The holidays are when the lights get warmer, the nights get cozier, and the drinks get a lot more festive. If you’re searching for Christmas cocktails and Christmas cocktail recipes that actually feel special but are still easy to pull off at home, this guide is for you.
Below you’ll find more than 50 tried-and-true Christmas drinks we serve at private events across Long Island: peppermint martinis, cranberry mimosas, Christmas margaritas, cozy eggnogs, rum punches, warm mugs, mocktails, and big-batch holiday punches that keep the party flowing from Christmas Eve to New Year’s brunch.
Use this as your Christmas cocktail hub feel free to browse our table of contents, tap any cocktail card to see the full recipe, and steal our bartender tips for batching, garnishes, and stress-free hosting.
These are the Christmas cocktails our guests request year after year, from peppermint martinis to cranberry mimosas and cozy eggnog riffs. Start here if you want a short list of guaranteed crowd-pleasers for Christmas Eve, office parties, or a low-key night in.
Why Christmas Cocktails Are Special
Christmas cocktails are more than just drinks – they’re how we kick off the night. At our holiday events across Long Island, the most-loved Christmas cocktail recipes are the ones that feel special but don’t slow down the party: big flavor, festive garnishes, and easy batching behind the bar.
A good Christmas cocktail should tick three boxes:
- Festive to look at – jewel-toned colors, sugar or candy-cane rims, and cozy glassware.
- Familiar flavors with a twist – cranberry, peppermint, gingerbread, apple, maple, and bubbles.
- Party-friendly – simple builds you can shake, stir, or batch without living behind the bar.
Best Christmas Cocktails We Recommend in 2025
When people search for the best Christmas cocktails, they want drinks that feel festive, look impressive on the table, and are simple enough to batch for guests. These are our most requested holiday cocktails at events – balanced, reliable, and easy to customize for your crowd. Tap a card to view the full Christmas cocktail recipe.
Peppermint Martini Recipe
Vodka, peppermint schnapps, and cream shaken until frothy, poured into a candy-cane rimmed glass. A Christmas classic for mint-lovers.
Candy Cane Martini
Vanilla vodka, peppermint, and a festive rim. Sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for Christmas cookie parties.
White Cranberry Cosmo
A crisp, elegant spin on the classic Cosmo with white cranberry juice, perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s.
Cranberry Mimosa
Champagne or prosecco with cranberry juice and a hint of orange – the easiest Christmas brunch cocktail.
Holiday Margarita Recipe
A bright Christmas margarita with tequila, citrus, and festive garnish. Perfect for holiday parties and taco nights in December.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters – a rich, spiced riff on the classic Old Fashioned for winter nights.
Christmas Rum Punch
A big-batch friendly mix of rum, pineapple, and cranberry that keeps the party going all night.
Coconut Eggnog
A tropical twist on classic eggnog with rum and coconut milk – rich, creamy, and ideal for dessert.
Easy Christmas Cocktail & 3-Ingredient Holiday Drinks
Easy Christmas cocktails should feel effortless, not like a second job. For most of our events, we lean on simple builds and 3-ingredient recipes you can shake, stir, or pour straight into a pitcher in under a minute. Think rum + pineapple + cranberry for Christmas punch, sparkling wine + cranberry for brunch, or vodka + cranberry + lime for an instant crowd favorite. Use these holiday drinks when you want festive cocktails that are easy to remember, quick to batch, and friendly for last-minute guests.
Christmas shouldn’t mean camping out behind the bar all night. These easy Christmas cocktails use three main ingredients (plus ice and garnish) so you can spend more time with your guests and less time measuring. Most can be shaken or stirred in under a minute, and many scale beautifully for small pitchers or carafes.
Christmas Rum Punch (3-Ingredient Base)
Rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice – dress it up with citrus slices and cranberries for instant holiday vibes.
Cranberry Citrus Punch
Cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Serve as-is or spike with vodka or rum for adults.
Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail
Vodka (or gin), cranberry juice, and sparkling water or club soda. Light, fizzy, and endlessly adjustable.
White Cranberry Cosmo (3-Ingredient Style)
Vodka, white cranberry juice, and lime juice. Keep it ultra-minimal or add a splash of orange liqueur for extra depth.
Cranberry Mimosa (Christmas Brunch Favorite)
Sparkling wine and cranberry juice with a touch of orange. The definition of an easy Christmas brunch cocktail.
Simple Christmas cocktail recipes
- Christmas Rum Punch – rum, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. Dress it up with citrus slices and fresh cranberries for instant holiday vibes.
- Peppermint Spritz – gin, tonic water, and a touch of peppermint extract or syrup. Serve over ice with a mini candy cane.
- Cranberry Mimosa – sparkling wine and cranberry juice (plus a splash of orange if you’d like). A two-ingredient Christmas brunch crowd-pleaser.
- Gingerbread Mule – vodka, ginger beer, and gingerbread syrup built right in the glass. Serve in a copper mug with a cinnamon stick.
Bartender notes
- Stick to three main ingredients plus ice and garnish for easy hosting.
- Batch the base (without bubbles) in a pitcher, then top with soda or sparkling wine as guests arrive.
- Keep garnishes prepped in a small tray so guests can dress their own drinks.
Vodka Christmas Cocktails
Vodka is our go-to when we want Christmas cocktails that are crisp, clean, and wildly versatile. It lets the holiday flavors do the talking. Ingredients like cranberry, pomegranate, peppermint, and bubbly mixers make for refreshing drinks instead of heavy creamy dessert cocktails. These vodka Christmas cocktails work for everything from cookie swaps to New Year’s Eve, and most can be turned into a pitcher or topped with bubbles for easy serving.
Vodka is clean, crisp, and ultra-versatile allowing for easy cocktails with just cranberry, peppermint, and sparkling mixers. These vodka Christmas cocktails are party-friendly and easy to batch.
White Cranberry Cosmo
Elegant and bright with white cranberry and lime, a holiday showstopper.
Cranberry Mimosa
Sparkling wine + cranberry; add a splash of vodka for a brunchy kick.
Peppermint Martini
Vodka + peppermint schnapps, creamy and perfectly minty for dessert hour.
Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail
Vodka, cranberry, and fizz make it quick to build and easy to love.
Sugar Cookie Cocktail
Vanilla, cream, and a sprinkle rim. It’s like a cookie tray in a glass.
Bartender notes on vodka Christmas cocktails
- Use vodka when you want holiday flavors like cranberry, peppermint, and pomegranate to shine.
- Keep a bottle of plain vodka plus one flavored option (vanilla or peppermint) to cover most recipes on this page.
- For lighter drinks, top vodka cocktails with sparkling water or prosecco instead of cream-based mixers.
Gin Christmas Cocktails
Bartender notes on gin at Christmas
- Reach for gin when you want cocktails that smell like a Christmas tree in the best way. Add in some rosemary, citrus, and cranberry to pair well with a the notes of gin.
- Use a classic London dry gin for most recipes; save strongly flavored gins for simple builds where they can shine.
- For an easy upgrade, add a small rosemary sprig or a thin lemon twist to the top of any gin drink.
Botanical Gin Recipes:
- Cranberry Gin Fizz
- Gin
- Cranberry Juice
- Lime Juice
- Egg White
- Ginger Beer
- Fresh Rosemary
- Gingerbread Gin Cocktail
- Gin
- 1 part Lemon Juice
- 1 splash gingerbread syrup
- 1 dash Orange Bitters,
- 1 Egg White.
Gin pairs well with seasonal fruits and spices. Enjoy it at your next holiday cocktail party!
Don’t underestimate gin’s potential during the holidays. It blends well with both traditional and modern flavors. Try experimenting with different botanicals to suit your taste buds.
Gin’s adaptability makes it a staple for holiday mixology. It opens doors to creativity while remaining approachable. Let your imagination run wild with these bright, botanical gin cocktails.
Whiskey & Bourbon Christmas Cocktails
Whiskey and bourbon are made for firelight and ugly sweaters. These Christmas whiskey cocktails lean into maple, baking spices, apple, and gingerbread so every sip feels like a warm blanket. They’re perfect when the temperature drops and you want something slow sipping and rich to pair with dessert, cheese boards, or a quiet night by the tree.
Rich, warming, and made for firelight. These whiskey and bourbon Christmas cocktails lean on maple, spice, and winter citrus for depth and balance.
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Warm spice + real maple over bright lemon. It’s a cozy, balanced, and party-ready drink.
Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Bourbon, bitters, and gingerbread syrup for a winter riff on the classic.
Spiced Apple Whiskey Punch
A crowd-pleasing whiskey punch with apple cider and baking spices.
Warm whiskey mixes to try
- Gingerbread Old Fashioned – bourbon, gingerbread syrup, and bitters, served over a large cube with an orange peel.
- Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour – whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup, shaken and served with a cinnamon stick.
Bartender notes on whiskey cocktails
- Use real maple syrup instead of simple syrup for instant winter flavor.
- A single cinnamon stick or star anise can make a simple whiskey drink feel holiday-ready.
- Serve whiskey cocktails in smaller glasses: slow sipping pairs best with rich, cozy flavors.
Rum Christmas Cocktails
Rum brings a hit of tropical cheer to cold winter nights. It’s fantastic for Christmas punches, coconut eggnogs, and anything that feels like a tiny island vacation in the middle of December. These rum Christmas cocktails are the ones we reach for when we want big flavor, easy batching, and a little escape from the New York winter.
Rum brings tropical warmth to cold winter nights. These rum Christmas cocktails range from big-batch punches to creamy dessert drinks and are perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
Christmas Rum Punch
A festive rum punch with pineapple, cranberry, and citrus you can scale for any holiday crowd.
Pineapple Rum Punch
Rum, pineapple juice, and ginger ale for a bright, crowd-pleasing punch that feels like a tropical Christmas.
Coconut Eggnog
A creamy eggnog twist with rum and coconut milk for a rich, dessert-like holiday cocktail.
RumChata Hot Cocoa
Hot chocolate spiked with RumChata and cinnamon. It’s a warm, cozy drink for movie marathons and snowy nights.
Spiced Rum & Cranberry
Simple, bold, and festive spiced rum, cranberry, and orange for a no-fuss Christmas highball.
Cranberry Holiday Punch
A sparkling cranberry punch you can serve zero-proof or spike with white rum for the grown-ups.
Tropical rum delights for Christmas
- Coconut Eggnog – rum, coconut milk, and nutmeg for a creamy, dessert-style holiday cocktail.
- Pineapple Rum Punch – rum, pineapple juice, and ginger ale served over ice with citrus slices.
Bartender notes on rum cocktails
- Use white rum for bright, fruity punches and spiced rum for bolder, “wintery” flavor.
- Fresh citrus slices (orange, lime, grapefruit) make rum punches look and taste more festive.
- For guests who like sweeter drinks, rum is almost always the most popular spirit on the bar.
Rum cocktails are versatile and lively. They transform a cold night into a tropical escape. Enjoy the warmth of rum as it brightens your holiday evenings.
Tequila & Christmas Margarita Recipes
Tequila isn’t just for summer, it’s one of our favorite ways to wake up a holiday bar. Christmas margaritas and tequila cocktails balance bright citrus, cranberry, and a little spice so they still feel cozy in December. Use this section if you want a signature Christmas margarita, a tequila sunrise riff that actually feels seasonal, or a fun alternative to the usual eggnog and mulled wine.
Tequila isn’t just for summer. These Christmas margaritas and tequila cocktails bring cranberry, citrus, and spice into the mix for bright, festive drinks that still feel cozy.
Holiday Margarita
A classic margarita base dressed up with festive garnish and winter citrus. It’s perfect for December taco nights.
Holiday Cranberry Margarita
Tequila, cranberry, and lime with a sugared rim. It’s a must-have when you want a festive Christmas margarita.
Christmas Tequila Sunrise
A holiday riff on the classic sunrise with deeper reds, winter citrus, and a festive garnish.
Gingerbread Mule
Gingerbread syrup, ginger beer, and your choice of vodka or tequila for a spicy, fizzy Christmas mule.
Bartender notes on Christmas margaritas
- Use blanco tequila for bright, crisp margaritas; use reposado for a slightly warmer, oak-kissed flavor.
- Add cranberry juice or pomegranate juice to your usual margarita build for instant Christmas color.
- Finish with a sugared or spiced salt rim and a few cranberries or a citrus wheel for easy holiday presentation.
Champagne & Wine Christmas Cocktails
Any time a cork pops, the party has officially started. These Christmas champagne and wine cocktails are our go-tos for brunch, toasts, and low-effort entertaining. They’re big on bubbles and presentation, light on effort. Think cranberry mimosas, jewel-toned pomegranate spritzes, sparkling sangria, and cozy mulled wine you can keep warm on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Popping a bottle is the easiest way to make any gathering feel special. These Christmas champagne cocktails and wine-based drinks are perfect for brunch, toasts, and low-effort entertaining.
Cranberry Mimosa
Sparkling wine, cranberry, and orange. This drink is the go-to Christmas brunch cocktail.
Christmas Bellini
A festive Bellini riff with sparkling wine and winter fruit puree, ideal for holiday mornings.
Sparkling Pomegranate Cocktail
Bubbly, pomegranate, and citrus for a jewel-toned cocktail that looks stunning on the table.
Pomegranate Spritz
A lighter, lower-ABV option with prosecco, pomegranate, and soda. We find it perfect for long holiday afternoons.
Sparkling Sangria
A bubbly twist on classic sangria with fruit, wine, and soda. It’s super easy to batch for parties.
Cranberry Mulled Wine
Warm red wine with cranberry, citrus, and spices. We call it the definition of a cozy Christmas drink.
Cranberry, Gingerbread & Peppermint Christmas Cocktails
If your guests lean toward a certain flavor profile, this list makes it easy to find the right drink. Explore cranberry Christmas cocktails, gingerbread-inspired sips, and minty peppermint Christmas cocktails all in one place.
Cranberry Christmas Cocktails
- Cranberry Mimosa
- Cranberry Gin Fizz
- Cranberry Holiday Punch
- Cranberry Citrus Punch
- Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail
- Cranberry Mulled Wine
- Holiday Cranberry Margarita
Gingerbread Christmas Cocktails
- Gingerbread Old Fashioned
- Gingerbread Gin Cocktail
- Gingerbread Mule
- Gingerbread Martini
- Gingerbread White Russian
Peppermint & Candy Cane Cocktails
- Peppermint Martini
- Candy Cane Martini
- Sugar Cookie Cocktail
- Chocolate Martini (add a crushed candy cane rim for a peppermint twist)
Warm & Cozy Christmas Cocktails
When it’s freezing outside, warm Christmas cocktails always disappear first. This is where you’ll find our coziest drinks: mulled wine, hot cocoa with RumChata, spiced apple whiskey punch, and nogs you can serve warm in mugs. They’re perfect for tree-trimming nights, movie marathons, and any gathering where guests want to wrap their hands around something hot.
When the temperature drops, warm Christmas cocktails steal the show. These hot drinks layer spices, cream, and rich spirits for maximum comfort in a mug.
RumChata Hot Cocoa
Creamy, cinnamon-spiked hot chocolate that doubles as dessert in a mug.
Holiday Nog
Classic eggnog with your choice of bourbon or rum and a dusting of nutmeg.
Coconut Eggnog
A coconut-forward twist on eggnog that works warm or chilled, depending on your vibe.
Cranberry Mulled Wine
Simmered red wine, cranberry, and winter spices that make the whole house smell like Christmas.
Spiced Apple Whiskey Punch
Apple cider, whiskey, and spices served warm in a mug or chilled over ice.
Cozy holiday punch ideas
- Spiced Apple Punch – apple cider gently warmed with cinnamon sticks and cloves, spiked with whiskey or served zero-proof.
- Cranberry Citrus Punch – cranberry juice, orange slices, and ginger ale for a bright, tart punch that works hot or cold.
- Winter Berry Punch – mixed berries with prosecco and a bit of soda for a bubbly, sweet-tart centerpiece punch.
- Pineapple Mint Punch – pineapple juice, fresh mint, and rum served over ice when you want a tropical escape in December.
Bartender notes on serving warm drinks
- Use a slow cooker on low to keep mulled wine and spiced apple punch warm without boiling off the flavor.
- Offer a ladle and heat-safe mugs so guests can serve themselves and linger by the pot.
- Keep alcohol on the side for family-friendly versions of the same cozy punch.
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Cocktails (Mocktails)
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and your menu should reflect that. These Christmas mocktails keep the same colors, glassware, and garnishes as your cocktails so every guest has something festive in hand. Most of them can be made zero-proof for kids and non-drinkers, with an optional rum or vodka “sidecar” for guests who want to spike their own glass.
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and that’s a good thing for your menu. These Christmas mocktails keep the same color, garnish, and glassware as your cocktails, so every guest has something festive in their hand.
Cranberry Citrus Punch (Mocktail or Punch)
Cranberry, orange, and ginger ale. Serve alcohol-free or offer rum/vodka on the side for guests to spike.
Pineapple Punch Mocktail
Pineapple juice, citrus, and bubbles. Easy to batch for kids and non-drinkers, bright enough for the holiday table.
Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
Make it with cranberry juice and sparkling water, garnished like the cocktail version for a similar look and feel.
Non-alcoholic Christmas cocktail ideas
- Pomegranate Spritzer – pomegranate juice and ginger ale with a squeeze of fresh lime.
- Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail – cranberry juice and sparkling water in a flute with sugared cranberries.
- Cranberry Citrus Punch (zero-proof) – cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale served in a big bowl for kids and non-drinkers.
Bartender notes on mocktails
- Serve mocktails in the same glassware as cocktails so non-drinkers feel included.
- Match the garnishes: if the cocktail has rosemary and cranberries, the mocktail should too.
- Label the punches clearly so guests can see which ones are zero-proof and which are spiked.
Essential Spirits, Ingredients & Tools for Christmas Cocktails
You don’t need a hundred bottles to make great Christmas cocktails. A small core bar plus a few seasonal add-ins will cover nearly every recipe on this page.
Core Christmas Spirits
- Vodka: Neutral, flexible, and perfect for cranberry, peppermint, and sparkling mixers.
- Gin: Botanical and bright; pairs well with rosemary, citrus, and berry flavors.
- Whiskey & Bourbon: Rich, warming, and ideal for maple, apple, and gingerbread cocktails.
- Rum: White or spiced rum for punches, tropical twists, and creamy eggnog variations.
- Tequila: Blanco or reposado for holiday margaritas and tequila sunrise riffs.
- Champagne / Prosecco & Wine: For mimosas, spritzes, sangria, and mulled wine.
Festive Mixers & Seasonal Ingredients
- Cranberry (white & red): juices, sauces, and fresh berries for garnish.
- Citrus: oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit for brightness and balance.
- Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, and ginger.
- Creamy elements: eggnog, heavy cream, coffee creamers, coconut milk, and RumChata.
- Sweeteners: simple syrup, maple syrup, honey, gingerbread syrup, and peppermint syrup.
- Herbs: rosemary, thyme, and mint for aroma and garnish.
Must-Have Tools & Glassware
- Cocktail shaker & strainer: for margs, martinis, and shaken holiday drinks.
- Jigger: for accurate pouring and consistent recipes (critical when batching).
- Muddler & bar spoon: for releasing citrus oils, herbs, and integrating syrups.
- Glassware mix: rocks glasses, coupes/martini glasses, flutes, and mugs for hot drinks.
- Pitcher or drink dispenser: for big-batch Christmas punches and sangria.
Christmas Cocktail Party Tips, Snacks & Presentation
Great cocktails are only part of the experience. A smart layout, simple snacks, and thoughtful presentation make your Christmas cocktail party feel polished without adding stress.
Hosting & Layout Tips
- Set up a DIY cocktail or garnish station near, but not on, the main bar to avoid crowding.
- Offer at least one signature Christmas cocktail, one bubbly option, and one mocktail.
- Use labels or small tent cards so guests know what’s in each drink or punch bowl.
- Create a holiday playlist that mixes classics with upbeat tracks to keep energy steady.
Easy Snacks to Pair with Christmas Cocktails
- Spiced nuts with bourbon and whiskey drinks like the Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour.
- Cheese and charcuterie boards with gin, bubbly, and tequila cocktails.
- Cranberry Brie bites or puff-pastry appetizers with spritzes and mimosas.
- Christmas cookies and desserts with peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog cocktails.
Garnishes & Festive Flair
- Candy cane stirrers or crushed candy cane rims for peppermint and chocolate drinks.
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, or mint sprigs tucked into mimosas, gin fizzes, and spritzes.
- Orange and lemon twists, dehydrated citrus wheels, and whole cranberries for color.
- Nutmeg dusting and cinnamon sticks for hot cocoas, nogs, and mulled wine.
For larger events, mix and chill your batch cocktails in advance and use our Alcohol Shopping List Calculator to estimate bottles by guest count.
Essential Ingredients:
- Cranberries: Tart and colorful.
- Citrus fruits: Fresh and bright.
- Spices: Add warmth and aroma.
Creating festive cocktails isn’t just about spirits and flavors. Presentation matters too. Choosing the right glassware enhances the overall experience. From elegant flutes to robust tumblers, each piece contributes to the drink’s personality.
Bartender notes on tools & glassware
- A small set of tools (shaker, jigger, muddler, bar spoon) will cover 95% of Christmas cocktails.
- Use coupes or martini glasses for anything shaken and “fancy,” and rocks glasses for stirred or on-the-rocks drinks.
- Highball glasses are your workhorses for spritzes, mules, and tall bubbly drinks.
- Don’t forget heat-safe mugs for mulled wine, hot cocoa, and warm nogs.
Serve Mules in copper mugs for tradition and style. Add a cinnamon stick for stirring and aroma. This simple touch elevates the cocktail experience.
For gatherings, consider preparing a batch of Margaritas. This ensures you cater to your guests effortlessly. Everyone can enjoy consistent flavors without delay.
These twists on classic cocktails add a lively flair. They also make your holiday celebrations memorable. Delight guests with these innovative takes on beloved drinks.
Quick cranberry cocktail ideas
- Cranberry Sparkle Cocktail – cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a dash of lemon juice in a flute.
- Cranberry Gin Fizz – gin, cranberry juice, and a splash of soda with a sprig of rosemary.
- Spiced Cranberry Mulled Wine – red wine, cranberry, and winter spices gently warmed on the stove.
Christmas Cocktail FAQs
What is the most popular Christmas cocktail?
The most popular Christmas cocktail is usually classic eggnog, followed closely by warm, cozy drinks like mulled wine and hot buttered rum. On our menu, guests especially love Holiday Nog, Coconut Eggnog, and RumChata Hot Cocoa, plus bubbly options like the Cranberry Mimosa.
What is a super easy Christmas cocktail?
A super easy Christmas cocktail uses just a few ingredients you probably already have. Great picks are a Cranberry Mimosa (sparkling wine, cranberry, and a splash of orange), a simple vodka cranberry with lime, or a Holiday Margarita made with tequila, lime, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur.
What's the ultimate Christmas drink?
The ultimate Christmas drink depends on your crowd, but you can't go wrong with a rich eggnog, a cozy mug of mulled wine, or a festive bubbly. Our top “ultimate” picks are Holiday Nog, Coconut Eggnog, RumChata Hot Cocoa, and peppermint-forward recipes like the Candy Cane Martini or Peppermint Martini.
What are the 4 ingredients in Christmas cocktails?
Most Christmas cocktails follow a simple four-ingredient formula: a base spirit, something tart, something sweet, and a festive garnish. For example, a “Christmas margarita” style drink like our Holiday Margarita can be made with tequila (base), cranberry and lime juice (tart), orange liqueur or simple syrup (sweet), and a sugared rim or fresh cranberries as the garnish.
What is a good easy Christmas cocktail for a crowd?
For a crowd, big-batch Christmas punches are the easiest option. Drinks like Christmas Rum Punch, Cranberry Holiday Punch, and Sparkling Sangria can be mixed in a pitcher or drink dispenser ahead of time so guests can pour their own drinks.
What are some 3-ingredient Christmas cocktails?
Simple three-ingredient Christmas cocktails include a Cranberry Mimosa (sparkling wine, cranberry juice, and orange juice), a Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail (cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and citrus), or a streamlined White Cranberry Cosmo using vodka, white cranberry juice, and lime.
How far in advance can I make Christmas cocktails?
Most Christmas punches, sangria, and stirred batch cocktails can be made 12–24 hours in advance and kept chilled. Add any carbonated ingredients (like soda or sparkling wine) and delicate garnishes right before serving so they stay bubbly and bright. Hot drinks like spiced apple punch or mulled wine can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low for several hours.
What can I serve for guests who don’t drink alcohol?
Offer at least one dedicated Christmas mocktail that looks just as festive as your cocktails. Easy options include Cranberry Citrus Punch, Pineapple Punch, or a sparkling cranberry mocktail. Serve them in the same glassware with matching garnishes so non-drinkers still get the full holiday experience.
How many different Christmas cocktails should I serve?
For most holiday gatherings, three to four options work best: one signature Christmas cocktail, one bubbly drink, one warm or cozy option, and one mocktail. This keeps your bar organized, makes shopping easier, and still gives guests plenty of choice without overwhelming them.
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