Can you already hear Mariah or Bing Crosby? I can! So the Christmas preparations (including holiday cocktail recipes) are officially on in my house as soon as the last Thanksgiving leftovers are done with.
And no party can do without drinks, non-alcoholic punches, boozy coffee, themed jello shots, or classic cocktails with Christmas twists – this is my collection of delicious drink ideas for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Gina’s Rundown:
Why I love it: I love these holiday cocktail recipes because they bring that cozy, celebratory feeling to every sip—simple ingredients, gorgeous presentation, and flavors that taste like pure Christmas cheer.
Christmas Jello Shots
Layered jello shots in the shape of a Christmas tree is a super easy way to kick off a party. Bright, playful, and perfect for a casual adult gathering. Basic vodka shots, but you can customize them with holiday colors.
Get the recipe: Christmas Jello Shots
Crockpot Christmas Punch with Rum
Big bowl, bright flavor, lots of cheer: this punch mixes bold fruit, sweet juice, spices, and enough liquor (or without) to get holiday spirit flowing. Ideal for a crowd when you don’t want to mix individual drinks all night. Serve it in the living room and let guests help themselves.
Get the recipe: Christmas Punch Recipe
Spiced Old Fashioned
A glass of spiced fall bourbon cocktail is a must for a grown-up holiday party. Delicious mix of cinnamon, bourbon, thyme syrup, and orange peels. And how stylish is it?!
Get the recipe: Spiced Old Fashioned
Holiday Punch
Holiday upgrade for classic rum punch – you simply add cranberry juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, and rum for a big-batch crowd-pleaser. My own trick is to freeze some cranberry ice cubes to keep the punch cold without watering it down.
Get the recipe: Holiday Punch Recipe
Grinch Cocktail
I am an absolute fan of Grinch-themed treats for holidays. Bright green color, cheeky name, holiday humor — this cocktail is fun, sweet, and tart (with or without booze). A hit for Christmas!
Get the recipe: Grinch Cocktail
Slow Cooker Wassail
Warm, spiced, and communal: this warm punch in a slow cooker invites guests to gather, ladle their cup and chat away. Fruit juices, spices, maybe spirits — all in one pot of comfort. Perfect for cold evenings and Christmas Eve.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Wassail Recipe
Sparkling Champagne Margarita
Champagne meets margarita: bubbly, punchy, and light. A little luxe cocktail with less mixing stress. Great for toasting and making wishes on New Year’s Eve.
Get the recipe: Sparkling Champagne Margarita
Espresso Martini
An elegant classic straight from a bar to your Thanksgiving party. It mixes together espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka – a bold after-dinner pick-me-up that is not for the fainthearted.
Get the recipe: Espresso Martini
Pink Peppermint Russian
Creamy cocktail, pink hue, peppermint twist — it is like candy meets classic White Russian. Smooth enough for sipping, pretty enough for serving at a Christmas party. Absolutely love it!
Get the recipe: Pink Peppermint Russian
Boozy Christmas Coffee
An easy upgrade for your favorite morning (or evening) cup of coffee. Add a splash of something extra to make a holiday drink that warms hands and soul. Great for after‑dinner sipping during holidays.
Get the recipe: Boozy Christmas Coffee
White Russian Cocktail
Rich, creamy, and punchy: vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream come together in this all-time favorite cocktail recipe. Smooth, simple, and satisfying. Great Christmas drink idea.
Get the recipe: White Russian Cocktail Recipe
Apple Cranberry Spritzer
Apple cranberry spritzer is a beautiful holiday drink idea you can make with or without alcohol! Sweet crisp apple cider and tart cranberry juice make a perfect fall flavor combination. Garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and apple slices.
Get the recipe: Apple Cranberry Spritzer
Bourbon Apple Cider
Made right in the crockpot, Bourbon Apple cider has the perfect blend of spiced apple cider, smooth bourbon, and aromatic fall spices. I can see it perfectly fitting a late-night gathering with friends around Christmas.
Get the recipe: Bourbon Apple Cider
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Combine cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne for a vibrant Thanksgiving brunch or girls’ party cocktail. A holiday-ready twist on a classic mimosa recipe that also works amazingly for a Christmas party.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Classic Homemade Eggnog
A MUST every season! I can’t go into Christmas without eggnog, no, thank you! Old‑school, creamy, rich — this eggnog is exactly what you imagine when you think of a holiday drink. Perfect for sitting by the fire or toasting with family.
Get the recipe: Classic Homemade Eggnog
Cinnamon Spiced Moscow Mule
Swap classic lime for St. Germain Elderflower liquor, and add cinnamon syrup to this ginger beer-based mule. An all-time classic vodka cocktail with a little holiday touch. Would work for both Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Spiced Moscow Mule
Fireball Jello Shots
Spice up your Christmas night and get ready for fireworks with these cinnamon whisky‑flavored jello shots. Perfect little treat, aka alcoholic shot, you can make ahead to save time.
Get the recipe: Fireball Jello Shots
Candy Cane Vodka
If you love DIY Christmas gifts, this is the recipe for you. Just two ingredients and a bit of patience, and you get beautiful peppermint vodka. Fun Christmas Eve dinner party, too!
Get the recipe: Candy Cane Vodka
Limoncello Spritz
Sparkling and citrusy, this cocktail blends chilled prosecco, limoncello, and soda water. It’s light, bubbly, and perfect for sipping in winter while thinking of summer vacation!
Get the recipe: Limoncello Spritz
Three Wise Men Shots
For those who like their drinks strong and straight to the point, like a true gentleman, this one mixes Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel’s – just these 3 ingredients. It’s intense, bold, and doesn’t mess around.
Get the recipe: Three Wise Men Shots
Dirty Shirley
This playful adult twist on the childhood favorite combines grenadine, lemon-lime soda, and a shot of vodka. It’s bubbly, sweet, and a breeze to whip up. Iconic Shirley Temple for grown-ups!
Get the recipe: Dirty Shirley
Blackberry Cream Mimosa
A splash of prosecco meets blackberry liquor and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a rich, fizzy twist on your usual brunch mimosa. It’s sweet, creamy, and a refreshing treat. And oh-so elegant! Perfect for summer brunches and girls nights.
Get the recipe: Blackberry Cream Mimosa
Orange Oasis Chinese Cocktail
A smooth mix of almond liqueur, orange juice, and grenadine, this one’s sweet, nutty, and lightly citrusy. It’s unique and easy to throw together with just three ingredients.
Get the recipe: Orange Oasis Chinese Cocktail
Bloody Mary
This classic savory drink mixes tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s full of flavor and great for brunch with your favorite garnishes.
Get the recipe: Bloody Mary
Gingerbread White Russian
Another twist on White Russian cocktail, this time with cozy gingerbread flavor. It is a creamy, spiced, coffee‑liqueur cocktail, and it will be great for a Christmas dinner party.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread White Russian
Raise a glass and toast to a season full of flavor, fun, and festive memories!
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