Christmas Drinks: From Classics to New Favourites 10 Festive Cocktails for Cosy Winter Nights

The gentle spice of mulled wine wafting through the house. The sparkle of a frost-rimmed cocktail glass. Christmas drinks have a way of making winter evenings magical.

I’ve spent hours exploring the most enchanting festive cocktail recipes (you’re welcome), and I’m thrilled to share this carefully curated collection—from time-honoured classics to creative new concoctions that might just become your family favourites.

Did you know that the first cocktail party was allegedly thrown by Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis in May 1917? This pioneering hostess invited 50 guests to her mansion for a Sunday-noon drinks gathering that lasted precisely one hour. Such efficiency would make modern holiday hosts weep with envy.

Fast forward to today, and holiday cocktails have evolved from simple mixed drinks into theatrical celebrations in a glass. From centuries-old wassail to Instagram-worthy candy cane champagne concoctions, these festive libations prove that the art of holiday merrymaking is alive and well in our glasses.

As we begin our journey through festive drinks, it’s only fitting to start with the classics—those beloved recipes that have warmed hearts for generations. From mulled wine to wassail, these timeless favourites bring the warmth and nostalgia that make Christmas truly special.

Classic Christmas Cocktails: Beloved Holiday Drinks from Mulled Wine to Wassail

Where tradition meets winter warmth

Some Christmas drinks have earned their place in history, passing from generation to generation like treasured family recipes. These classic cocktails carry stories in every sip—from the medieval warmth of traditional wassail to the velvet comfort of perfectly spiced mulled wine. What makes these time-honoured drinks truly special isn’t just their rich heritage, but how they continue to bring joy to modern winter evenings.

Here are some of the finest traditional recipes I’ve discovered. Each one is carefully crafted by talented drink creators who understand the importance of getting these classics exactly right. I think we owe it to them to sample their work!

Classic Mulled Wine: The Quintessential Christmas Warmer

The quintessential Christmas drink that fills your home with the scent of the season

Nothing says Christmas quite like the warming aroma of mulled wine drifting through the house. This winter warmer has been gracing holiday gatherings for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. The magic happens as red wine slowly heats with whole spices, citrus, and just a touch of sweetness.

This is my absolute favourite, go to Christmas drink. I never make it on the stove top and always do it in the slow cooker. I might give the impression that I drink too much mulled wine if I say I bought a slow cooker specially to make this. So I won’t say it (but I totally did!).

Over here in the UK and Europe, many shops sell a ready mixed mulled wine. Some are great and some are grim. But if you do try them always pimp it up. We quite often take flasks of mulled wine for outdoor activities and ready made works well. I always add as an absolute minimum, Brandy, orange juice and cinnamon sticks when heating it.

Once you’ve perfected the classic recipe, it’s time to dive into a slightly different version that keeps the same comforting flavours while offering a more simplified approach.

Traditional Mulled Wine: Winter’s Warmth in a Mug

Try this if you want a wonderfully straightforward approach to this classic. Picture yourself wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of spice-infused red wine, the aromatic blend of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves dancing through the air. This centuries-old holiday tradition transforms ordinary wine into liquid comfort, perfect for those frosty evenings by the fire.

While the traditional version offers comforting simplicity, sometimes it’s fun to add a touch of flair. If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more zest, the next variation on this winter favourite might just hit the spot.

Spice Symphony: A Zesty Twist on Traditional Mulled Wine

Alternatively, an inspired twist can lift the traditional flavours. The magic lies in the careful blend of traditional mulling spices – whole cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and allspice berries gently steep alongside fresh orange slices and a touch of nutmeg. For an extra layer of warmth, fresh grated ginger adds its cosy embrace to this festive brew.

After exploring all the possibilities with mulled wine, it’s worth journeying even further back into festive traditions. Wassail, one of the oldest holiday drinks, is steeped in rich history and unique flavours that continue to delight.

Traditional Wassail: Ancient Christmas Punch to Warm Your Spirits

Now that we’ve warmed up with mulled wine, let’s travel even further back in time. Wassail, with its ancient roots and charming rituals, is the perfect way to toast to both history and the holiday season. If mulled wine represents Christmas present, then wassail truly embodies Christmas past. This ancient drink carries centuries of tradition in every warming sip.

Ancient Origins

Dating back to medieval England, wassail began as a pagan ritual in apple orchards, where villagers would gather to sing and pour spiced cider around tree roots to ensure bountiful harvests. The name comes from the Old Norse “ves heill,” meaning “be in good health”.

Festive Brew

This warming holiday punch combines mulled ale or cider with brandy, eggs, and aromatic spices. The traditional recipe features roasted apples, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, creating a frothy concoction nicknamed “Lamb’s Wool” for its distinctive appearance.

Sacred Sipping

Served from ornate communal bowls, often crafted from Lignum vitae wood, wassail became synonymous with Christmas caroling and Twelfth Night celebrations. The ritual of sharing the wassail bowl, complete with floating toast and baked apples, embodied the spirit of holiday hospitality and community blessings.

While wassail harks back to medieval traditions, let’s fast-forward to the elegance of the Victorian era. The Tom and Jerry cocktail embodies a different kind of Christmas charm—lighter, frothier, and undeniably sophisticated.

Tom and Jerry Cocktail: A Victorian Christmas Classic

While wassail carries a sense of community and history, the Victorian era introduced another classic drink perfect for winter gatherings. The Tom and Jerry cocktail is lighter, frothier, and adds an elegant twist to your festive drink lineup. This forgotten holiday treasure deserves a place in your modern Christmas celebrations.

Marshmallowy Magic

Move over, eggnog – this ethereal winter warmer brings holiday cheer with its cloud-like texture. A delicate batter of whipped eggs and sugar creates the base, while warming cognac and dark rum provide festive spirit. Hot milk transforms the mixture into a frothy, spice-kissed dream that’s lighter than traditional yuletide drinks.

Cosy Comfort

Crowned with freshly grated nutmeg and filled with aromatic winter spices, each sip delivers the essence of Christmas in a cup. It’s the sophisticated sipper that proves holiday cocktails can be both nostalgic and refined.

After indulging in Victorian elegance, why not reimagine another timeless holiday favourite? Eggnog is a must-have at many holiday gatherings, but with a hint of peppermint, it can bring something unexpectedly refreshing to your celebrations.

Peppermint Eggnog: A Classic Holiday Drink with a Minty Twist

Much like the Tom and Jerry, eggnog has earned its place in holiday tradition, but it also offers the chance for a twist or two. Let’s explore a version that brings a minty freshness to this well-loved classic. This minty take on traditional eggnog proves that sometimes the smallest twist can create something entirely new.

Minty Magnificence

Transform classic eggnog into a refreshing holiday treat by blending rich, creamy eggnog with smooth vanilla vodka and a splash of peppermint schnapps. The combination creates a delightful fusion of traditional comfort and cool winter freshness. Sadly, I can’t hear the words peppermint schnapps without thinking of TBBT.

Festive Finish

Rim your glass with crushed candy canes, then garnish with a mini candy cane and a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. The result is a playful twist on a holiday classic that brings together the best of Christmas nostalgia in every sip.

Whether it’s the rich, marshmallowy comfort of a Tom and Jerry or a minty twist on eggnog, these drinks bring something uniquely festive to each gathering. Now, I’m curious—do you have a go-to classic drink that makes the holidays feel complete?

As we’ve seen, classic holiday drinks are full of nostalgia and warmth. But let’s not forget that there’s always room to explore new tastes that make the holidays just as magical. From snowy margaritas to jewel-toned delights, these fresh creations are sure to bring some extra sparkle to your holiday gatherings.

Creative Christmas Cocktails: New Festive Drinks to Try This Year

Where creativity sparkles like fresh snow

While traditional drinks will always have their place, there’s something magical about discovering new Christmas cocktails that capture the spirit of the season in unexpected ways. These contemporary creations play with familiar festive flavours – think coconut ‘snow’, sparkling cranberries, and peppermint swirls – to create drinks that feel both innovative and wonderfully Christmassy. I’ve gathered some of the most enchanting new recipes from across the web, each one promising to bring a fresh sprinkle of joy to your winter evenings. Who knows? Among these modern interpretations, you might just find a future family tradition.

White Christmas Margarita: A Snowy Twist on a Summer Classic

A snow-white sipper that brings winter wonderland vibes to your favourite summer cocktail

Moving from classic comforts to contemporary creations, this next drink proves that holiday magic can transform even summer’s favourite cocktail into a Christmas showstopper. This clever winter reimagining transforms the classic cocktail into something truly special for the festive season.

Frosty Elegance

Transform your holiday cocktail game with this dreamy winter sipper. Imagine your favourite margarita dressed up in its Christmas best – silver tequila mingling with coconut rum and velvety coconut milk, brightened by fresh lime and orange liqueur. The result? A creamy, snow-white cocktail that’s basically Christmas in a glass. This is the perfect balance of creamy coconut and zingy citrus.

Festive Finish

For an extra festive touch, crown your creation with sugared cranberries for that perfect “just-fallen-snow” effect. It’s the cocktail equivalent of Bing Crosby’s classic tune – smooth, festive, and guaranteed to get everyone dreaming of a white Christmas.

If the snowy elegance of the White Christmas Margarita leaves you longing for a richer, more vibrant colour palette, then the Pomegranate Margarita is here to add a splash of crimson to your holiday evenings.

Pomegranate Margarita: A Jewel-Toned Festive Delight

Speaking of festive margaritas, let’s explore another creative twist that captures the rich, jewel tones of the season.

Crimson Celebration

Transform the classic margarita into a holiday showstopper with jewel-toned pomegranate. This festive twist combines premium silver tequila with fresh pomegranate juice and a splash of lime, creating a cocktail that sparkles like ornaments on a Christmas tree. The sweet and tart balance makes it perfect for holiday entertaining.

Holiday Magic

Rim your glass with sugar and garnish with pomegranate arils and a sprig of fresh thyme for an Instagram-worthy presentation. The drink’s deep red hue and symbolic connection to rebirth makes it an ideal choice for both Christmas gatherings and New Year’s celebrations.

After enjoying the vibrant pomegranate margarita, it’s time to add a bit of sparkle to our festive celebrations. Nothing says ‘holiday cheer’ quite like champagne—especially when it’s infused with the playful taste of candy canes.

Candy Cane Champagne: A Sparkling Christmas Cocktail

From deep crimson to sparkling white, our next drink adds a playful peppermint twist to traditional champagne cocktails.

We had friends who introduced us to the champagne cocktail, many, many years ago. I then spent the next year trying to find the perfect champagne cocktail glass. I don’t know what you call the type of glass, but they are sort of hollow down the stem, all the way to the bottom. So your sugar cube and peel twist sink down to the bottom. Surprisingly, I still have all 4 of them. Not sure how that has happened.

Sparkling Spirit

Transform ordinary champagne into a holiday spectacle with a peppermint twist. This effervescent delight combines crisp bubbly with smooth peppermint schnapps, creating a festive fusion that sparkles like fresh snow. A delicate rim of crushed candy canes adds both whimsy and wintery charm.

Holiday Elegance

Garnish with a classic candy cane hook and watch as it slowly infuses the drink with minty sweetness. The marriage of cooling peppermint and celebratory champagne creates the perfect sipper for Christmas cocktail parties or midnight toasts. It’s sophistication meets seasonal cheer in one glamorous glass.

While champagne cocktails are perfect for intimate moments of holiday cheer, sometimes you need something more generous—a drink that’s as ready to party as you are. Enter Jingle Juice, a punch that’s as vibrant and festive as the season itself

Jingle Juice: Festive Christmas Punch for Holiday Parties

From single servings to shareable delights, this next drink captures the generous spirit of the season. Consider it your go-to recipe when you want to keep the festive spirit flowing.

Party Perfect Potion

This crowd-pleasing punch can be tailored with your favourite spirits with fruit juices and bubbles, creating a magical holiday mix that stays perfectly chilled throughout your celebration.

Sparkle & Serve

Keep your punch party-ready by freezing a portion in a decorative ice ring, maintaining both flavour and temperature without dilution. Add the sparkling elements just before guests arrive, and garnish with floating cranberries and citrus slices for that extra festive flair. It’s entertaining made effortlessly elegant. While punch brings convivial charm, our next cocktail returns to elegant simplicity. The Poinsettia Cocktail offers sophistication, in spades.

After the vibrant fun of a festive punch, it’s time to take a step back to something a bit more refined. The Poinsettia Cocktail offers a delicate elegance, ideal for those quieter holiday moments that call for a touch of sophistication.

Poinsettia Cocktail: A Sophisticated Christmas Spritzer

While candy canes bring whimsy, this next cocktail channels pure elegance. Named after the classic Christmas flower, it’s sophistication in a glass.

Holiday Elegance

Transform your festive gathering with this sophisticated ruby-hued cocktail. Fresh pomegranate juice mingles with sparkling prosecco, creating a delicate effervescence that dances in the glass. A hint of orange liqueur adds depth and warmth to this seasonal sipper.

Winter’s Crown

A sprig of fresh rosemary serves as both garnish and aromatic enhancer, infusing each sip with subtle pine notes that echo the season. Float a few pomegranate seeds on top for a jewel-like finish that captures the essence of Christmas sophistication.

From the crisp effervescence of the Poinsettia, let’s embrace something warmer. The Sparkling Cider and Bourbon cocktail blends warmth with just a hint of sparkle, making it perfect for cosy nights by the fire. As we wrap up our festive drinks, let’s combine the sparkle of a celebratory toast with the warmth of comforting spices. The Sparkling Cider and Bourbon cocktail brings together the best of both worlds for a truly satisfying seasonal sipper.

Sparkling Cider and Bourbon: A Warm and Bubbly Winter Cocktail

From floral delicacy to warming spirits, this final cocktail brings together the best of both worlds.

Winter’s Perfect Pour

Bourbon meets apple cider in this effervescent holiday masterpiece. Rich vanilla and oak notes from quality bourbon embrace the deep, spiced warmth of apple cider, while a splash of sparkling wine adds celebratory fizz. The result is a sophisticated sipper that captures autumn’s essence in a winter-worthy glass.

Seasonal Symphony

A cinnamon sugar rim and floating apple slice transform this cocktail into a festive showstopper. The harmonious blend of warming bourbon, crisp cider, and delicate bubbles creates an irresistible celebration of seasonal flavours that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds.

Serving Tips and Alcohol-Free Options for Festive Drinks

Before you dive into these festive recipes, a few practical tips to keep the season merry and bright. Each recipe link includes specific serving sizes – do check these before you start, as some make single cocktails while others (like the punch and mulled wine) are perfect for gatherings.

When it comes to alcohol content, these drinks vary considerably. The Tom and Jerry and traditional Wassail pack quite a punch, while the sparkling cocktails tend to be lighter. Always adjust spirits to your preference – most of these recipes are forgiving if you want to pour with a lighter hand.

Alcohol-Free Christmas Mocktails: Festive Options for Everyone

And of course, while the recipes above are perfect for adding festive spirit to the season, we want everyone to be able to join in the fun. These alcohol-free versions will let everyone raise a glass—regardless of what’s inside. For those wanting to keep things alcohol-free, these recipes can easily be adapted to ensure everyone gets a taste of the holiday magic.

• For mulled wine, try alcohol-free wine or cranberry juice with mulling spices. I’ve made it with Apple Juice or Apple Juice with Ginger which are both nice. Still heated of course.
• Swap the spirits in margaritas for extra citrus juice and coconut water.
• Use alcohol-free prosecco or sparkling apple juice in the champagne cocktails.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice and a dash of vanilla extract in the cider cocktail.
• Create an alcohol-free eggnog using extra cream and festive spices.

Remember, the magic of these drinks lies in their festive flavours and beautiful presentation – the alcohol content is entirely optional.

Whether your glass holds a classic cocktail or an alcohol-free twist, the spirit of Christmas is all about coming together, sharing stories, and making memories. So, as we draw to a close, let’s raise our glasses—no matter what’s inside—to the magic of the season.

Raise a Glass: Celebrating Christmas with Classic and New Festive Drinks

As the winter nights draw in and Christmas lights twinkle, these drinks offer more than just festive flavours – they’re invitations to slow down and savour the season. Whether you’re warming your hands around a mug of centuries-old wassail or sipping a contemporary coconut margarita, each drink tells its own Christmas story.

I hope these carefully chosen recipes bring a special sparkle to your quiet winter evenings. After all, the most magical Christmas moments often happen right at home, perhaps while watching the snow fall or decorating the tree, with a festive drink in hand and loved ones nearby.

So whether you’re stirring a pot of mulled wine or adding sugared cranberries to your white Christmas margarita, let these recipes add a bit of magic to your holiday season.

So here’s to old traditions and new discoveries, to classic recipes and creative twists, and most importantly, to the joy of finding your own perfect Christmas drink. Cheers!