Nothing says “’Tis the season” like having a sumptuous dinner with your loved ones while listening to Christmas songs.

And after all the presents have been opened, the plates have been licked clean, and all the kids have gone to sleep, then it’s time for the adults to indulge in their holly, jolly holiday with Christmas cocktails!

That’s why it’s important to have Christmas drink recipes on hand. But don’t worry, we've got you.

We’ve rounded up a list of the best holiday cocktail mixes guaranteed to unlock some more Christmas spirit. And if you weren't sold already, they are super quick, cheap and easy to make.

(And if you’re not keen on drinking this Christmas, indulge yourself with these non-alcoholic beverages instead.)

Bright Side

The first drink is a non-alcoholic drink. But do not underestimate as this is as bold and assertive as spirited ones. Chillies and ginger provide a heat that parallels that experience (frequently used by 18th- and 19th-century spirits counterfeiters).

Ingredients (good for 1 serving):

• 1 fresh chilli
• ½ lime
• Salt
• Sugar
• 50 ml non-alcoholic spirit or kombucha
• 25 ml fresh lime juice
• 1 thumb of chopped ginger
• 25 ml simple syrup

Rub a cut piece of chilli once around the rim of a chilled cocktail glass, then rub it with a cut lime. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of salt with a pinch of sugar mixed in.

In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine the non-alcoholic spirit, lime juice, ginger and simple syrup. Shake, then strain into your glass. Then garnish with a fresh piece of cut chilli placed on the rim.

Winter spritz

This one’s perfect for the warmer months! Not only is it festive, but it’s also light and so refreshing. It’s so easy to make one! And before you know it, you’ll be making one more, and another, and another…

Ingredients (good for 1 serving):

• 50 ml red wine
• 50 ml sparkling wine
• 50 ml sparkling water
• 25 ml ruby port
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in an ice-filled wine goblet. Stir gently. Garnish with an orange twist and, if you’d like, a cinnamon stick.

Mulled gin and juice

Packets of mulling spices are available everywhere.

To make the spiced gin, pour a bottle of gin into a wide-mouth jar. Add a sachet of mulling spices. Leave overnight, then remove the sachet the next day.

Ingredients (good for 1 serving):

• 50 ml spiced gin
• 100 ml cloudy apple juice
• 1 slice of apple or 1 piece of lemon peel
• 5-10 ml grenadine pomegranate molasses (optional)

Combine ingredients in an ice-filled highball or rocks glass. Stir, then garnish with an apple slice or a lemon twist.

You can add grenadine or pomegranate molasses for that seasonal kick.


Instant eggnog

Christmas would not be complete without this!

Eggnog has virtually the same ingredients as ice cream – egg yolks, whipping cream, milk and sugar. For Christmas, try this classic with a twist of dark rum or a scotch whisky.

Ingredients (good for 1 serving):

• 50 ml good vanilla ice cream
• 50 ml aged rum or whisky
• nutmeg

Combine the ice cream and the spirit in an empty cocktail shaker. Shake without ice. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and grate nutmeg over the top.

Negroni punch

In the UK, the negroni has passed the martini when it comes to gin drink sales. Its flavour profile works well for this delicious punch.
Ingredients (good for 6 servings):

• 100 ml gin (or cranberry juice for a lower-alcohol serve)
• 100 ml bitter aperitif such as Campari
• 200 ml sweet vermouth
• 50 ml chilled espresso
• 350 ml chilled prosecco

Combine all ingredients in a punchbowl or large pitcher with ice. Stir lightly. Garnish with orange slices, star anise, cinnamon sticks, long orange and lemon twists, and fresh cranberries. Serve in punch cups.

Vegan white Russian

Coffee and alcohol? Yes please!

This one is really easy to make at home.

To make the coffee liqueur, combine a cup of strong coffee or a few espressos with an equal measure of sugar to make coffee syrup. Combine a measure of the resulting syrup with an equal measure of vodka or gin – plus a splash of cognac if you like.

Ingredients (good for 1 serving):

• 25 ml coffee liqueur
• 25 ml vodka
• 50 ml oat milk

Combine all the ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Hot G&Tea

This one’s for the colder weather. Tonic syrup is now available in many shops and makes it possible to take the classic in new directions.

Ingredients (good for 1 serving):

• 100-125 ml boiling water
• 1 bag of winter spice or cranberry tea
• 25 ml tonic syrup
• 50 ml gin

Combine the water and tea in a mug and brew as normal. Add the tonic syrup and gin. Garnish with an orange or lemon twist, if you like.


We hope this list inspired your next cocktail creations this Christmas! And don’t forget to drink moderately, folks.

Just in case your holiday celebration got way too much fun, take a look at these tips on dealing with Christmas party hangover.