Santa's Panties, The Grinch & 30+ More Crazy Good Christmas Cocktails to Get You In the Spirit

Megan Porta
·5 min read
5

Along with the holidays comes gift shopping (and wrapping), nonstop get-togethers, festive lunches, brunches and dinners, but also, cocktail parties. In fact, November through January feels like one long cocktail party if you ask us. This means having an arsenal of delicious, holiday-themed Christmas cocktails at your next party is a must! Impress party-goers with a beverage that looks whimsical and also satisfies this year. Bonus points if it comes with fun flair, like sugared rims, rosemary sprigs and floating cranberries, or tiny gingerbread men clutching the side of your glass. Yes, really.

Related: 25 Impressive Christmas Desserts

What Are the Most Popular Cocktails?

While we all have our drink of choice when we head to the bar, there are definitely cocktails that are favorites. Here are the top 10:

  1. Old fashioned

  2. Moscow mule

  3. Negroni

  4. Mojito

  5. Whiskey sour

  6. Daiquiri

  7. Margarita

  8. Mai tai

  9. Bloody mary

  10. Manhattan

Best Christmas Cocktails

We've gathered a delicious selection of 35 Christmas cocktail recipes and holiday drink ideas for you to choose from, for your upcoming gatherings. You'll find spins on mimosas, martinis, punch and so much more. And speaking of gingerbread men, have you ever thought to combine the flavors from gingerbread with a White Russian?! Mind-blowing. There's also a 'Santa's Panties' libation that you're not going to want to miss. So peruse these recipes, then raise a glass to the holiday spirit—cheers!

35 Best Christmas Cocktails

<p>Theresa Greco</p><p>The Grinch might be grumpy, but this cocktail would make him happy!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/green-grinch-christmas-cocktail-save-191812247.html" data-ylk="slk:Grinch Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Grinch Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Pam Beth</p><p>The colors and flavors of Christmas in every sip.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/nothing-says-happy-holidays-boozy-150459897.html" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Crush Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Cranberry Crush Cocktail</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/938987/kristamarshall/best-holiday-cranberry-side-dishes-and-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:30 Genius Ways To Use Cranberries;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">30 Genius Ways To Use Cranberries</a></strong></p>
<p>Tony Pullaro</p><p>You won't even care if you are on the naughty list after you drink this.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/531711/nancyberk/the-naughty-list-cocktail-even-santa-might-consider/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Naughty List Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Naughty List Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>La Marca Prosecco</p><p>It's like warm apple cider, but for grown-ups!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1134997/solanahawkenson/toast-the-end-of-2020-with-a-bubbly-prosecco-apple-cider-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Prosecco Apple Cider Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Prosecco Apple Cider Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>iStock</p><p>A decadent alcoholic hot cocoa with a naughty twist.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/recipes/dirty-snowman-drink" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Dirty Snowman;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Dirty Snowman</a></strong></p>

iStock

A decadent alcoholic hot cocoa with a naughty twist.

Get the recipe: Dirty Snowman

<p>Basil and Bubbly</p><p>Pecan pie is a beloved holiday tradition<strong>. </strong>Now you can have it in a glass.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://basilandbubbly.com/bourbon-pecan-pie-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Just A Little Bit Of Bacon</p><p>This three ingredient cocktail is as delicious as it is easy.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="http://www.justalittlebitofbacon.com/pomegranate-prosecco-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pomegranate Prosecco Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pomegranate Prosecco Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Salted Plains</p><p>This cocktail will warm you from the inside out.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://saltedplains.com/cinnamon-rosemary-old-fashioned/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cinnamon Rosemary Old Fashioned</a></strong></p>
<p>The Novice Chef</p><p>A Puerto Rican holiday cocktail made with cream of coconut, rum, cinnamon, nutmeg and more.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://thenovicechefblog.com/coquito/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Coquito Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Coquito Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Snappy Gourmet</p><p>A refreshing cocktail perfect for after a big meal.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://snappygourmet.com/cranberry-limoncello-spritzer-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer</a></strong></p>
<p>Stress Baking</p><p>This two ingredient cocktail is perfect for a simple Christmas brunch.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://stressbaking.com/cranberry-mimosa/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Mimosas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Mimosas</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/20-christmas-brunch-recipes-whole-033432180.html" data-ylk="slk:20 Christmas Brunch Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">20 Christmas Brunch Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Snacks and Sips</p><p>Even those who don't think they like eggnog, might just sip this away.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://snacksandsips.com/eggnog-amaretto-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Eggnog Amaretto Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Eggnog Amaretto Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>The Kitchen Is My Playground</p><p>Every festive cocktail should have a tiny gingerbread man sitting on the edge.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.thekitchenismyplayground.com/2017/12/gingerbread-white-russian.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Gingerbread White Russian Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Celebrations At Home</p><p>This is how to serve eggnog to a party crowd.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://celebrationsathomeblog.com/eggnog-punch-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Holiday Eggnog Punch;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Holiday Eggnog Punch</a></strong></p>

Celebrations At Home

This is how to serve eggnog to a party crowd.

Get The Recipe: Holiday Eggnog Punch

<p>Homemade Hooplah</p><p>This beautiful blue cocktail tastes like a holiday piña colada.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://homemadehooplah.com/jack-frost-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Jack Frost Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Jack Frost Cocktail</a></strong></p>

Homemade Hooplah

This beautiful blue cocktail tastes like a holiday piña colada.

Get The Recipe: Jack Frost Cocktail

<p>Inspired By Charm</p><p>With only three ingredients this punch is easy on the host and a hit with the party guests.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://inspiredbycharm.com/jingle-juice-holiday-punch/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Jingle Juice Holiday Punch;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Jingle Juice Holiday Punch</a></strong></p>
<p>Smells Like Home</p><p>A holiday drink with vodka, lemon juice and a rosemary simple syrup.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="http://www.smells-like-home.com/2018/11/the-mistletoe-kiss/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Delish</p><p>Serve this one on the rocks or frozen, either way it is delicious.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a25242232/mistletoe-margaritas-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mistletoe Margaritas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mistletoe Margaritas</a></strong></p>
<p>Whatcha Cooking Good Looking</p><p>Peppermint lovers can join the party too.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.whatchacookinggoodlooking.com/peppermint-baileys-christmas-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Peppermint Baileys Christmas Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Peppermint Baileys Christmas Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Recipes From A Pantry</p><p>Two favorite Christmas flavors come together in a brand new way.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://recipesfromapantry.com/cranberry-mimosa-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cranberry Orange Mimosas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cranberry Orange Mimosas</a></strong></p>
<p>Kaylchip</p><p>A festive twist on a traditional French 75 cocktail.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://kaylchip.com/christmas-cocktail-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Rosemary Pomegranate French 75;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Rosemary Pomegranate French 75</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/849254/cathypollak/24-holiday-cocktails-filled-with-cheer/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:24 Holiday Cocktails Filled With Cheer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">24 Holiday Cocktails Filled With Cheer</a></strong></p>
<p>Seduction In The Kitchen</p><p>A fun, layered shot that would make a great signature drink for your holiday party.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.seductioninthekitchen.com/santa-panties/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Santa's Panties Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Santa's Panties Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Blessed Beyond A Doubt</p><p>A pudding shot that tastes like a big mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/34780-2/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Santa's Hot Chocolate Shots;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Santa's Hot Chocolate Shots</a></strong></p>
<p>The Londoner</p><p>This cocktail made with a red liqueur, red sorbet and lots of bubbles.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.thelondoner.me/2013/11/santas-little-helpers-cocktail-recipe.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Santas Little Helpers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Santas Little Helpers</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>A drink that screams Christmas! A little chocolatey with ginger and peppermint tones too. </p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/north-pole-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The North Pole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The North Pole</a> <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/north-pole-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>The Soccer Mom Blog</p><p>A grown-up peppermint mocha that is smooth, refreshing and festive.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://thesoccermomblog.com/peppermint-mocha-mudslide/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tipsy Peppermint Mocha Mudslide;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tipsy Peppermint Mocha Mudslide</a></strong></p>
<p>House of Hawthornes</p><p>Tastes like a warm sugar cookie fresh from the oven.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.houseofhawthornes.com/tom-and-jerry-drink-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tom And Jerry Drink;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tom And Jerry Drink</a></strong></p>
<p>2 Cookin Mommas</p><p>This margarita has all the traditional flavors plus white cranberry juice and coconut.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://2cookinmamas.com/white-christmas-margarita/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Christmas Margarita;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">White Christmas Margarita</a></strong></p>
<p>The Crumbly Kitchen</p><p>White wine, ginger beer, pear brandy and some festive red and green fruit are all you need for this show stopper drink.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://thecrumbykitchen.com/white-christmas-sangria/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Christmas Sangria;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">White Christmas Sangria</a></strong></p>
<p>Cotter Crunch</p><p>A sugar-free cocktail filled with flavor from bourbon, cherries, and spices.</p><p><strong>Get The Recipe: <a href="https://www.cottercrunch.com/yuletide-moon-holiday-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Yuletide Moon Holiday Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Yuletide Moon Holiday Cocktail</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/844716/brendabennett/16-sugar-free-low-carb-holiday-peppermint-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:16 Sugar-Free Peppermint Desserts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">16 Sugar-Free Peppermint Desserts</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>A festive party punch with pomegranate juice, orange juice, cranberry and lime.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/christmas-pomegranate-punch/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Christmas Pomegranate Punch;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Christmas Pomegranate Punch</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>A vanilla chai with lots of adult flavors.<br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/dirty-chai-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Christmas Vacation Dirty Chai Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Half Baked Harvest</p><p>A little sweet and a little spicy, this drink will hit all the right festive notes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/holiday-storm-cocktail/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spicy Sweet Holiday Storm Cocktail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spicy Sweet Holiday Storm Cocktail</a></strong></p>
<p>Polished Habitat</p><p>If you're serving Christmas brunch, these festive cocktails are a must.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.polishedhabitat.com/christmas-morning-mimosas-with-pomegranate/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Christmas Morning Mimosas;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Christmas Morning Mimosas</a></strong></p>
<p>Savory Experiments</p><p>Nothing says Christmas more than a glass of wassail!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.savoryexperiments.com/wassail-hot-toddy/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Wassail Hot Toddy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Wassail Hot Toddy</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/25-steal-show-christmas-dinner-134300196.html" data-ylk="slk:25 Unique Christmas Dinner Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">25 Unique Christmas Dinner Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Krista Marshall</p>

Krista Marshall

Next, try: 12 Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks for Christmas and New Year's