Festive Christmas Party Drink Ideas

Hi, I’m Emma! I love everything about the holiday season—from the sparkling lights to the cozy gatherings—and nothing sets the mood quite like festive drinks. That’s why I put together this list of Christmas Party Drink Ideas to help you celebrate in style. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday bash or just having a quiet evening with loved ones, the right drink can add a special touch of cheer.

Christmas Party Drink Ideas

Christmas Party Drink Ideas bring festive flavor to your holiday celebrations with fun, seasonal sips. From cozy cocoa to sparkling cocktails, there’s something for every guest to enjoy.

Eggnog with Bourbon

Okay, hear me out—I used to hate eggnog. The first time I tried it, it was store-bought and had this weird, overly thick, cloying texture. But then I made it from scratch, added a generous splash of bourbon, and wow… total game-changer. It’s creamy, cozy, and tastes like Christmas in a mug. I always sprinkle some fresh nutmeg on top—it looks pretty and adds the perfect little bite.

When I serve this at my party, I pour it into those cute little glass mugs (thrifted, of course) and add a cinnamon stick for flair. Honestly, this one disappears fast. You can make a big batch ahead and chill it, or serve it warm straight off the stove. I’ve even had friends who swore they hated eggnog ask me for seconds. Just goes to show—it’s all about how you make it.

Candy Cane Martini

This one’s a bit of a show-off, I’ll admit—but that’s kind of the fun. The first time I served Candy Cane Martinis at a girls’ night Christmas bash, everyone gasped when I brought them out. I mean, they’re pink, they sparkle, and they’ve got a little peppermint zing—what’s not to love?

I usually rim the glasses with crushed candy canes (pro tip: bash them in a ziplock with a rolling pin, it’s weirdly satisfying) and mix vanilla vodka, white crème de cacao, and a splash of peppermint schnapps. Shake it with ice until your fingers freeze, then pour it into your prettiest glasses. If you’re feeling extra, hang a mini candy cane on the rim. It’s sweet, a little naughty, and basically the drink version of a holiday flirt.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

If I had to pick one drink that screams “curl up by the fire and never leave,” this would be it. I make it ultra-rich with dark chocolate, a splash of cream, and then I spike it depending on the vibe—Baileys if I want it sweet, peppermint schnapps if I’m feeling festive, or bourbon when I want to warm my bones.

I top it with whipped cream (the real stuff, not the spray can), mini marshmallows, and chocolate shavings because, why not? Once I even stuck a little gingerbread man on top and my niece tried to steal it. It’s one of those drinks that feels nostalgic, even if it’s the first time you’re trying it. Make a big pot and keep it warm on the stove—people will definitely come back for refills.

Pomegranate Moscow Mule

I discovered this one by accident—I had a bunch of pomegranate juice leftover from a salad recipe and thought, hmm, what if I just poured this into a mule? And it totally worked. Now it’s a must-make every year. It’s tart, fizzy, and feels just fancy enough without being high-maintenance.

I use vodka, ginger beer, a splash of lime juice, and a glug of pomegranate juice. Serve it in those traditional copper mugs (they really do make it colder, I swear), and toss in a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary for a little drama. It looks stunning and tastes even better. Plus, it’s super refreshing if your party gets a little warm from all the dancing or cooking.

 

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Classic Mulled Wine

This is my go-to when I want the house to smell amazing and give people something warm to hold. I started making mulled wine during a snowstorm years ago—trapped indoors with red wine and a bunch of spices, and oh wow, what a happy accident that was.

I simmer red wine (cheap but drinkable stuff), orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Add a little honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter, and a splash of brandy never hurts. Serve it in heat-safe glasses and maybe float an orange slice on top for flair. I’ve even made a non-alcoholic version with cranberry juice and it was a hit with the kids and designated drivers alike.

Cranberry Christmas Punch

Punch bowls are back, and I’m not mad about it. This Cranberry Christmas Punch is fruity, sparkly, and looks super festive with cranberries floating around like little ornaments. I always make this one when I need a crowd-pleaser that won’t have me mixing individual drinks all night.

I combine cranberry juice, orange juice, a splash of lime, and top it with ginger ale or sparkling wine, depending on the crowd. Sometimes I add vodka if it’s adults-only. Toss in lots of ice and sliced oranges, maybe some mint leaves if I’m feeling fancy. The punch bowl always ends up surrounded by people—maybe because it’s so easy to refill their glasses without missing a single gossip sesh.

Peppermint Mocha Cocktail

This is for my coffee lovers who still want to get their buzz on. I make a strong cup of coffee (sometimes espresso if I’m feeling wild), add chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and a splash of cream. It’s like the grown-up version of your favorite seasonal coffee shop drink.

Once, I brought a thermos of this to a neighborhood light tour, and everyone kept asking for sips. Now it’s tradition. I usually top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane. It’s rich, minty, and gives you that little jolt to keep dancing, wrapping, or whatever you’re up to. Trust me, it’ll perk up your party in the best way.

Apple Cider Fizz

This one feels a bit more daytime, like something you’d sip during a holiday brunch or cookie exchange. I mix cold apple cider with prosecco (or sparkling water if we’re skipping booze), add a dash of cinnamon, and serve it over ice. Easy, crisp, and surprisingly refreshing.

The first time I made this, I rimmed the glasses with cinnamon sugar and it was such a hit, people asked for the recipe before they even finished the drink. I sometimes throw in a few apple slices or a cinnamon stick to make it pretty. It’s sweet but not too sweet, and has just enough sparkle to feel like a treat.

Grinch Punch

This one is purely for fun. I made it for a kids’ party once and ended up with a group of adults asking me to spike their cups. The color alone—a bright green—is hilarious and kind of irresistible. It’s lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and a little green food coloring if you want it extra bold.

For the grown-ups, a bit of rum or vodka does the trick. I like to add red sugar rims on the glasses to make it look like the Grinch’s Santa hat. It’s sweet, silly, and honestly just makes people smile. Serve it in a big bowl and let everyone ladle their own. Bonus: it photographs really well.

Hot Buttered Rum

This one sounds weird if you’ve never tried it, but it’s pure holiday comfort in a mug. You make this buttery-spiced paste (yes, paste!) ahead of time with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Then when you’re ready, just add hot water and rum.

It’s rich, cozy, and tastes like dessert. I usually break this one out toward the end of the night, when everyone’s winding down and maybe grabbing a cookie or two. It’s not super pretty, but it’s incredibly comforting. And yeah, I always eat a little of the butter mix straight from the jar.

Rosemary Gin Fizz

I got hooked on this one after a friend brought it to a holiday craft night. It’s bright, a little herbal, and kind of feels like sipping on a snowy forest. Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a bit of club soda for bubbles. But the real magic is in the rosemary.

I make a rosemary-infused simple syrup ahead of time (just boil water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs, then let it cool). Shake it up with your other ingredients and strain into a glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a few pomegranate seeds if you want to be extra. It’s unexpected but totally festive.

Irish Coffee

My dad always made Irish Coffee on Christmas morning, and now it’s my thing too. Strong coffee, brown sugar, a splash of Irish whiskey, and a float of whipped cream on top. It warms you up fast and makes opening presents even more fun.

I usually serve it in clear mugs so you can see the layers—it just feels fancier that way. I’ve even made a DIY Irish Coffee bar where people can add their own toppings or switch the whiskey for Baileys. Warning: you might not want regular coffee after this.

Christmas Margarita

This one surprised me. I tried it at a friend’s party and immediately texted her for the recipe. It’s got tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice—and it’s so pretty with that red hue. I rim the glass with sugar and salt, and sometimes add a sprig of mint to look like holly.

It’s tart, sweet, and very sippable. If you want to batch it, just mix everything in a pitcher and keep it chilled. Great for those who don’t like warm drinks but still want something festive. And honestly, it’s fun to serve margaritas in December—nobody expects it!

 

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Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Sparkler

Not everyone wants booze, and I’ve learned the hard way that having a pretty, delicious mocktail option makes everyone feel included. This Cranberry Sparkler is my go-to. Just mix cranberry juice, sparkling water, a splash of orange juice, and a squeeze of lime.

I serve it in champagne flutes with frozen cranberries or an orange twist. Looks so elegant! It’s tart and fizzy and totally refreshing. I always get compliments on it—even from wine drinkers. Plus, it’s easy to keep replenishing throughout the night.

Holiday Sangria

This one’s fruity, wine-y, and oh-so-festive. I make it with red wine, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, sliced citrus, apples, and pomegranate seeds. Let it chill for a few hours so everything gets nice and merry together.

Sometimes I throw in a cinnamon stick or two to make it taste more like the holidays. It’s so easy to serve and looks absolutely stunning in a big pitcher. People can pour their own, which makes my life easier. And it only gets better the longer it sits—kind of like me on holiday break.

Tips for Hosting a Christmas Drink Station

One of my favorite ways to make holiday parties extra fun and interactive is by setting up a festive drink station! It adds a charming, hands-on element to your gathering and lets guests customize their drinks just the way they like. Whether you’re serving cocktails, mocktails, or warm winter sips, a well-planned drink bar is always a hit.

Here are some simple tips to help you create the perfect Christmas drink station:

• Set up a DIY drink bar: Arrange a dedicated area with drink options, glassware, and bar tools. Label everything clearly and keep napkins and stirrers handy so guests can mix their own drinks with ease.

• Include mixers, garnishes, and recipe cards: Offer a variety of mixers like soda, juice, tonic water, and flavored syrups. Set out garnishes such as citrus slices, cranberries, mint, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs. Recipe cards are a great touch—they guide guests and inspire creativity!

• Hot drink station (cocoa, cider, coffee) ideas: Create a warm drink corner with slow cookers or thermal carafes filled with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or spiced coffee. Add toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and flavored creamers for an indulgent treat.

With just a bit of planning, your drink station can become the heart of your holiday celebration—fun, festive, and full of flavor!

FAQ

What are the best drinks to serve at a Christmas party?

Some popular favorites include Eggnog, Mulled Wine, Spiked Hot Chocolate, Christmas Punch, and festive mocktails like Cranberry Sparkler or Grinch Punch.

Should I offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to have both! This way, everyone—from kids to non-drinkers—can enjoy a festive beverage.

Can I make holiday drinks ahead of time?

Absolutely! Many big-batch drinks like punch or sangria can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just add fizzy ingredients right before serving.

How can I keep hot drinks warm during the party?

Use slow cookers, insulated beverage dispensers, or thermal carafes to keep drinks like cider, cocoa, and coffee warm throughout the evening.