Christmas is more than just one day — it’s a whole season filled with parties and activities. To be completely honest, it can be difficult to come up with creative ideas when hosting multiple gatherings of family and friends. This list is designed to help you out on the drinks.
Christmas cocktails will liven up a party. After all, jingle bells are not the only thing that can make spirits bright! A special drink can help everyone relax and feel festive. Here are 10 Christmas drink ideas that will make everyone more jolly. There’s something for everyone, from classic holiday cocktails to unexpected flavors, and even some nonalcoholic mocktail options as well.
Peppermint Martini
It’s candy cane season. For an adult spin on this sweet treat, whip up a peppermint martini. Simply combine 1 ounce of peppermint vodka, with 2 ounces of a coffee liqueur of your choice and ½ cup of milk in a cocktail shaker. Strain the ice and serve up. To be extra fancy, rim the edge of your martini glass with crushed candy canes. This is the perfect cocktail to go with the dessert course.
Partridge in a Pear Tree
You can enjoy this libation no matter what day of Christmas you are on. Fill your martini shaker halfway with ice. Add 2 ounces of Absolut pear vodka, ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ½ ounce of simple syrup. Shake it just like James Bond intended. Fill your champagne flute halfway with the strained liquid and add some bubbles to top it off. After a couple of sips, you can ponder why the classic Christmas song includes so many birds as presents.
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Wassail
The word wassail dates back to the ancient English tradition of going door-to-door singing and offering a hearty drink. Its meaning has evolved over the years to be both a cheers and a beverage. If your caroling party needs some liquid courage, this is the perfect way to fortify everyone. Combine 4 cups of apple cider, ½ tablespoon of grated ginger, 2 lemons sliced, 1 cinnamon stick, and ¼ ounce of vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Simmer the ingredients for at least one hour. As a bonus, this will make the house smell delicious. Pour the drink into your mug of choice. Adults can add bourbon to the mix. Kids and those who don’t drink can enjoy sans alcohol. This recipe makes 4 to 6 drinks, so you can adjust it for your party’s size.
Christmas Punch
A punch is a great idea for hosts because it can be made in big batches ahead of time. With so many recipes out there, you can customize them to make it the perfect Christmas cocktail. Here’s one variation. Fill a large punch bowl with ice. Add 5 cups of 100% cranberry juice, 2 bottles of dry sparkling wine, 2 cups of apple cider, 1 ½ cups of ginger ale, and 1 ½ cups of dark rum. Gently mix all the ingredients. Garnish with 2 oranges sliced thinly into rounds and 1 cup fresh cranberries. This will make around 20 servings. You could even make one batch without the alcoholic ingredients for nondrinkers and kids.
Eggnog
Classic Christmas cocktails such as eggnog have endured for a reason: They are just plain yummy. This milky sweet treat evolved from a drink called posset that dates back to medieval Britain. The name eggnog was first used in Colonial America. George Washington even served this at his home at Mount Vernon during the holidays. The simplest way to make this is to buy premade eggnog at the store. You can drink it with or without alcohol. If you are going to spike it, consider adding brandy, rum, or bourbon.
Grinch-Green Punch
This Grinch punch will make your grumpiest guest’s heart grow three sizes. It’s simple to make and great for tiny humans. Bust out your favorite 1-gallon pitcher and add 2 quarts of water. Next add 2 packets Unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid and still well. Then add one 12-ounce can of pineapple juice and 1 can thawed frozen lemonade concentrate. Wait until just before your guests arrive to add ½ liter of Sprite and some ice (this will prevent your drink from going flat). Adults can add some vodka or gin to their cups if they want.
Evergreen Martini
A martini before dinner is just so classy. If you want to bring an old Hollywood type of energy to your gathering, serve an evergreen martini with the hors d’oeuvres. Shake up 2 ounces of gin, ½ ounce of dry vermouth, and ½ ounce of St-Germain liqueur. You can garnish this with some fresh rosemary sprigs for an special added touch.
Apple Nutmeg Mocktail
For a number of reasons, not everyone drinks alcohol. A host that understands this is appreciated by the nondrinkers who attend their gatherings. Having to drink soda or water can make guests feel awkward. This is where a great mocktail comes in handy. This apple nutmeg option is so simple. Combine 3 ounces of apple cider with 1 ounce of lime juice. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg and a larger pinch of cinnamon into the mixture. Stir to combine and top off with 4 ounces of apple kombucha. Serve with apple slices for garnish.
Blood Orange Spritz
This is a fun twist on the classic Aperol spritz. Blood oranges start showing off their seasonal flavors in December, so take advantage of this by using them in your Christmas cocktail. Combine 2 ounces of freshly squeezed blood orange juice, 3 ounces of Aperol, and 4 ounces of prosecco. Top it off with 1 ounce of club soda or blood orange Italian soda. Garnish with blood orange slices. Think of all the vitamin C you will be getting!
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate hits different during the holiday season. A nice rich cup of cocoa warms the body and the soul. To make it a Christmas cocktail, you can spike it! The alcohol options are limitless: there’s bourbon, rum, Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint Schnapps. Don’t forget to have whipped cream and marshmallows on hand.
