
• 30 ml orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• 30 ml lime juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Ice
• Salt or sugar for rimming the glass

Method:

1. Rim your glasses with a mix of salt and cinnamon.
2. In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cinnamon with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel.

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Hot Buttered Rum

For a truly decadent Christmas drink, try hot buttered rum. This cocktail combines dark rum with a rich, spiced butter mixture, creating a warm, smooth beverage that’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace. It’s indulgent and oh-so-cozy!

Ingredients:

• 60 ml dark rum
• 1 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Hot water

Method:

1. In a mug, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Pour in dark rum and top with hot water, stirring until the butter mixture melts.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Peppermint Martini

For a refreshing yet festive cocktail, try the peppermint martini. The cool, minty flavour combined with the smoothness of vodka makes it a perfect drink to enjoy during Christmas, especially after a big holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml vanilla vodka
• 30 ml white crème de menthe
• 30 ml peppermint schnapps
• Crushed candy canes for garnish

Method:

1. In a shaker, combine vodka, crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps with ice.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Rim the glass with crushed candy canes and garnish with a mini candy cane.

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Cinnamon-Maple Whiskey Sour

This is a winter twist on the classic whiskey sour, combining warm cinnamon and maple syrup to bring extra Christmas flavour to the mix. The tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the maple syrup create a perfect balance.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml bourbon
• 20 ml lemon juice
• 15 ml maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Ice

Method:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon wheel.

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Gingerbread White Russian

A fun and festive twist on the classic White Russian, this gingerbread version is creamy, spiced, and perfect for Christmas dessert after a festive meal. The addition of gingerbread syrup gives it a warm, spicy kick that’s perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml vodka
• 30 ml Kahlúa
• 30 ml heavy cream
• 30 ml gingerbread syrup
• Ice

Method:

1. Fill a glass with ice and add vodka, Kahlúa, and gingerbread syrup.
2. Top with heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or gingerbread cookie crumbs.

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Holiday Sangria

For a crowd-pleasing punch, try a Christmas sangria. This festive drink is packed with seasonal fruits like oranges, cranberries, and pomegranates, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. You can serve it chilled or as a warm mulled version.

Ingredients:

• 750 ml red wine (choose a fruity variety)
• 120 ml brandy
• 60 ml orange liqueur
• 120 ml orange juice
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 60 g cranberries
• 30 g pomegranate seeds (optional)

Method:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well.
2. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
3. Serve chilled over ice or heat it up for a warm, spiced version.

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Pomegranate Fizz

This sparkling Christmas cocktail is fresh, fruity, and festive. The combination of pomegranate juice and prosecco creates a light, bubbly drink, perfect for toasting to the season’s celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml pomegranate juice
• 15 ml vodka
• Prosecco
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Method:

1. In a champagne flute, combine pomegranate juice and vodka.
2. Top with prosecco and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds for a beautiful finish.

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Winter Spice Mojito

Bring a touch of mint and citrus to Christmas with a winter-inspired mojito. The addition of cinnamon and clove creates a spiced, Christmas twist on the classic.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml white rum
• 30 ml lime juice
• 15 ml simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Club soda
• Ice

Method:

1. Muddle mint leaves, cinnamon stick, and simple syrup in a glass.
2. Add lime juice, rum, and ice, then top with club soda.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint and a cinnamon stick.

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These top 10 festive cocktails are perfect for making your Christmas extra special. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas bash or enjoying a quiet night with loved ones, these drinks will add a flavorful and festive touch to your celebrations. Cheers to good times, great company, and even better drinks!