When it comes to the holiday season, nothing beats getting together with family and friends while enjoying a yummy festive drink. If you’re throwing an elegant dinner party, invited to a festive event or lounging around the house, a good Christmas drink can really take your celebrations over the top and make some wonderful memories. The most festive Christmas drinks are all about cozy spices and rich flavors, with creative flourishes that reflect the season.
It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to find the ideal holiday drink. There are both traditional recipes that have become a part of our existence passed down for generations and there are modern fusions leaving you to choose the flavor as per options. Whether you’re in the mood for something warm and snuggly, sweet and sparkly or a bit boozy, the best Christmas drinks have a little something extra to offer everyone at your party.
Warm and Comforting Holiday Classics
The heart of holiday is warm drinks. The drinks are also quite cozy and toasty on chilly days, perfect for consuming with others. One of the most traditional is hot chocolate, as it can be customized in any way one sees fit. But on top of that, you can take regular hot chocolate and add some peppermint extract or cinnamon or nutmeg or even a splash of Irish cream to make a more elegant adult beverage.
Mulled wine is another classic option that adds a little festive cosiness to proceedings. The festive drink combines red wine with warming spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise to create depth of flavor that warms you from the inside out. The scent alone fills the room with holiday spirit, making it great for parties and family events.
Christmas and eggnog, the two just go together. This is a rich, creamy, delicious drink that most guests actually look forward to as soon as the holidays hit. Whether you opt for the original, boozy version or a non-alcoholic variety, homemade eggnog is about as personalized as it gets and brings a personal touch store-bought versions can’t.
Apple cider punch offers a lighter alternative to topic heavy holiday beverages. Also, if you’re craving something to warm your belly and whose aroma also fills the kitchen with a festive fragrance, there’s this cider. Add it over ice or serve steaming hot – a seasonal favourite that’s perfect, no matter how you prefer your cocktails.
Festive Alcoholic Options
If you’re looking to imbibe with Christmas spirit, the best drinks for the holiday season are frequently made with spirits and include festive flavors. Cranberry vodka cocktails are tart fresh cranberries muddled together with smooth vodka to make a drink that is both pretty and delicious. These drinks serve as great signature cocktails for holiday parties; something your guests aren’t going to get anywhere else.
Spiced rum cocktails carry the heat of a season with just the right amount of spice-laden bite. When spiced rum is added to ginger ale, fresh lime juice and a cinnamon stick for garnish, the result is an instantly warming tummy-pleaser with good appeal for both traditionalists and those who like moving things forward. And these cocktails go great with your Christmas party appetizers and holiday dinner.
Champagne cocktails add class to any festivity. Prosecco with cranberry juice and fresh rosemary is a fancy-sounding choice that elevates the experience without any need for knowledge like that of a bartender. Pair this bubbly drink when toasting the season or celebrating those special moments with loved ones.
For those who prefer more robust flavors, a splash of whiskey in your hot mulled cider adds depth and complexity. Apple cider and spices mingle with smooth whiskey to become a truly American hot toddy. It’s a really great option post holiday meal or for those late night soirees.
Non-Alcoholic Festive Alternatives
Make great-tasting non-alcoholic Christmas drinks so everyone at your party has a special drink to savor. Sparkling cranberry punch with sparkling water, fresh cranberry juice and garnishes of the season such as frozen cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Your guests will enjoy both the taste and appearance of this beautiful beverage.
(For those who prefer nonalcoholic chocolatey comfort, there’s peppermint hot chocolate.) I love the combination of rich dark chocolate and bright, fresh peppermint plus … whipped cream on top makes it a little extra holiday-friendly treat. You can make this drink in large quantities for parties, and let guests top their own.
Warm and spicy, chai has the perfect amount of zip to get you up without worrying about caffeine in the evening when made with herbs. Making strong chai with a bit of milk, honey and dash of vanilla feels like such a treat. This choice will be enjoyed by tea lovers and those who are looking for something new from the usual festive beverages.
For those who like feeling refreshed while keeping it light, try a ginger lemon fizz. Fresh ginger, lemon juice, honey and sparkling water are combined in a naturally-sweet beverage that hydrates without inundating. This is a great option for daytime celebrations or with heavy holiday meals.
Creative Presentation Ideas
How you serve your Christmas drink is just as important as the drink itself. Cinch up those cocktails with some cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries and citrus slices. So it’s Instagram-able yet super flavoured-up.
Rimmed glasses provide much of the visual interest and flavor in numerous Christmas drinks. Making custom rims with crushed candy canes, cinnamon sugar or spiced sugar blends lets your guests have that sensory satisfaction from the get go. This little touch is a step up and adds that extra level of consideration to the whole drinking experience.
Have fun with it and make some frozen fruit ice cubes to keep your punch cold without watering it down. Ice cubes made of frozen cranberries, raspberries, or even sliced oranges ensures drinks stay cold throughout the party – and make for a fun color-themed addition! These would be practical and also decorative ice cubes.
Hosting Tips for Holiday Beverages
Think ahead to help make your celebrations go off without a hitch. Combine the dry ingredients for hot chocolate in advance, so they’re ready at a moment’s notice for guests to stir it up themselves. Mulled wine benefits from long slow cooking during your event, it will linger in your space with wafting scents and be ready to serve when ever you are!
Include a beverage station for variety and mingling amongst guests. Display your favorite Christmas drinks in one main place with clear labels and garnishes. This technique is ideal for big crowds where service to every guest could be difficult.
Designed to keep beverages cold from first service to last. Coffee stays hot with slow-cookers, water or cold drinks stay cool with ice
Traditional Holiday Drinks that Every Home should embrace this Season
When winter descends and the holidays draw near, there’s truly nothing like warming up with the best Christmas drinks. Throughout the generations these festive brews have become traditions in households across the globe, catalyzing with family and creating lifelong memories. Whether it is warm warming hot drinks or cold refreshing Christmas drinks there are a range of tasty options to suit everyone at your party!
There’s more to festive drinking than just taste. These beverages are steeped in tradition, comfort, and togetherness that is part of the festive season. Whether tried-and-true family favorites or modern concoctions, holiday drinks are the life of any party. Learn what makes these drinks so special and you can make a festive treat to fit any guest or family member.
Hot Christmas Drinks To Warm Your Holiday Season
Hot beverages are still king at Christmastime, and for good reason. They bring comfort, warmth and that cozy factor we all love about the season. The greatest Christmas drinks in this category share common flavors with a few festive touches that make them clearly holiday-adjacent.
Classic hot chocolate is one of the most favorite Christmas beverages you can offer. Rich, velvety and oh-so-comforting, hot chocolate gets even more spirited with the addition of peppermint sticks, marshmallows or a dusting of cinnamon. This humble drink can be taken to a higher place by starting with good chocolate, whole milk and homemade whipped cream. A little splash of vanilla extract or even just a pinch of espresso powder deepens the chocolatey flavors without making your drink taste like coffee.
Eggnog is another staple Christmas drink that people tend to enjoy at their holiday parties and family get-togethers. This rich, creamy drink is made with eggs, milk, cream and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Whether you enjoy the classic cocktail version or a non-alcoholic spin, eggnog is nostalgic comfort in a cup for any celebration. Because you can serve eggnog either chilled or warm, depending on the weather and your preference, this traditional drink is a flexible one.
Mulled wine is one of the more refined Christmas drinks for adult entertaining. This is a delicious hot drink made of red wine, spices and orange. Slow simmering fills your home with amazing holiday aromas while the wine draws up rich, complex flavors. It makes absolutely great sense for those holiday bashes where people prefer their warm, spiced drinks with a bit of refinement.
Add mulled apple cider to the list of some of the best smelling Christmas drinks out there. When you heat up fresh apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and star anise—someone asked if we were burning a candle because it smelled so much like Christmas-time. This is a drink that kids and adults will love to sip on, so it’s great for family holidays. The natural sweetness of apples with warming spices makes for a very comforting drink – it feels like the real deal.
Cold Christmas Drinks to Bring Freshness to Your Holiday Cheer
Hot drinks constitute the bulk of winter festivities for most people in colder climates around Christmastime, but cold Christmas drinks provide something different and refreshing – especially for those in warmer climates or who like iced-drinks all year long.
Holiday punch is a flexible one in cold Christmas drinks list that serves large congregation. You can even switch things up with fruit juices, ginger ale or sparkling cider, and fresh fruit for garnishes. There are some popular combinations, of course: cranberry juice and orange juice plus soda water or a pineapple juice and Coconut Cream mix. The beauty of punch is in its flexibility — you can make it sweeter or less so, add alcohol to turn it into an adult beverage and add festive components like frozen berries or citrus wheels.
No other holiday flavor has achieved the status of a cranberry cocktail, a modern day Christmas drink that mixes tradition with modern mixology. Tart and bright, cranberry juice just loves vodka, rum or gin; the same goes for cranberry sauce (a little thinned out) in a cocktail. They cater for people wanting more of a grown up drink than the usual suspects but still want to feel that Christmassy vibe.
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drinks for AllOccasions […]
Making holiday celebrations all-inclusive means serving great non-alcoholic Christmas drinks as well as the traditional kind. These drinks help make everyone feel included, and treat the tastebuds regardless of people’s alcohol preferences.
Non alcoholic hot buttered rum substitutions Warm and soothing for chilly months. The drinks can be made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla stirred into hot apple cider or hot water. The rich, creamy base and sweet spices in these drinks are satisfying in a festive way whether you’re imbibing or not.
Fizzy holiday mocktails have become stylish creative Christmas drinks for non-drinkers. It’s easy to make a few drinks that feel festive when you mix sparkling water or ginger ale with fruit juices, fresh herbs (rosemary is fantastic), and fun garnishes. Pomegranate seeds, cranberries or candy canes elevate the look and flavor of these mocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages for the Family
When the holiday season comes around, lots of people hear Christmas drinks and think which one I’m going to be drinking? But what about the kids, the designated drivers and people who just don’t like to drink alcohol? The good news is, the best Christmas drinks out there are packed with plenty of deliciousness that anyone can enjoy. These delicious non-alcoholic festive drinks add warmth, cheer and tradition to your holiday celebrations without the alcohol.
Your Christmas party is more fun when you offer something for everyone on your drink menu. You can serve elegant mocktails with some traditional treats and so that all guests feel honored. There are these warming hot drinks or there are cold, refreshing ones – use them however you see fit for your weather or simply just your taste!
Warm and Comforting Holiday Beverages
There’s nothing better for Christmas time than a hot beverage, especially when it snows outside and it gets cold. Spiced hot chocolate is a crowd-pleaser and something that both kids and adults can enjoy when made with good-quality cocoa topped up with warming spices. You can upgrade this fan-favorite by incorporating cinnamon, and if you want to get a little crazy with it, nutmeg (or even more ridiculous: vanilla extract) for flavor that will take the warmth in every swig up a notch.
Apple cider is another holiday classic that provides some sweetness and adds a seasonal touch to your celebration. Cider Warm apple cider with cinnamon, cloves and star anise pans on the stove has an amazing fragrance that will immediately get your home in a festive mood. This dinky cocktail serves as a great quencher, and is also lovely served with apple slices or cinnamon sticks as garnishes.
If you are an experienced tea luncher, consider among your options Chai lattes. Cardamom Tea This spice tea is a beverage prepared by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices and herbs. You can make a huge batch, keep it warm in a slow cooker so that guests can serve themselves whenever they want during your party.
Pomegranate punch has all the taste and visual beauty with no alcohol needed. Its deep, jewel-toned red hue makes it inherently festive, and when you add fresh cranberries, slices of orange and sparkling water, you have a drink that both looks impressive and tastes delicious. This is a solid option for families with younger children who need to be part of the festivities.
Refreshing Cold Options for Christmas
Not every Christmas party is a hot-drinks kind of Christmas party. For warm weather or daytime functions, cool drinks make everyone happy. Cranberry spritzers are made with cranberry juice, sparkling water and fresh lime juice – a tangy and fun choice that’s easy enough for anyone to mix up.
Virgin mojitos add a taste of the tropics to your holiday menu, and they are entirely non-alcoholic. Mint and lime juice combine with sugar to make this your new favorite mocktail that people of all ages can enjoy. The light green mint leaves also add some visual interest to the clear glasses and the drink.
You can make homemade ginger ale using fresh ingredients, which is EDPA and feels high end: for it does not take much in the process! Ginger ale, some sliced ginger, cranberries and a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice make this drink the perfect mix between sweet and spicy. You can make this in a big batch by creating a concentrate your guests can lace up with ginger ale for the duration of the party.
Creative Mocktails That Impress
Mocktails have garnered popularity, so Christmas provides for the perfect excuse to play with festive flavours. A glittery candy cane punch contains a mix of peppermint extract, cranberry juice and sparkling cider to form something that is very much not virgin-tasting but still completely teetotal. Rim with crushed candy canes for a festive look.
Holly jolly lemonade pays homage to a classic with fresh rosemary, pomegranate juice and sparkling water. The rosemary lends earthy, herbal note and the pomegranate juice adds a beautiful sweet tanginess. This drink shows what an easy combination of quotidian stuff can make when done with a bit of thought.
Virgin sangria lets you put your fresh fruit on display, and have a classy beverage for the adults. Other than a few drops of honey, fresh apples, oranges, pears and berries meet sparkling water or ginger ale. The fruits you have infused into the drink, the better it is for longer and allowing it to marinate in there the more potent but delicious your sangria becomes (cook’d) which means perfect time ahead preparation!
How to Plan Your Festive Menu
Making more than one drink can be complicated, though, so you’ll want to make sure your night goes smoothly with a little pre-planning. Establish a beverages-only area where guests can help themselves and you won’t get too bogged down in duties, not to mention people will love making their own drinks. Note the name of each beverage on the label (If it contains ingredients that are common allergens such as nuts or dairy, please include this detail).
Prepare ingredients in advance by slicing fruit garnishes, steeping teas and mixing bases the day before hosting your event. With this preparation, you’ll be able to add the finishing touches or heat beverages up just before serving. Cool drinks in pitchers in the refrigerator, and keep hot ones warm with slow cookers or insulated dispensers.
Think through ratios of sweet and sour drinks on your menu. Balance is key because an abundance of sweets can be overwhelming. Feature at least one choice that has citrus or ginger for some contrast and a change of pace across your celebration.
Kid-Friendly Favorites Everyone Enjoys
Kids often love a festive beverage just as much as adults do. Hot chocolate bars and are turned into an interactive experience for kids, with their own toppings to add such as whipped cream, marshmallows or sprinkles. This turns a regular drink into the sort of fun that will keep kids entertained.
They are a bit festive and make for an eye-catching drink, kids find them awesome. The berries are frozen into ice cubes, which gradually melt and help keep the punch cold and tasty as you party. These frozen berry ice cubes can be made days ahead, which is particularly helpful when everything else is last-minute.
You can also serve smoothie bowls as a fun alternative, especially for day time Christmas parties. Purée frozen berries with yogurt and milk to make the base as thick as you like, then set out bowls of granola, coconut and more fruit. This interactive component serves to give a drink reserved for special occasions the experience of being just that.
Planning Your Drink Station
A neatly arranged drink station is the life of your party
Cocktails inspired by the Season Creative Holiday Cocktails Warm Winter Drinks
When those cold months hit, nothing warms the soul quite like sitting around a hot mug of something delicious and comforting. When you think of the best Christmas drinks, what comes to mind goes beyond the traditional eggnog or hot chocolate that you might remember from your childhood. Holiday beverages today are all about creative, and you can wow your guests at whatever holiday gathering you attend with the perfect festive choice.
When throwing a festive dinner party, dressing up to go to a holiday gathering or just trying to take off the chill on a long winter day, nothing says joy and warmth like the perfect drink. Boozy, non-alcoholic and everything in-between, this list of the best Christmas drinks has a little something for everyone to enjoy during the most wonderful time of year.
Tampering with Tradition: Classic Cocktails and Mixers Get a Mod Twist
Creative bartenders and home mixologists have been reimagining traditional holiday cocktails again this year in an effort to make the festive drinking experience special. These favorite Christmas drinks start out with familiar flavors but add surprising ingredients that put them in a more memorable category.
Spiced rum punch Inis a warming mix of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves – alongside deep, dark rum and onward juices. This warmed cocktail combines the coziness of mulled wine with the refinement of a real cocktail. You can also make this up in advance, so you’re not running back and forth to the kitchen all night.
Pomegranate martinis are a tart and sophisticated twist that are an eye-catching addition to any cocktail glass. The rich red color let’s you know it’s the holiday season, and the flavor is both sweet and – dare I say sophisticated? Throwing pomegranate liqueur, vodka and fresh pomegranate juice you get one of the most stunning best Christmas drinks that you can pour.
For those who still want something bubblt, cranberry champagne cocktails are a lighterkaoat option. Fresh cranberry juice, a splash of cranberry liqueur and champagne combine to make a festive drink that feels like party time, but is not too terribly boozy.
Cocktails for Warming Up on Chilly Nights
When the mercury dips and you’re in need of something warm to wrap your hands around, cozy winter drinks take center stage in your evening. These 20 best Christmas drinks are meant to calm and soothe while pleasing your tastebeds.
Spiked hot chocolate Below, how to elevate a childhood favorite into an adult beverage. Begin with good chocolate, blend it to a rich consistency with hot milk and finish with bourbon, Irish cream or peppermint schnapps. Dollop with whipped cream, sprinkle on chocolate shavings or crushed candy canes for a little indulgence.
Mulled wine, one of the best Christmas drinks that is loved across Europe and beyond.Pour into mugs.UGINS Red wine stews with softly simmering cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, orange slices and a kiss of honey. Its warm aroma is enough to fill your home with holiday vibes, and the cozy spices instantly bring about a feeling of comfort and tradition.
For another warm choice that will be a hit with drinkers and non-drinkers, consider spiced apple cider. Warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise is a naturally sweet drink. Adults can opt to fortify with bourbon or brandy; everyone else gets the pure cider experience.
Alcohol-Free Options Everyone Can Enjoy
Not everyone toasts with liquor, which is why the best Christmas drinks menu includes refreshing non-alcoholic alternatives that don’t feel like a booby prize.
Holiday mocktails are all about creativity, the same as their boozy brothers. A virgin mojito made with cranberry juice, fresh mint, lime and sparkling water is both refreshing and delicious. Or, mix ginger beer with cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime for a spicy-sweet option that tastes good no matter your guest list.
Hot spiced milk drinks offer warming comfort without alcohol. Vanilla, Cinnamon & Nutmeg Steamed milk with real vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg give you pure confection perfection. You can add a little honey or pinch of turmeric for extra flavor and benies.
Sparkling fruit punch mixes fresh juices with sparkling water and fresh fruit. Cranberry juice blended with orange juice, pomegranate juice and ginger tastes (and looks!) amazing!
Key Ingredients in Best Christmas Drinks
| Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Uses in Drinks | Why It’s Festive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | Warm, spicy, comforting | Hot chocolate, mulled wine, cider, lattes | Brings warmth and nostalgia to the season |
| Cranberry | Tart, slightly sweet, refreshing | Cocktails, mocktails, hot drinks, punch | Adds a pop of color and balances sweetness |
| Peppermint | Cool, fresh, minty | Peppermint martinis, hot cocoa, mochas, garnishes (candy cane) | Offers a refreshing contrast to warm, spicy drinks |
| Nutmeg | Warm, spicy, aromatic | Eggnog, chai lattes, mulled cider, hot toddies | Adds depth and complexity, perfect for winter drinks |
Hosting Tips for Serving Christmas Drinks
When it comes to the best Christmas drinks list that you’re preparing, presentation and service count. When you can, make your drinks ahead of time. Use slow cookers to simmer mulled wine and hot cider, so they’ll stay warm at your gathering.
Set up a DIY drink station that lets guests create their own drinks! Offer a … erver.mc386952.gServer=falloutrunGAFF (Have multiple spirits, syrups and garnishes on offer so everyone has a taste they love.) With this interactive style your party remains fun and unforgettable.
Buy good glassware that suits the type of drink to be served. Festive mugs for hot drinks, cocktail glasses for mixed drinks and punch bowls for big batch drinks likewise enhance the experience. And be sure to have small stirrers, straws and napkins for practical, easy service.
For your ideal Christmas drinks presentation, garnishes are a world of difference. Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar, decorate hot drinks with whipped cream, use it to stir coffee or float cranberries in a clear cocktail. These aesthetic flourishes lend a sense of occasion and purpose to drinks.
Planning Your Holiday Beverage Menu
The answer is to provide variety. Menu one warm, and then build a menu of drinks surrounded around the second cocktail.
Host Tips: How to Prepare and Serve Christmas Drinks Like a Pro
Learn how to make Christmas Drinks at home
The perfect ambiance during the holiday season begins with what you serve your guests! Disguising and presenting best Christmas drinksWhether you are holding an intimate party or a grand celebration, ability of preparing and serving best Christmas drinks turns your even into something really special. The secret is being organized, knowing what your guests like and making each drink carefully.
The groundwork for serving great Christmas drinks is laid with good planning. Look at your guest list and determine how many servings you will need. In general, plan on making about two or three drinks per guest for a party that’s about three to four hours long. This gives you choices and allows for not running short during the celebration. Consider also whether you’re going to want both drinks with and without alcohol, as this allows all your guests to join in the celebration.
However, the foundation of making the best Christmas drinks is ensuring your home bar contains the right ingredients. For the classics, they usually include spirits such as rum, whiskey, vodka and brandy. Having such fresh ingredients also makes a difference — the quality oranges, with their juicy flesh and few seeds; good spices like cinnamon and nutmeg; really nice holiday juices. Even though you’re liquoring up a cowboy, don’t forget about quality mixers, top-shelf liqueurs and speciality syrups. Fresh cranberry juice, pomegranate juice and apple cider are the base for festive concoctions.
Ways to Get Ready for A Stress Free Holiday
There is a way to bring your drinks-game preparation one level up and so make you feel like a professional bartender. The day before your event, set up all of your non-perishable ingredients. To give your holiday cocktails some festive flair, have some simple syrups infused with cinnamon and cloves on hand, along with platters of garnishes such as fresh cranberries or citrus rinds.withErrors.RELATEDPrepare for “snack-lash.”“And chill cocktail glassware by popping it in the freezer. Post-chilling your glass helps avoid dilution and keeping the perfect temperature for your drinks all the way through in any gathering.
Making batch cocktails is a lot easier for throwing parties. Rather than crafting drinks à la minute, create batches ahead of time that guests can serve themselves. Festive punch bowl in signature Christmas cocktail so that people can help themselves as you entertain your guests! For instance, you might want to mix a big batch of mulled wine or prepare an entire vat of eggnog cocktails guests can ladle into cups.
You’ll definitely want to make sure your serving space is well-organized. Create a dedicated drink station so that your guests can conveniently serve themselves. Position bottles, mixers, ice and garnishes in an organized manner on the bar with a logical work flow. Clearly label any batches you make ahead, particularly if you are offering some alcoholic versions and some not. This avoids confusion and allows for a clean environment throughout your event.
Essential Equipment and Tools
Set: Be sure to have the proper equipment in place so that you can whip up the best Christmas drinks possible. A good cocktail shaker, bar spoon, jigger and strainer are basics. Buy a good ice bucket or cooler that will hold ice frozen throughout your gathering. A muddler assists you in breaking down fresh herbs and spices to extract their flavors, while a bar towel helps you keep your work surface tidy.
Great glassware can also elevate the presentation of your holiday drinks. Different drinks require different glasses — coupe glasses to serve champagne cocktails in, rocks glasses for full-throttle spirit forward sips and mugs for hot ones like a hot toddy or spiced cider. Owning the right type of glassware is a small detail that makes all the difference in what can be a very enjoyable time for your guests.
Temperature and Freshness Matter
The control of temperature is the very thing that will affect the quality of your Christmas beverages. Refrigerate ingredients that need to be cold until you’re ready to make them. Pre-chill garnishes so that they don’t heat up your drinks. For cold drinks, load up on ice and consider double-chilling glasses by placing them in the freezer in advance. Hot drinks should only be served immediately for best temperature and taste.
Taste and Enthusiasm is all about the freshness! Fresh citrus juice is always vastly superior to anything bottled, so do the squeezing close to serving time. Herbs, such as mint, rosemary and thyme, bring a fragrant complexity to cocktails and punches. If you’re using eggs in your eggnog, make sure they’re fresh and opting for pasteurized eggs may be smart here. Fresh spices truly make the difference—older spices lose potency, so you may want to check your cinnamon, nutmeg and clove before game day.
Popular Christmas Drink Selections
Knowing which beverages will appeal to the different attendees allows you to create a strong list. Classic cold-weather beverages such as mulled wine, hot chocolate laced with liquor and spiced tea warm you from the inside during cold holiday gatherings. Cold selections, such as cranberry vodka cocktails, pomegranate champagne beverages and eggnog punch also provide cool options. Non-alcoholic options such as a virgin mojito with cranberries, spiced cider and celebratory hot chocolate also cater for guests who don’t drink alcohol.
| Drink | Type | Main Ingredients | Serving Temperature |
|---|
| Hot Chocolate | Hot | Chocolate, milk, sugar, cream | Hot |
| Eggnog | Hot or Cold | Eggs, milk, cream, spices, sugar | Warm or Chilled |
| Mulled Wine | Hot | Red wine, cinnamon, cloves, oranges | Hot |
| Spiced Apple Cider | Hot | Apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg | Hot |
ConclusionThe holidays are all about bringing people together, and the perfect beverage is a wonderful way to make those seasonal moments even more memorable. So, if you’re playing host to a big festive gathering or just having a cosy night in, the best Christmas drinks have something to please everyone around your table. There are dozens of recipes to choose from, ranging from classic staples such as eggnog and hot chocolateas well as contemporary takes on old favorites. No, these drinks aren’t all about satisfying your thirst — they’re also in the business of making memories and kicking off a party. What makes the season so special? And attractive? Your nondrinking guests won’t have to settle: The serving pieces will also work with creative mocktails, like juice muddled with herbs and sparkling punches. And for those who prefer cocktails, expertly made holiday-themed beverages that are as delicious as they are beautiful await in their mugs. There is something for each guest to toast their glass with. The secret to serving great Christmas drinks is preparation. Spend a little time before your party researching ingredients, chilling glasses and plotting your menu. That small amount of effort turns what could be stressful into a breeze, and enables you to actually enjoy your guests rather than dash in and out of the kitchen. While you make holiday plans for your festive get-togethers, keep in mind that the best Christmas drinks are ones that suit your taste and that of those you love. Feel free to try some new recipes, or give one of your own favorites a twist. Your willingness to try a new thing is often infectious across the holiday table. This year, toast to great friends, cozy times, and tasty tipples that’ll add cheer to any occasion. Now, armed with the knowledge and some helpful tips that you’ve picked up here, you can serve holiday drinks that your guests will remember for years to come.
| Drink Type | Key Ingredients | Best For |
|---|
| Mulled Wine | Red wine, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange | Winter gatherings, outdoor events |
| Eggnog Cocktail | Eggnog, rum, brandy, nutmeg | Classic holiday parties |
| Cranberry Vodka | Vodka, cranberry juice, lime, club soda | Modern, refreshing celebrations |
| Hot Toddy | Whiskey, honey, lemon, hot water, cinnamon | Cold weather events |
| Pomegranate Champagne | Champagne, pomegranate juice, pomegranate seeds | Elegant dinner parties |
