The holidays are here, and I’m so excited to share some of my favorite festive drink recipes with you! Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy evening, a special Christmas drink makes everything better.
I’ve gathered three delightful Christmas cocktails and punches that are easy to make and guaranteed to bring cheer. You’ll find something perfect for any occasion right here.
Jump to Recipe:
Christmas Cookie Cocktail for the Holidays
This Christmas Cookie Cocktail tastes just like a freshly baked holiday cookie in a glass. It’s a sweet, creamy drink that’s perfect for a treat. 
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Quality Cream Liqueur: Use a good Irish cream or similar liqueur to get that rich, smooth cookie flavor. It makes a difference!
- Festive Rim: For an extra special touch, rim your glass with honey and then dip it in holiday sprinkles before pouring the drink.
What You Need
- 1.5 oz Irish cream liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz almond liqueur (like Amaretto)
- 1 oz milk or cream
- Ice
- Holiday sprinkles for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 5 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the Irish cream liqueur, vodka, almond liqueur, and milk or cream. Secure the lid tightly and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is very cold.
Step 2: Serve and Garnish
If desired, rim a chilled glass with sprinkles. Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive drink!
📝 Final Note
Make sure all your liquid ingredients are chilled before you start. This makes for a colder, more refreshing cocktail without over-diluting it with ice.
Festive Christmas Paloma Drink
The classic Paloma gets a wonderful Christmas feel with a splash of cranberry. This bright and bubbly drink is super refreshing and pretty for any holiday gathering. 
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Fresh Juices: Using fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime juice makes a huge difference in the taste. It brightens the whole drink.
- Garnish for Color: A sprig of fresh rosemary and a few cranberries make this drink look extra festive and holiday-ready.
What You Need
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz cranberry juice
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top
- Ice
- Rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries for garnish
⏱️ Time: 7 minutes🍽️ Yields: 1 cocktail
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Liquids
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and cranberry juice to the glass. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients well.
Step 2: Top and Garnish
Top off your drink with sparkling water or club soda. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few fresh cranberries for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
📝 Final Note
If you like a salted rim, rub a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it into a mix of salt and a little sugar for a festive touch.
Holiday Spiced Gin Punch for a Crowd
This Christmas Spiced Gin Punch is perfect for your next holiday party. It’s easy to make a big batch, full of warming spices, and tastes absolutely wonderful. 
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Make Ahead: You can mix the gin and juices with the spices a few hours before your party. Let it chill in the fridge so the spices really get to work.
- Presentation Matters: Use a nice punch bowl and plenty of fresh fruit slices (like oranges and apples) and whole spices for a beautiful display.
What You Need
- 1.5 cups gin
- 3 cups orange juice
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 0.5 cup fresh lime juice
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise pods
- Orange slices and apple slices for garnish
- Chilled sparkling water or ginger ale, to serve
- Lots of ice
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Combine Punch Base
In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the gin, orange juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods. Stir everything together gently.
Step 2: Chill and Serve
Place the punch in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to chill and allow the spices to release their flavors. Just before serving, add plenty of ice to the punch bowl and garnish with fresh orange and apple slices. Top individual servings with chilled sparkling water or ginger ale.
📝 Final Note
You can make a kid-friendly version by leaving out the gin from a portion of the punch base. It’s still delicious with just the juices and spices!
