How to Make Easy Christmas Cocktails

Easy Christmas cocktails are my favorite way to make a holiday party feel special, and all you need to begin is a cinnamon stick, some cranberry juice and a few candy canes! I’ve gathered 13 of my most festive recipes below, a happy mix of cold and hot drinks, so there is something delicious for every guest on your list.

What Makes These Cocktails Ideal for Christmas?

These drinks celebrate the flavors we all love at the holidays: cinnamon, cranberry, apple cider, brown sugar and creamy egg yolks. They are easy because the ingredients are friendly and familiar, and they are welcoming because there is a warm mug for a chilly night and a chilled glass for a lively party. Pick one, share it with people you adore, and enjoy that first happy sip!

What to Have on Hand

For the best Christmas cocktails this season, I suggest keeping a few traditional ingredients nearby: apple cider, red wine, dark rum, orange liqueur, brown sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice and simple syrup. A cinnamon stick or a candy cane makes a sweet little garnish, too!

Tools You Need

Before you start, it helps to have a few basic tools on hand. A simple jigger, a bar spoon, strainer, and a mixing glass and a shaker will cover most of what you need.

What Is the Most Popular Alcoholic Drink at Christmas?

In my collection, eggnog is the star, with four different takes below: Chairman’s Reserve Spicenog, Black Cow Eggnog, the Dead Man’s Fingers White Eggnog Martini and Kyrö Distillery’s Eggnog. Warm sips like the Black Cow Mulled Apple and the Four Pillars Gin Wassail Punch are right there with it for anyone who loves a spiced, warming drink.

Why Lush Life Loves It

I love this collection because every drink has a story. There is Coquito with a nod to Lynnette Marrero, a Festive Cosmopolitan from the Royal Lancaster, the Three Kings from St James Bar, and eggnogs from distillers I adore. They are easy to make, they look gorgeous, and best of all, they make people happy. That is my favorite kind of cocktail!

1

Coquito

he most festive of all Puerto Rican drinks! Try my version, and just ask Lynnette Marrero, the famed New York bartender!T

Check out this recipe

2

Festive Cosmopolitan

A seasonal twist on the classic Cosmopolitan from the Royal Lancaster in London, tart, refreshing and made for holiday toasts.

Check out this recipe

3

Black Cow Mulled Apple

Warm, spiced cider with a touch of festive spirit, made for chilly evenings.

Check out this recipe

4

Chairman’s Reserve Spicenog

A delightful holiday twist on eggnog, made with Chairman's Reserve Spice Rum.

Check out this recipe

5

Sugar Plum Old Fashioned

A festive bourbon cocktail with spiced plum syrup, perfect for winter nights, holiday parties and Nutcracker-inspired celebrations.

Check out this recipe

6

Black Cow Eggnog

Rich, creamy and generous, this classic festive drink serves 6 people, so it is ready for a crowd.

Check out this recipe

7

The Gingerbread Man

Santa Teresa Rum meets the rich, spiced flavors of gingerbread. Close your eyes and think of the holidays!

Check out this recipe

8

Dead Man’s Fingers White Eggnog Martini

Creamy, festive and so much fun to sip.

Check out this recipe

9

The Three Kings

St James Bar's wonderfully balanced festive tipple, with sweet cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, plus subtle dark chocolate aromas and a naturally barky finish.

Check out this recipe

10

Four Pillars Gin Wassail Punch

Gin, apple cider, spices and citrus come together in a warm, festive punch.

Check out this recipe

11

Mint Velvet

One of the best après ski cocktails ever! Giffard Crème de Menthe, hot chocolate and whipped cream, perfect for mint lovers.

Check out this recipe

12

Chairman’s Spice Hot Chocolate

Chairman's Reserve Spice Rum meets rich, velvety hot cocoa.

Check out this recipe

13

Kyrö Distillery’s Eggnog

Kyrö Distillery Company makes a luxurious eggnog from their indulgent Cream Liqueur. It is luscious and smooth, which is no surprise given their other fabulous spirits!

Check out this recipe

Popular Christmas Cocktails

Here are 13 festive drinks, from creamy eggnogs and Coquito to hot chocolate, spiced cider and a gin wassail punch. Want even more? My Belsazar Vermouth Holiday Cocktail Recipes are a lovely next stop.