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Here are seven easy-to-follow Christmas cocktail recipes, guaranteed to put the cheer in any festive gathering.
Well, the festive season is well and truly here! And what better way to embrace the magic of Christmas than with a collection of merry cocktails?
Whether you’re hosting cosy evenings by the fire with friends, festive family gatherings, or the big day itself, these cocktail recipes are just perfect for celebrating the season.
Festive Christmas Punch
A crowd-pleasing, easy-drinking sparkling punch that’s easy to make in large batches.
What you’ll need:
One bottle of sparkling wine – I’d recommend our No.1 bestselling Prosecco, Casa Cantalini
150ml cranberry juice
150ml orange juice
50ml brandy
250g raspberries
1 thinly sliced orange
How to make it:
In a large punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice and brandy.
Stir well.
Add the raspberries and sliced orange.
Just before serving, add the Casa Cantalini Prosecco.
Serve over ice in your glass of choice.
Ho-ho- Mojito
The classic favourite … with a joyful festive twist.
What you’ll need:
150ml white wine – I’d recommend a zesty Sauvignon Blanc like Mussel Pot or Abbesse
60ml sparkling water
15ml lime juice
15ml sugar syrup
Fresh mint leaves
Ice
Lime wedge (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
In a glass, combine the white wine, lime juice, sugar syrup, sparkling water and mint leaves.
Add ice.
Stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Hot Toddy
A classic that’s sure to warm the cockles on even the coldest of winter days.
What you’ll need:
50ml whisky – I’d recommend Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
150ml hot water
1tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
How to make it:
Boil the kettle and add hot water to a mug of your choice.
Add the whisky, lemon juice and honey to the mug.
Stir gently, until the honey disappears.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Top tip: if your hot toddy isn’t sweet enough, stir in another tablespoon of honey.
White Christmas Margarita
I’m dreaming of a … deliciously creamy white Christmas Margarita.
What you’ll need:
50ml tequila – I’d recommend Ocho Tequila Blanco
30ml triple sec – I’d recommend Cointreau
50ml lime juice
30ml coconut water
30ml coconut milk
Ice
Lime slices (optional – for garnish)
Cranberries (optional – for garnish)
Coconut flakes (optional – for glass decoration)
How to make it:
Optional – for decoration. Start by rimming a glass of your choice with lime juice and dipping into coconut flakes. Place at the side of the worktop.
Add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, coconut water and coconut milk to a bowl.
Whisk until smooth.
Serve over ice, in your decorated glass (see above) or a glass of your choice.
Garnish with lime slices or cranberries.
Peppermint Espresso Martini
The ultimate Christmassy cocktail for coffee lovers … with a wonderful minty kick.
What you’ll need:
50ml peppermint vodka (or non-flavoured vodka)
25ml coffee liqueur – I’d recommend Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
25ml freshly brewed espresso
15ml peppermint syrup*
Ice
Candy cane (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso and peppermint syrup*.
Shake well.
Strain into your martini glass.
Garnish with a candy cane.
*if you’re using peppermint vodka, the peppermint syrup isn’t needed … unless you’d like it extra minty.
Top tip: for an extra festive touch, rim the glass with a crushed candy cane.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Rich, indulgent and oh-so-warming – ideal for a cosy date night in.
What you’ll need:
500ml red wine – I’d recommend Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache or Zinfandel
500ml milk of your choice
150g chopped chocolate (milk or dark, depending on your preference)
1tbsp sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional – for garnish)
Chocolate chips (optional – for garnish)
Small marshmallows (optional – for garnish)
How to make it:
Add your milk, chopped chocolate and sugar to a saucepan.
Simmer over a low heat, stirring gently, until the chocolate melts.
Add in your red wine and continue to stir gently over low heat.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve in a mug of your choice.
If desired, top it off with whipped cream, chocolate chips or small marshmallows (or all three, ’tis season after all).
Classic Mulled Wine
Nothing says Christmas quite like the scent of a warming glass of mulled wine wafting through the air. The best part? It’s not too difficult to make and doesn’t require too many obscure ingredients.
What you’ll need:
red wine – I’d recommend one of the styles mentioned for the red wine hot chocolate
cinnamon sticks
orange slices
cloves
a touch of honey (or sugar)
Combine everything into a large pot and heat gently – remember, you want to avoid boiling your mulled wine as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate. For more information, including a recipe to follow, read our blog on how to make mulled wine.
Of course, the most important part of the mulled wine lies in the red wine you choose as your base. A well-chosen red with add depth and balance the rich spices, making for a more enjoyable drinking experience. Find out which wine styles to choose, along with specific wine recommendations in our blog ‘the best 10 wines for mulled wine’.
Now you’ve got a handful of Christmas cocktail recipes that you can easily mix up over the festive season. Choose your favourite … and browse our range of wines, spirits and liqueurs.
About the author
Brogan Wilson
Qualified to WSET Level 2 Wine, Brogan is a relatively new member of the team, having joined in September 2023. She previously worked as the sole copywriter at a creative marketing agency, and before that, as a primary school teacher. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her growing her knowledge, asking lots of questions, and crafting both digital and print copy. An ardent red wine drinker, Brogan is also fond of Crémant.
