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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!
While the carols and cookies take center stage, let’s not forget the star of every festive gathering: the cocktails. The good news? You don’t need to be a master mixologist to whip up drinks that taste as magical as the season feels.
In this blog, I’m serving up five easy-to-make Christmas cocktails that are long on flavor but light on effort. Perfect for parties, Netflix marathons, or even sipping solo by the fire, these recipes combine seasonal flavors with a touch of whimsy. Ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through the holidays? Let’s get mixing!
1. Merry Berry Mojito Wonderland
This isn’t your average mojito—it’s a holiday glow-up for the minty classic. The Merry Berry Mojito brings together fresh mint, lime, and sugar with a festive twist of cranberry juice and sparkling wine. It’s zingy, sweet, and effortlessly chic.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh mint leaves
- 2 lime wedges
- 1 tsp sugar (or simple syrup)
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Sparkling wine
- Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary (for garnish)
How to Make It
- In a glass, muddle mint leaves, lime wedges, and sugar until the mint releases its aroma.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add cranberry juice and top with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for a festive flourish.
Pro Tip: To make it non-alcoholic, swap sparkling wine for sparkling water or ginger ale.
2. Cranberry Spritz Delight
Few drinks embody the holiday season like this cranberry-infused spritz. With its vibrant red hue and sparkling effervescence, it’s a toast to holiday elegance—without breaking a sweat.
What You’ll Need
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
- Ice cubes
- Orange slices and a rosemary sprig (for garnish)
How to Make It
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Pour in cranberry juice and top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
Pro Tip: Want a sweeter option? Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for extra floral notes.
3. Spiced Eggnog Elixir
Eggnog is a holiday staple, but this spiced-up version takes it from traditional to sensational. With warm notes of nutmeg and cinnamon plus a boozy kick, it’s the perfect fireside companion.
What You’ll Need
- 6 oz store-bought eggnog (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)
- 1.5 oz dark rum, bourbon, or whiskey
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
How to Make It
- Warm the eggnog gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. (You can also serve it cold if you prefer.)
- Add your choice of spirit and stir until well blended.
- Pour into a mug or glass and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Pro Tip: Hosting a crowd? Serve this in a slow cooker to keep it warm and let guests ladle their own.
4. Citrus-Infused Holiday Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned gets a merry makeover in this citrus-infused rendition. With fresh orange peel and a hint of seasonal spices, it’s a classic cocktail reimagined for the most wonderful time of the year.
What You’ll Need
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 1 tsp simple syrup (or maple syrup for extra warmth)
- Orange peel
- Ice cubes
How to Make It
- In a glass, muddle the orange peel and simple syrup to release the citrus oils.
- Add bourbon and orange bitters.
- Stir well, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a fresh orange peel twist.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the syrup for a subtle holiday spice kick.
5. Frosty Mint Chocolate Wonder
Mint and chocolate are a holiday match made in heaven, and this creamy cocktail is proof. Whether you’re channeling your inner child or treating guests to a sweet sip, the Frosty Mint Chocolate Wonder is the dessert drink of your dreams.
What You’ll Need
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 2 oz cream or milk
- Cocoa powder (for rimming the glass)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
How to Make It
- Rim a chilled glass with cocoa powder by dipping the rim in water or simple syrup, then rolling it in cocoa.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine peppermint schnapps, chocolate liqueur, and cream. Shake well.
- Strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra festive flair.
Pro Tip: Want an extra indulgent version? Swap cream for vanilla ice cream and blend it for a boozy milkshake.
Holiday Cocktail Tips and Tricks
- Chill Your Glassware: Cold glasses keep your cocktails icy and refreshing. Pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Think rosemary sprigs as mini Christmas trees, sugared cranberries for sparkle, or even candy canes for a playful touch.
- Batch It Up: For easy entertaining, scale up the recipes and make a pitcher of your favorite cocktail. Just skip the ice until serving to avoid dilution.
- Offer Mocktail Versions: Make everyone feel included by crafting non-alcoholic versions of these drinks. Replace spirits with sparkling water, ginger ale, or flavored syrups.
- Play Some Holiday Tunes: Because no cocktail session is complete without Mariah Carey in the background!
Sip Your Way to a Merry Christmas
There you have it—five easy-to-make Christmas cocktails that bring big holiday vibes with minimal effort. Whether you’re shaking up a Merry Berry Mojito for a crowd, cozying up with a Spiced Eggnog Elixir, or indulging in the Frosty Mint Chocolate Wonder, these drinks are all about celebration, simplicity, and cheer.
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
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