Christmas Cocktail Party Recipes

Christmas Cocktail Party Recipes

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Shake Things Up This Christmas with Festive Christmas Cocktail Party Recipes

 

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve!

Here, we believe every cocktail tells a story, and we’re here to help you shake, sip, and serve your way through the world of creative drinks and unforgettable bar experiences.

Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist, a seasoned bartender, or just someone who loves a perfectly crafted drink, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your shaker and let’s dive into today’s mix—because life’s too short for bad cocktails!

Christmas Cocktail Party Recipes

Christmas is the time of year to gather, celebrate, and of course, enjoy a delicious drink or two. But why settle for the usual when you can create show-stopping cocktails that capture the essence of the holidays? With flavours like cranberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of citrus, these drinks don’t just taste amazing—they embody the magic of the season.

Whether you’re hosting a big party or having a quiet evening with loved ones, these recipes will help you strike the perfect balance between festive flavours, visual appeal, and responsible fun. Let’s dive into the art of holiday mixology, complete with detailed recipes to get you started.

The Keys to a Perfect Holiday Cocktail

1. Balance Is Everything
A great cocktail finds harmony between its components. Overload on sugar, and you’ve got a syrupy mess. Go too heavy on the booze, and it’s not enjoyable to sip. The key? Let flavours like cranberry’s tartness or cinnamon’s warmth shine without overpowering the drink.

2. Garnishes for the Wow Factor
A well-chosen garnish not only makes your drink Instagram-worthy but also enhances its aroma and flavour. Think rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, or a curled orange peel to give your cocktails that extra festive flair.

3. Make It Interactive
Set up a DIY cocktail station at your party. Provide base spirits, mixers, garnishes, and some recipe cards. Your guests will love playing mixologist for the night.

4. Non-Alcoholic Options
Don’t forget those who aren’t drinking alcohol. Craft mocktails with the same attention to detail, using festive ingredients like ginger, mint, and berries for a drink that’s just as celebratory.

5. Prioritise Safety
The holidays are for creating memories, not worrying about mishaps. Encourage responsible drinking and have taxis or ride-share options available to ensure everyone gets home safely.

15 Festive Cocktail Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Here are 15 holiday cocktail recipes that combine classic flavours with modern twists.

1. Spiced Cranberry Margarita

A tart, spiced take on the classic margarita.

Ingredients

  • 60ml tequila
  • 30ml cranberry juice
  • 15ml lime juice
  • 15ml triple sec
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Sugared cranberries for garnish

Method

  1. Rim a glass with cinnamon sugar.
  2. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass.
  3. Garnish with sugared cranberries.

2. Christmas Old Fashioned

A holiday twist on a classic.

Ingredients

  • 60ml bourbon
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Cinnamon stick

Method

  1. Muddle the maple syrup and bitters in a glass.
  2. Add bourbon and ice, stirring gently.
  3. Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick.

3. Mulled Wine Sangria

Warm and fruity, this drink blends mulled wine with sangria.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle red wine
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 2 cinnamon sticks

Method

  1. Heat all ingredients in a pot over low heat for 20 minutes.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with an orange slice.
    Cocktail Kits

4. Eggnog Martini

Rich, creamy, and boozy.

Ingredients

  • 60ml eggnog
  • 30ml vodka
  • 15ml amaretto
  • Ground nutmeg

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.
  2. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

5. Rosemary Gin Fizz

A refreshing herbal drink with a fizzy finish.

Ingredients

  • 60ml gin
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 15ml rosemary syrup
  • Soda water

Method

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice.
  2. Strain into a glass and top with soda water.
  3. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

6. Hot Buttered Rum

Warm, rich, and perfect by the fire.

Ingredients

  • 60ml dark rum
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 200ml boiling water
  • Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

Method

  1. Mix butter, sugar, and spices in a mug.
  2. Add boiling water and rum. Stir to combine.

7. Cranberry Moscow Mule

A zesty, festive variation of the classic mule.

Ingredients

  • 60ml vodka
  • 30ml cranberry juice
  • 15ml lime juice
  • Ginger beer

Method

  1. Combine vodka, juices, and ice in a mule mug.
  2. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a sprig of mint.

8. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Sweet and minty, this one’s perfect for dessert.

Ingredients

  • 200ml milk
  • 50g dark chocolate
  • 30ml peppermint schnapps
  • Whipped cream

Method

  1. Heat the milk and chocolate until melted.
  2. Stir in schnapps and top with whipped cream.

9. Apple Cider Mule

A warm, spiced twist on the Moscow Mule.

Ingredients

  • 60ml vodka
  • 120ml warm apple cider
  • 15ml lime juice
  • Ginger beer

Method

  1. Combine vodka, cider, and juice in a mule mug.
  2. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

10. Gingerbread Espresso Martini

A spicy-sweet coffee cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 60ml espresso
  • 30ml vodka
  • 15ml gingerbread syrup

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.

11. Spiced White Russian

A festive version of the creamy classic.

Ingredients

  • 30ml vodka
  • 30ml coffee liqueur
  • 60ml cream
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Method

  1. Layer vodka, liqueur, and cream in a glass.
  2. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

12. Candy Cane Martini

A fun, minty delight.

Ingredients

  • 60ml vanilla vodka
  • 15ml peppermint schnapps
  • 15ml white crème de cacao

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.
  2. Garnish with a crushed candy cane rim.

13. Hot Toddy

A classic winter warmer.

Ingredients

  • 60ml whiskey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 200ml boiling water

Method

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mug.
  2. Stir and garnish with a lemon slice.

14. Spiked Ginger Ale Punch

Bubbly and refreshing with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ginger ale
  • 60ml spiced rum
  • Orange slice

Method

  1. Mix ginger ale and rum in a glass.
  2. Garnish with an orange slice.

15. Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

Warm spices meet zesty lemon in this cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 60ml cinnamon whiskey
  • 30ml lemon juice
  • 15ml simple syrup

Method

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Non-Alcoholic Options

  • Cranberry Spritz: Mix cranberry juice, soda water, and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing mocktail.
  • Ginger Mint Cooler: Blend ginger beer, lime juice, and fresh mint for a zesty non-alcoholic drink.

With these recipes, your Christmas gatherings will be brimming with festive cheer. From warming classics to modern twists, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget—balance, presentation, and safety make all the difference.

Thanks for joining us behind the bar! Whether you’re crafting for yourself or shaking things up for friends, remember: it’s not just about the drink, but the memories we make while we sip. Keep experimenting, keep pouring with love, and don’t forget to check back at Shake, Sip, Serve for more inspiration. Cheers to the next round!
Your Favourite Bartender KAD xo
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

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