Christmas Cocktail Recipes to Make Your Festive Season Sparkle

There’s something wonderfully joyful about mixing a festive cocktail as the holiday season approaches. Whether you’re hosting the big day, planning a cosy night in, or simply looking to add a touch of cheer to your celebrations, Christmas cocktails are a brilliant way to bring people together. Below, you’ll find a set of simple, seasonal recipes you can shake, stir, or pour with ease, each one designed to capture the flavours of winter without the need for specialist ingredients.

1. Classic Winter Spritz

Light, refreshing, and perfect as a welcome drink.

You’ll need:

How to make:
Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add the wine, soda water, and orange liqueur. Stir gently and finish with an orange slice.

2. Festive Spiced Martini

A twist on a classic, bringing warming winter spice.

You’ll need:

  • 50ml vodka

  • 15ml dry vermouth

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • Ice

How to make:
Add the vodka, vermouth, and ice to a mixing glass. Stir until chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

3. Cranberry Gin Fizz

A bright and fruity option that looks beautifully seasonal.

You’ll need:

  • 40ml gin

  • 40ml cranberry juice

  • 15ml lime juice

  • Soda water

  • Ice

  • Fresh cranberries or lime wedge to garnish

How to make:
Shake the gin, cranberry juice, and lime with ice, then strain into a tall glass. Top with soda water and garnish.

4. Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Sweet, spiced, and perfect for fireside sipping.

You’ll need:

  • 50ml whisky

  • 10ml ginger syrup

  • Dash of aromatic bitters

  • Ice

  • Orange peel

How to make:
Stir the whisky, ginger syrup, and bitters over ice in a short glass. Add a twist of orange peel to finish.

5. Mulled Apple Punch

Ideal for larger gatherings, with all the comfort of a winter warmer.

You’ll need:

  • 500ml cloudy apple juice

  • 150ml dark rum

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 4 cloves

  • 2 star anise

  • Orange slices

How to make:
Warm the apple juice in a pan with the spices. Remove from the heat, stir in the rum, and serve in heatproof mugs. Add an orange slice to each.

6. Snowy Coconut Daiquiri

A creamy, festive treat with tropical notes.

You’ll need:

  • 40ml white rum

  • 20ml lime juice

  • 25ml coconut cream

  • Ice

  • Grated nutmeg to garnish

How to make:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

7. Christmas Negroni

Rich, bitter, and beautifully balanced.

You’ll need:

  • 25ml gin

  • 25ml red vermouth

  • 25ml bitter aperitif

  • Ice

  • Rosemary sprig (optional)

How to make:
Add everything to a short glass filled with ice and stir. Garnish with a rosemary sprig if you’d like an aromatic finish.

Celebrate the Season in Style

Whipping up a Christmas cocktail doesn’t need to be complicated; a few simple ingredients and a bit of festive spirit go a long way.

Whether you prefer something bright and refreshing or rich and warming, these recipes offer plenty of ideas to elevate your celebrations and toast to the season ahead.

Back to Recipes