15 Festive Christmas Drinks (With and Without Alcohol)
Food gets a lot of love during the holidays, but I’ve learned that drinks can steal the show just as quickly. The right Christmas drink can set the mood — whether it’s a cozy hot chocolate for the kids, a bubbly mimosa to kick off brunch, or a pitcher of sangria that keeps the party flowing.
Some of these drinks I make every single year (and they always get wiped out before the night ends). Others I recently stumbled across while looking for new holiday ideas, and I can’t wait to try them out this season. I wanted to gather them all in one place so you can skip the endless scrolling and just pick what works for your holiday table.
Here are 15 festive Christmas drinks you’ll want to try — with and without alcohol — that are simple, fun, and guaranteed to make your holiday feel special.
1. Cranberry Mimosa (Cocktail)
I made this for our Christmas brunch last year, and it disappeared in minutes — it’s that good.
How to make it: Fill a champagne flute halfway with cranberry juice, then top with champagne or prosecco. Add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for garnish.
Why it works: It’s quick, pretty, and feels fancier than the effort it takes. Pro tip: freeze the cranberries ahead of time — they double as edible ice cubes.
2. Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Sparkler (Mocktail)
I found this idea while scrolling Pinterest, and it just looks so fresh and easy. Perfect if you want a drink that looks as festive as a cocktail but is kid-friendly.
How to make it: Mix equal parts cranberry juice and sparkling water in a tall glass with ice. Garnish with orange slices and a handful of cranberries.
Why it works: It’s light, fizzy, and looks gorgeous on a party table. Pro tip: swap sparkling water for Sprite if you want it sweeter.
3. Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Non-Alcoholic or Spiked)
This one’s a family tradition in my house. The kids get theirs piled high with whipped cream, and the adults usually add a splash of peppermint schnapps.
How to make it: Heat milk with cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Stir in a drop of peppermint extract. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. For a grown-up twist, add peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe.
Why it works: It’s cozy, festive, and makes the whole kitchen smell like Christmas. Pro tip: make a big pot and keep it warm in the slow cooker for parties.
4. Holiday Sangria (Cocktail)
I tried this at a friend’s Christmas Eve party, and it was one of those drinks where everyone kept asking for the recipe.
How to make it: In a large pitcher, mix red wine with a splash of brandy and orange juice. Add sliced apples, oranges, and a handful of cranberries. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Why it works: It’s fruity, festive, and looks beautiful with floating fruit. Pro tip: add a cinnamon stick or two for extra holiday spice.
5. Gingerbread Latte (Non-Alcoholic)
This one is on my must-try list for this year. I’m obsessed with gingerbread anything, so when I saw this, I knew I had to make it.
How to make it: Brew a strong cup of coffee and stir in milk, a spoonful of molasses, a pinch of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Why it works: It’s warm, spiced, and tastes like a gingerbread cookie in drink form. Pro tip: if you don’t drink coffee, try this with chai tea for the same cozy vibe.
6. Spiced Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic or Spiked)
This one is a total crowd-pleaser. I usually make it in a big pot on the stove, and the smell alone makes the whole house feel like Christmas.
How to make it: Pour apple cider into a saucepan and add a couple cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. Let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. For adults, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum.
Why it works: It’s cozy, smells amazing, and can be served to kids and adults. Pro tip: keep it warm in a slow cooker for holiday parties so guests can serve themselves.
7. Eggnog White Russian (Cocktail)
I saw this twist online last year and couldn’t believe how simple it was. I made it once, and now it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” drinks.
How to make it: Fill a glass with ice. Add 1 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and top with eggnog instead of cream. Stir gently.
Why it works: It’s creamy, boozy, and tastes like dessert in a glass. Pro tip: sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon on top for that holiday flair.
8. Classic Eggnog (Non-Alcoholic or Spiked)
I’ll be honest — I used to buy the carton kind at the store and call it a day. But homemade eggnog? Next level.
How to make it: Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks over low heat until slightly thickened (don’t boil). Chill, then add vanilla and nutmeg. For adults, stir in bourbon, rum, or brandy.
Why it works: It’s the most traditional holiday drink there is, and making it yourself means it tastes fresher and richer. Pro tip: make it a day ahead — the flavors deepen overnight.
9. Pomegranate Spritz (Mocktail or Cocktail)
I found this recipe while looking for something light and refreshing, and I’m adding it to my Christmas menu this year.
How to make it: Mix pomegranate juice with sparkling water for a mocktail or prosecco for a cocktail. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint.
Why it works: It looks stunning, tastes fresh, and balances out heavier holiday foods. Pro tip: freeze pomegranate seeds in ice cubes for a pretty touch that keeps your drink cold.
10. Mulled Wine (Cocktail)
I had mulled wine for the first time at a Christmas market years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s like a hug in a mug.
How to make it: Warm red wine in a saucepan with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a drizzle of honey. Heat gently until fragrant (don’t let it boil).
Why it works: It’s warming, spiced, and feels festive from the very first sip. Pro tip: use a fruity red wine — cabernet or merlot work beautifully.
11. White Christmas Punch (Mocktail)
I made this for a family get-together last year, and the kids thought it was magical — frothy, sweet, and just fun to drink.
How to make it: In a big punch bowl, mix 4 cups lemon-lime soda, 4 cups pineapple juice, and 1 quart vanilla ice cream. Stir gently until it’s foamy.
Why it works: It’s sweet, creamy, and looks snowy in the glass. Pro tip: serve it in clear cups so you can see the pretty froth.
12. Grinch Punch (Mocktail)
I spotted this recipe on Pinterest, and it’s one I really want to try this year. It’s bright green and so playful, which makes it perfect for a kids’ Christmas party.
How to make it: Mix lemon-lime soda with lime sherbet and a splash of pineapple juice. If needed, add a drop of green food coloring. Top with red candies or maraschino cherries.
Why it works: It’s fun, whimsical, and instantly Instagram-worthy. Pro tip: freeze scoops of sherbet ahead of time so they hold their shape in the punch bowl.
13. Hot Buttered Rum (Cocktail)
I made this once for a small holiday dinner, and it was such a hit with the adults. It’s rich, spiced, and one of those drinks you sip slowly by the fire.
How to make it: Mix softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make a paste. Stir a spoonful into hot water with a shot of dark rum.
Why it works: It feels indulgent and warming on a cold night. Pro tip: make the butter-sugar mix ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so you can whip these up fast.
14. White Chocolate Peppermint Martini (Cocktail)
This one looks so pretty, and I’ve been meaning to try it because I love anything peppermint during the holidays.
How to make it: Shake 2 oz vodka, 1 oz white chocolate liqueur, and 1 oz peppermint schnapps with ice. Strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy canes.
Why it works: It’s creamy, minty, and perfect for a Christmas cocktail party. Pro tip: chill the glasses ahead of time so the drink stays icy cold.
15. Chai Spiced Hot Toddy (Cocktail or Mocktail)
I came across this twist on the classic hot toddy, and it sounded too cozy not to include. If you love chai, this is basically Christmas in a cup.
How to make it: Brew a strong cup of chai tea, then stir in honey and a squeeze of lemon. Add a shot of whiskey for the cocktail version, or leave it out for a soothing mocktail.
Why it works: It’s spiced, soothing, and feels good whether you’re winding down after a busy day or warming up after being out in the cold. Pro tip: use fresh ginger slices while brewing the chai for extra kick.
Conclusion
Holiday drinks don’t have to be complicated to feel festive. Some of these I’ve made again and again because they always get compliments, and others I can’t wait to try this year. From big-batch punches for the kids to cozy mugs of mulled wine, there’s something here for every type of Christmas gathering.
So pick one (or three), set out some cute glasses, and let your holiday drinks do a little bit of the celebrating for you.
