48 Christmas Cocktails to Get the Holiday Party Started
Here's to sips that really spread the cheer!
Get in the holiday spirit with something you can sip: These creative, festive Christmas cocktails are sure to spread instant holiday cheer. From shareable Christmas punch to spiked eggnog, there's a sipper on this list that will be the hit of your party — or something festive to stir up just for yourself.
We rounded up drinks that star all the flavors of the season, including bright citrus, sweet nutmeg, pumpkin spice and more. Enjoy boozy beverages that will warm you up on even the chilliest nights or drinks that are best served steaming — spiked hot chocolate most definitely included. Sling back a party-starting Christmas shot or stick to a classic cocktail that's meant for slow sipping, like our best-ever Negroni. Making cocktails for a crowd? Consider something that you can easily batch, like freeze-ahead Aperol Spritz Granitas or a pitcher full of sangria. And don't assume eggnog has to come from a carton — it's easy to make at home with our old-fashioned recipe that relies on staples you probably already have in the fridge (hello, eggs and milk).
These tasty tipples are ideal for a Christmas party, of course, but you can also mix them up for a Christmas movie marathon or cookie baking sesh (accompanied by some sing-out-loud Christmas songs). As soon as the holiday season hits, there's never a bad time to start celebrating with a little libation... or two.
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.
Blood Orange Spritz
This delightful aperitif is the love child of an Aperol spritz and a mimosa.
Get the Blood Orange Spritz recipe.
Cranberry 75 Punch
Cranberries and clementine slices are suspended in a frozen ice ring, which keep this fizzy, fruity punch cold all night long.
Get the Cranberry 75 Punch 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.
Apple Cider Sangria
With cinnamon-scented apple cider, sweet brandy and a kick of fresh ginger, this might just give the apple pie a run for its money.
Get the Apple Cider Sangria 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 till the end, thanks to the flaky shards of citrus ice in the granita.
Get the Aperol Spritz Granita 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.
Dirty Martini with Stuffed Olives
All you need is ice-cold vodka and a splash of olive brine to create the perfect party-starter.
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
Spicy Margarita
When the weather outside is frightening, warm up with this sriracha-spiked scorcher.
Get the Spicy Margarita recipe.
Pear Punch
Made with pear nectar, rum and ginger beer, this spicy-sweet concoction is perfect for the holidays. Plus, it makes enough for a crowd.
Get the Pear Punch recipe.
Classic Old Fashioned
Sweet-spicy bourbon and a strip of orange zest give this five-ingredient classic the flavors of the season.
Get the Classic Old Fashioned recipe.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
The White Russian gets a seasonal twist, making it the perfect partner to a stack of crispy gingersnaps. Milk and cookies 2.0 for Santa?
Get the Pumpkin Spice White Russian recipe.
RELATED: 91 Best Christmas Cookies to Make This Holiday Season
Negroni
Name a better three-ingredient cocktail for the holidays? We'll wait!
Get the Negroni recipe.
Zesty Michelada
Bloody Mary fans will love this savory Mexican-inspired drink for brunch or cocktail hour.
Get the Zesty Michelada recipe.
RELATED: 70 Best Christmas Breakfast Ideas to Kick Off Your Holiday Morning the Right Way
Espresso Martini
With its delicious coffee flavor and shot of espresso, this caffeinated cocktail will fuel holiday revelry into the wee hours.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
RELATED: How to Make Espresso at Home
Pumpkin Martini
Have this sweet, boozy sipper instead of — or in addition to —homemade pie!
Get the Pumpkin Martini recipe.
Mary Pickford
Made with pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur and grenadine, this cocktail tastes tropical but looks like it's made for the holidays.
Get the Mary Pickford recipe.
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