Six Festive Christmas Cocktails to Make at Home this Holiday Season
- gailannbrown701
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Instead of a full bar this holiday season, many people choose to serve one or two festive cocktails, or a bowl of Christmas punch. The right holiday cocktails capture the spirit of Christmas and make a party so festive. Whether you prefer something fruity, refreshing, or creamy, these six festive cocktails bring a splash of holiday cheer to your celebrations. Each recipe offers a unique twist on classic flavors, making your holiday parties memorable and delicious.
Pomegranate Paloma
This cocktail combines the tartness of pomegranate juice with the bright citrus of lime and the smooth kick of white tequila. The club soda adds a refreshing fizz, making it a perfect drink to start your holiday evening.
Ingredients:
¼ cup pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 shot of good white tequila
¼ cup club soda
Salt for the glass rim
Sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
Salt the rim of a margarita glass.
Mix pomegranate juice, lime juice, and tequila in a shaker with ice.
Pour into the glass and top with club soda.
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
This cocktail’s balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with the herbal aroma of rosemary, makes it a standout holiday drink.
Cost-saving tip: This is not a time to crack open your best sipping tequila. Any decent white tequila will do. You can find pomegranate juice in any large grocery store.
Pomegranate Cosmo
A holiday twist on the classic cosmopolitan, this cocktail uses pomegranate juice for a rich color and a burst of flavor. The lemon juice and simple syrup balance the tartness, while Cointreau adds a hint of orange sweetness.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons pomegranate juice
1 shot vodka
1 tablespoon Cointreau or Triple Sec
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon simple syrup
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
This elegant cocktail is perfect for holiday parties where you want something both festive and sophisticated.
Cost-saving tip: A simple triple sec works wonderfully in this cocktail and is very inexpensive. You can make your own simple syrup with water and sugar.
Malibu Bay Breeze (Christmas in Florida)
For those who want to bring a tropical vibe to their Christmas, the Malibu Bay Breeze offers a sweet and fruity escape. The layering technique creates a visually stunning drink that tastes like a holiday on the beach.
Ingredients:
1 shot Malibu Rum
3 tablespoons pineapple juice
3 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail glass half full with ice.
Pour Malibu rum into the glass.
Carefully add pineapple juice.
Pour cranberry juice cocktail over a spoon to create a layered effect on top.
Garnish with candied cranberries and a pineapple spear.
This cocktail’s bright colors and tropical flavors make it a fun addition to any holiday gathering.
Cost-saving tip: Both cranberries and pineapple are inexpensive during the holiday season. Cut up your own pineapple to save even more money!
Cranberry Mule
A festive take on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail adds cranberry and orange flavors for a seasonal twist. The muddled orange peel releases oils that enhance the drink’s aroma and taste.
Ingredients:
Cut a piece of orange peel (most pith removed)
1 shot vodka
3 tablespoons orange juice
3 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail
Ginger beer to top off
Candied cranberries and orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle the orange peel in a shaker.
Add vodka and muddle again.
Strain into a mule mug, half-filled with ice.
Add orange juice and cranberry juice cocktail.
Top off with ginger beer.
Garnish with orange peel and candied cranberries.
This cocktail combines the zing of ginger beer with fruity notes, making it a refreshing choice for holiday toasts.
Cost-saving tip: Did you know you can make your own candied orange peel or candied cranberries?
Peppermint White Russian
This creamy cocktail blends peppermint schnapps with vodka and coffee liqueur for a dessert-like drink that feels like a holiday treat. The candy cane garnish adds a festive look and a hint of minty sweetness.
Ingredients:
1.5 tablespoons peppermint schnapps
2 tablespoons vodka
2 tablespoons Kahlua or other chocolate coffee liqueur
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Candy cane for garnish
Instructions:
Combine schnapps, vodka, and Kahlua in a shaker, mix lightly, and place in a stemmed glass.
Slowly pour heavy cream over the back of a spoon to float on top.
Serve with a candy cane or pieces of a candy cane on the rim.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy rich, creamy drinks with a holiday twist.
Cost-saving tip: You can save money by buying a generic chocolate coffee liqueur instead of the more expensive Kahlua.
Christmas Punch
A crowd-pleaser, this punch mixes fruit juices with your choice of spirit and sparkling soda. It’s easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for holiday parties.
Ingredients:
2 cups pomegranate juice or cranberry juice cocktail
2 cups orange juice
2 cups lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
1 cup vodka, rum, or favorite spirit
Orange slices, pomegranate arils, cranberries, or other fruit for garnish
Ice
Instructions:
Combine all juices and spirit in a punch bowl.
Add soda and stir gently.
Add plenty of ice and garnish with fruit.
This punch offers a festive mix of flavors and colors that will keep guests coming back for more.
Cost-saving tip: Instead of buying a tub of pomegranate arils, buy a pomegranate and remove the arils yourself. In a punch, it is acceptable to use a less expensive vodka or other spirit.
Drink Christmas Cocktails Responsibly!
Whatever cocktail you choose, make sure to drink responsibly. InflationBites wishes you Happy Holidays!
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