7 Christmas cocktail recipes for every gathering

Bright Christmas cocktails will add cheer and relaxation to any celebration. Explore various recipes, organize a cocktail party with friends and family, and don’t forget about non-alcoholic alternatives for these cocktails.

Classic Eggnog Martini

Classic Eggnog Martini is the tradition with a modern twist. The cocktail is the perfect addition to any Christmas gathering, and its quick preparation time means you can easily whip it up for unexpected guests. 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz store-bought or homemade eggnog
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz amaretto liqueur
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
• Nutmeg, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the eggnog, vanilla vodka, and amaretto liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

This cocktail is smooth, sweet, and perfectly spiced, making it a delightful way to celebrate a holiday.

Gingerbread Man Cocktail or Gingerbread Martini

Here’s a delightful recipe for a Gingerbread Martini to add some festive cheer to any holiday:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys)
• 1 oz gingerbread syrup ( bought or homemade)
• 1 oz milk or cream
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: whipped cream, gingerbread cookie, ground nutmeg, or a cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with gingerbread syrup or honey, then dip it in crushed gingerbread cookies or cinnamon sugar. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Irish cream liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and milk or cream. Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
3. Pour the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
4. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground nutmeg or cinnamon. You can also place a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim for extra flair.

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Cranberry Christmas Margarita

For those who crave a refreshing drink, the Cranberry Christmas Margarita is a must-try. This festive twist on the classic margarita features seasonal cranberries and a hint of orange, creating a cocktail that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Fresh cranberries and lime wheel, for garnish
• Coarse salt or sugar, for rimming the glass

Instructions:

1. Rim a rocks glass with lime juice and dip it into coarse salt or sugar, depending on your preference.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Combine tequila, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice in shaker.
4. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel.

The Stinger

The Stinger is a classic cocktail that combines brandy with peppermint schnapps. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) brandy
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) white crème de menthe (peppermint schnapps)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the brandy and white crème de menthe to the glass or shaker.
3. Stir well.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass (or a lowball glass with ice).
5. Optionally, garnish with a mint sprig or a twist of lemon peel for extra flair.

The Elk’s own

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz blended whiskey
• 3/4 oz port
• juice of 1/4 lemon
• 1 slice pineapple and fresh cranberries
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the blended whiskey, port, fresh lemon juice, one egg and powdered sugar.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds .
3. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass filled with a large ice cube.
4. Add the pineapple slice . If desired, drop in a few cranberries for a festive touch, especially around the holidays.

Peppermint White Russian

Peppermint White Russian is perfect for gatherings during the holidays. It’s creamy, indulgent, and great for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 2 oz heavy cream or milk
• Crushed candy canes, for garnish
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour the coffee liqueur, vodka, and peppermint schnapps over the ice.
3. Top with heavy cream or milk and stir gently.
4. Garnish with crushed candy canes and a portion of whipped cream.

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Pomegranate Prosecco Spritzer

This refreshing spritzer is light, bubbly, and perfect for any festive gathering. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chilled pomegranate juice
• 1 bottle Prosecco or sparkling wine, chilled
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill each glass with a few pomegranate seeds for a festive touch. Add a small ice cube if desired.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup of pomegranate juice into each glass.
3. Top up with Prosecco or sparkling wine, filling the glass to your preferred level.
4. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic and seasonal garnish.
5. Serve immediately and toast to the holidays!

Tips for serving Christmas cocktails

Prepare in advance

Buy ingredients like syrups and garnishes, and count the quantity of necessary ingredients beforehand. Mix your Christmas cocktails ahead of time — this will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Have additional ingredients in stock

Stock up on essential cocktail ingredients to avoid running out during the party. Keep extras of popular mixers, spirits, and garnishes so guests can enjoy refills without a hitch.

Garnish Creatively

Elevate your cocktails with festive garnishes such as cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or citrus twists. The garnish not only enhances flavor but also adds aesthetics that match the holiday vibe.

Offer non-alcoholic options

Consider people who abstain from alcohol and prepare the same cocktails for them, but without any alcohol. For example, offer a Pomegranate Prosecco Spritzer with sparkling water instead of Prosecco. 

Serve with snacks

Offer an assortment of snacks to balance the flavors and prevent guests from getting drunk quickly. You can prepare different sorts of cheese, crackers, prosciutto- wrapped dates, pastry bites or stuffed mushrooms.

Organize Secret Santa with your friends

To make your cocktail party even more exciting during the holidays, consider organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange with your guests. Plan it well in advance, and if many people want to participate, you can use the MySantaApp. With an online organizer, you can invite participants via email and draw names with a single click. 

Each person will secretly prepare a gift for someone else. Participants can add their gift wishes in the generator, making it easy to rely on their preferences. Encourage everyone to create wish lists — it will save time for everyone involved. 

Try our MySanta app

You can create wishlists, add exclusions, and communicate with your gifree secretly. Moreover, there is an option to track gifts and ensure that everyone buys a present on time.

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