Yuletide Toasts: Unwrap the Magic with 41 Irresistible Christmas Cocktails

Explore an assortment of Christmas cocktail recipes, featuring creamy cocktails and festive drinks designed to capture the season’s essence. With simplicity at their core, several recipes boast just 3 to 5 ingredients, ensuring effortless preparation for your special occasions. Crafting the perfect cocktail for your celebrations has always been challenging. Join me as I guide you through these straightforward yet exquisite cocktail recipes, promising to enhance your holiday gatherings with every sip and infuse them with seasonal charm.

Christmas Shot

Three shot glasses filled with the red and green liquid in front of lights and a red candle
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The Christmas shot combines Midori and grenadine seamlessly, creating a visually stunning color palette that immediately evokes the holiday spirit. Its vibrant flavor will swiftly bring festive vibes to your table! Get the recipe: Christmas Shot

Almond Joy Cocktail

Two martini glasses filled with the cream drink with almond joy candy's on the table and on the rim
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The almond joy cocktail recipe is irresistibly tasty. Its flavor is so exceptional that you’ll need to savor each sip rather than gulp it down. It’s simply that delightful. Get the recipe: Almond Joy Cocktail

Blood Orange Margarita

A glass with a salted rim with the blood orange drink in it along with a slice of orange in the drink and behind in a little white plate
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Fresh, tasty, and gorgeous to look at, this blood orange margarita recipe is sure to please. This traditional cocktail is elevated by freshly squeezed juice, making it an irresistibly refreshing drink! Get the recipe: Blood Orange Margarita

Brandy Alexander Cocktail

a coupe glass filled with the cream drink with nutmeg sprinkled on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

A traditional creamy cocktail that works well for any occasion is the brandy Alexander. This dessert drink is smooth, sweet, and decadent—it will definitely whet your appetite! For an extra-delicious flavor, brandy, crème de cacao, and cream are added. Get the recipe: Brandy Alexander Cocktail

Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail

a glass with cranberries on a pick on the rim which is filled with the cranberry drink
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This bourbon cranberry cocktail recipe’s combination of ingredients results in a delightful and entertaining beverage! The tartness of the cranberry juice expertly counterbalances the flavors of bourbon, ginger beer, and simple syrup. Get the recipe: Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail

Butterball Cocktail

three glasses, one tilted layered with a amber liqueur and beige
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Sipping the butterball cocktail is like indulging in a dessert drink. Be sure to take small sips, as its rich, buttery flavor may tempt you into enjoying multiple servings. Get the recipe: Butterball Cocktail

Appletini Cocktail

a martini glass filled with the green apple drink with an apple slice floating on the top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This appletini cocktail is made with vodka, sour apple liqueur, lime juice, and a tiny bit of simple syrup. This sour apple martini strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, making it the perfect beverage for any occasion, whether it’s served at a summer barbecue or served up for St. Patrick’s Day! Get the recipe: Appletini Cocktail

Cherry Manhattan

Two martini glasses filled with the Manhattan with a cherry in the glass
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

An ageless and delicious twist on the traditional cocktail, the cherry Manhattan is a delightful choice. Craft a sophisticated and intricate drink with just three essential ingredients: cherry bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. Get the recipe: Cherry Manhattan

Candy Cane Martini

Vertical view of the clear martini with candy canes in it and lights in the back
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This chocolate candy cane martini recipe offers a delightful, festive, and superb sipping experience—perfect for those who relish mint-infused cocktails. Serve this at your upcoming holiday gathering to wow your guests. Get the recipe: Candy Cane Martini

Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot

a tall and short glass layered with three different colored liqueurs
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The allure of chocolate-dipped cherries is irresistible to all. Elevating the indulgence, the chocolate-covered cherry shot brings a touch of sophistication, making it particularly fitting for holiday gatherings despite its widespread appeal. Get the recipe: Chocolate Covered Cherry Shot

Bloody Mary Cocktail

Two tall glasses with the bloody mary cocktail in it with olives and a piece of bacon
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Without the Bloody Mary—the brunch classic—no weekend is complete. This cocktail’s vibrant flavors and striking garnishes will please any crowd. The Bloody Mary is the perfect beverage for any situation, whether you’re enjoying it alone on a lazy Sunday morning or sharing it with friends. Get the recipe: Bloody Mary Cocktail

Christmas Jello Shots

A white platter with colorful jello shots in plastic containers
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Get ready for a festive blast with these Christmas-themed jello shots! They’ll bring a burst of color to your table and capture all the beloved flavors of the season. Best part? Easy prep! Just mix, refrigerate, and voilà – your holiday delight is ready. Grab those jelly shot glasses, and let’s jingle our way into an unforgettable Christmas celebration! Get the recipe: Christmas Jello Shots

Cranberry Cosmo

Two martini glasses filled with the red holiday cocktail with rosemary and cranberries as garnish
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

During the holiday season, I often whip up this cranberry cosmo – a stunning and delicious cocktail that deserves to be enjoyed throughout the year. Time for a shake-up, folks! Get the recipe: Cranberry Cosmo

After Eight Shot

three shot glasses with a green, beige, and brown liquor layered in them
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Savor the sophistication of an After Eight shot, which takes its name from the well-known candy, while kids daydream about sugar plums. It tastes best “after eight,” and it has flavors of cocoa, coffee, mint, and cream combined. Get the recipe: After Eight Shot

Holly Jolly Christmas Cocktail

a board with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds on it along with the red cocktail
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The delightful Holly Jolly Christmas cocktail recipe adds some extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations! Featuring orange vodka, elderberry liqueur, blood orange juice, and ginger beer, this mouthwatering blend guarantees a sophisticated Christmas gathering. Get the recipe: Holly Jolly Christmas Cocktail

Chocolate Eggnog Martini

a bowl martini glass filled with the chocolate cream drink
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Discover the ideal fusion of Kahlúa, vanilla vodka, and eggnog in these chocolate eggnog martinis. The impeccably balanced and silky concoction is so delightful that you might need to remind yourself of its alcoholic content. Get the recipe: Chocolate Eggnog Martini

Cranberry Margarita

A double old fashioned glass filled with the cranberry drink with cranberries on the table and as garnish
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Crafting a festive red drink, the cranberry margarita recipe strikes a delightful balance between tart and sweet flavors. Elevating the classic tequila cocktail, it embraces the holiday spirit by adding cranberry juice to its usual mix of ingredients. Get the recipe: Cranberry Margarita

Grasshopper Cocktail

a green cocktail in a coupe glass on a dark table
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

For all mint lovers, this grasshopper cocktail recipe is a year-round delight, perfect beyond just St. Patrick’s Day. Its delightful taste, creamy texture, and stunning vivid green color make it a treat for any day of the year! Get the recipe: Grasshopper Cocktail

Eggnog Shot

A tall glass in front of a short one filled with eggnog and a light amber liquid on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Meet the eggnog shot—a strictly adults-only holiday cocktail that showcases the transformation of a cozy drink like eggnog into a spirited and joyful concoction! Get the recipe: Eggnog Shot

Cranberry Martini

Two martini glasses filled with the cranberry martini with cranberries on a pick as garnish
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

In this cranberry martini recipe, the spotlight shines on two key ingredients: cranberry-infused vodka and cranberry horseradish, both adding unique twists to the drink. Get the recipe: Cranberry Martini

Jack Frost Cocktail

Two glasses filled with the frozen blue cocktail with coconut on the rim
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Discover a delightful Jack Frost cocktail recipe that’s so tasty and beautiful that you’ll crave it beyond just the winter season. Its taste and appearance make it a year-round favorite! Get the recipe: Jack Frost Cocktail

Mistletoe Margarita

A salt rimmed glass filled with the margarita with rosemary and cranberries in it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Mix traditional margarita ingredients with something special to create a stunning holiday beverage. This recipe calls for mistletoe. It looks excellent and extremely festive, embellished with cranberries and rosemary. Get the recipe: Mistletoe Margarita

Hot Toddy

a glass tea cup with the lemon toddy in it with a lemon wheel, and star anise as garnish
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Wintertime cravings for coziness and warmth? Enter the hot toddy—an age-old favorite that combines comforting warmth with mouthwatering flavors. Making a hot toddy is easy and can be enjoyed as an after-dinner delight or a companion for your preferred television program. We guarantee you won’t miss this cozy evening, so dress in your coziest clothes, prepare this classic beverage, and snuggle in! Get the recipe: Hot Toddy

Nutcracker Shot

a short glass layered with an amber and white liquid in front of another taller glass
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This delightful Nutcracker shot, deriving its name from including hazelnut and almond liqueurs alongside its velvety half-and-half layer, is bound to bring joy to everyone who tries it! Get the recipe: Nutcracker Shot

Mistletoe Martini

Two martini glasses filled with the festive cocktail with rosemary sprigs and raspberries
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This delightful mistletoe martini, blending sweet and sour notes, will captivate your guests at the upcoming festive gathering! Crafted with vodka and just four easy-to-find ingredients, this refreshing cocktail guarantees to impress with its simplicity and taste. Get the recipe: Mistletoe Martini

Pomegranate Cosmo

A bowl glass filled with the red drink with lime wheels floating on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This beautifully crafted pomegranate cosmo offers a delightful blend of delicious and well-balanced flavors. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser to kick-start your next party! Get the recipe: Pomegranate Cosmo

Peppermint Patty Shot

Three glasses layered with a dark, beige and clear liqueur
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The Peppermint Patty, reminiscent of candy canes, peppermint bark, and chocolate-coated mints, serves as a delightful kickoff to your joyful holiday season! Get the recipe: Peppermint Patty Shot

Pomegranate Gin Cocktail

Two martini glasses filled with pomegranate seeds, rosemary sprigs in a red drink
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Celebrate the exquisite taste of pomegranates intertwined with gin in this cocktail recipe. Ideal for gin aficionados, this festive drink is a delightful choice all year round. Get the recipe: Pomegranate Gin Cocktail

Mrs. Claus Cocktail

A glass with a handle with a cream cocktail in it with whipped cream and sprinkles
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Here’s a luscious and velvety cocktail recipe fit for Mrs. Claus herself! With only three ingredients, its creamy texture and festive appearance make it the perfect drink to savor during this wonderful season. Get the recipe: Mrs. Claus Cocktail

Pumpkin Spice Martini

Two martini glasses filled with the cream cocktail with pumpkin spice on the rims and pumpkins in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Behold the ideal cozy autumnal drink! Crafted with only three ingredients and a cinnamon sugar rim, this creamy and delicious pumpkin spice martini will turn heads at your next holiday gathering. Get the recipe: Pumpkin Spice Martini

Pomegranate Manhattan

A beveled martini glass filled with the red cocktail with pomegranate seeds on the table and rosemary in the glass
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Delight in the stunning and delicious Pomegranate Manhattan, perfect for dinner parties or festive occasions. Savor the deliciously fruity variation on a traditional Manhattan drink! Get the recipe: Pomegranate Manhattan

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

two glasses filled with a creamy cocktail with small pumpkins in the back
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Looking for a delicious cocktail for Thanksgiving? This pumpkin spice White Russian is the last stop on your adventure! This tasty take on the traditional White Russian will undoubtedly become a Christmas favorite with your loved ones. It embodies all the comforting flavors of fall, is easy to make, and will add a special touch to your party. Get the recipe: Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Pomegranate Margarita

A glass filled with the red margarita with lime in the drink and on the table
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

I adore the refreshing, vibrant taste of this pomegranate margarita. It’s delightful and a charming addition to any social gathering! Get the recipe: Pomegranate Margarita

Snow Plow Cocktail

A glass tea cup with a hot chocolate drink and whipped cream on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Delicious, cozy, and fulfilling is this recipe for snow plow cocktails! It is comfortable, akin to sipping a drunken hot chocolate. Get the recipe: Snow Plow Cocktail

Sangria by the Glass

A tulip glass filled with the red wine drink with fruit in the glass along with more fruit on the wooden table
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

One excellent way to savor a single serving of sangria is to order it by the glass. Sangria by the glass is an excellent option for any summertime gathering, a small dinner party, an outside BBQ, or a refreshing beverage! Get the recipe: Sangria by the Glass

Gingerbread Rum Cocktail

Two coupe glasses one filled with the chocolate cocktail with gingerbread crumbs on the rim, whipped cream and a cinnamon stick
Photo Credit: XOXO Bella.

One of the highlights of your Christmas celebrations will be this rum cocktail dessert, a gingerbread latte! A delightful fusion of coffee liqueur and spiced rum, this alcoholic twist on a gingerbread rum cocktail is ideal for post-dinner holiday drinks. This Christmas-themed dessert cocktail is bound to steal the show at your gatherings this season, so be sure to prepare ample servings! Get the recipe: Gingerbread Rum Cocktail

Snowball Shot

Two glasses filled with the amber liquid and a clear liquid
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The Snowball shot blends brandy, peppermint schnapps, and white crème de cacao into a delicious concoction that’ll have you singing carols instantly! Give it a try to add some holiday cheer to your season! Get the recipe: Snowball Shot

Tootsie Roll Shot

a tilted glass in front of two other glasses with the layers of brown, beige, and cream
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Crafting these Tootsie Roll shots is a breeze with just three ingredients, mimicking the original flavor almost perfectly. Blend crème de cacao, indulgent chocolate liqueur, and a touch of light cream for a rich and delightful dessert treat. These shots will be a hit at your next gathering, so round up your friends and get ready to savor these delicious treats! Get the recipe: Tootsie Roll Shot

A martini glass with a cream cocktail in it with cookie crumbs on the rim and table and little gold hearts in it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Enjoy a sugar cookie martini during your next gathering. Everyone will love this sweet and creamy dessert martini, which only takes just five minutes to prepare, leaving you more time to focus on what truly matters—cherishing moments with your loved ones. Get the recipe: Sugar Cookie Martini

Winter Wonderland Cocktail

Two martini glasses with color balls on the rim filled with a white cocktail
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Unveil the charming and luxurious Winter Wonderland cocktail, a creamy, rich martini surprisingly easy to craft. This delightful drink, perfect for hosting festive gatherings or cozying up by the fireplace, will fill your heart with the enchantment of winter! Get the recipe: Winter Wonderland Cocktail

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Two champagne flutes on a metal tray with champagne and cranberries. There are candles to the side
Photo Credit: Always Use Butter.

Pour yourself a dazzling Cranberry Champagne Cocktail and get ready to celebrate. Combine celebratory champagne or sparkling wine, cranberry juice, and a hint of gin for the perfect fall and winter cocktail. This dish is perfect for any celebration and is easy to prepare and complete in only one minute. Get the recipe: Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

The Best Fall Cocktails You’ve Never Heard Of

A short glass with the apple cider drink it it along with a cinnamon stick and apple slices
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

As the weather cools and the final days of autumn approach, there’s something special about a fall cocktail to bring warmth and cheer. Whether it’s the richness of an apple cider bourbon smash or an apple dumpling cocktail indulgence, there’s a variety of autumn-inspired drinks to suit anyone. Whether you’re spending a cozy evening at home or hosting a lively gathering with friends, mixing up one of these seasonal beverages is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s end.

12 Infusions That’ll Change Your Cocktail Game Forever!

A jar with vodka and chunks of grapefruit
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Are you prepared to delve into an inventive journey through mixology? Our enthralling guide unveils 12 distinctive vodka infusions poised to transform your cocktail adventures. Showcasing a range of exciting fruit concoctions and remarkable berry combinations, this piece reveals imaginative and surprising flavor pairings. This exploration offers both novice and experienced mixologists a novel view on crafting drinks, infusing a sense of innovation and elegance into each creation.

21 Vodka Drinks That’ll Rock Your Next Party

a double old fashioned glass with frozen red cocktail with strawberries as garnish and on the table
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Enhance your celebration with a distinctive and unforgettable flair by serving these 21 vodka drinks. The kamikaze cocktail, renowned for its perfectly balanced potency, should be enjoyed with careful sipping. Experience a throwback to the 1980s with the nostalgic melon ball cocktail, crafted from just three simple ingredients. Alternatively, create a cherry vodka sour for an exceptional and memorable new favorite that brings a special touch to any occasion.

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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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2 Comments

  1. Another great roundup. I look forward to Christmas time cocktails. This will get me started!! But I may need more. Haha!

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