11 Classic Christmas Cocktails That You Should Definitely Make This Holiday Season

By Southern Living Editors Updated December 01, 2021
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

We're always in favor of trying out new recipes, but during the holidays, we tend to get nostalgic about the oldies. Making vintage Christmas recipes that Mama (and her Mama) once prepared gets us in a warm, sentimental mood. These old-fashioned cocktails are no exception. Pull out Granny's punch bowl you inherited—it's time for some classic Christmas cocktails.

Frosé and Moscow mules have their place in our cocktail repertoire, but for Christmas, we're sticking with tradition. There's a reason these holiday cocktails have stuck around for so long: They'll always taste amazing. Whether you need a sweet cocktail like milk punch to cap off the night, a warm sipper like mulled cider to enjoy by the fire, or a big-batch Christmas punch recipe to get the party started, these classic Christmas cocktails deliver year after year. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Eggnog

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Ma Pat's Homemade Eggnog
Recipe: Homemade Eggnog

Eggnog is a seasonal drink you only see during the holidays, so drink up while you can! Country star Alan Jackson's recipe is easy and rich.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Spiked Cider

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Big-Batch Mulled Cider
Recipe: Bourbon-Cider Mule
Recipe: Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch
Recipe: Apple Cider Shandy

You can't beat cozy apple cider, whether served warm and topped with a cinnamon stick or over ice in a copper mule mug. 

3 of 11

Punch with Ice Cream

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Lemon-Lime Rosemary Punch
Recipe: Orange Sherbet Punch

Old-school Christmas punches always had a few scoops of ice cream bobbing around, and this delightful green recipe might even make your heart grow three sizes.

Advertisement

4 of 11

Mimosas

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Pomegranate Mimosa
Recipe: Grapefruit-Rosmary Mimosa

If your family prepares a Christmas brunch, mimosas are a must. This fruity sunrise-inspired recipe is perfectly festive for your gathering.

5 of 11

Christmas Punch

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

Recipe: Retro Rum Punch
Recipe: Spiced Orange-Bourbon Punch
Recipe: Texas Santa Punch
Recipe: Cranberry Sangria Punch

Classic Christmas punch recipes are best enjoyed when served from an old-fashioned punch bowl. We've got four recipes that look and taste like a dream. 

6 of 11

Milk Punch

Credit: Cedric Angeles

Recipe: Mint-and-White-Chocolate Milk Punch
Recipe: Triple B Milk Punch

Many Southern families enjoy milk punch in place of eggnog during the holiday season. If you haven't tried this sweet cocktail, you'll have a new Christmas tradition as soon as you do.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Hot Toddy

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Hot Bourbon-Orange Tea Toddy
Recipe: Quick Hot Toddy

We made a hot toddy with orange tea and fresh ginger for even more flavor for you to relax by the fire with, or opt for a classic version.

8 of 11

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Credit: Greg DuPree

It's great to make a batch of hot chocolate for the kids on a chilly winter afternoon, but this version is sure to be a favorite for adults-only cocktail parties or Christmas movie nights.

9 of 11

Wassail

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Williams Family Wassail
Recipe: Apple-Ale Wassail

Another warm, comforting cocktail, these spiced big-batch recipes make for the easiest holiday hostess prep.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Brandy Alexander

Credit: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Ultimate Alexander

Our take on this creamy cocktail is perfect for the coffee lovers in your family to enjoy pre- or post-dinner.

11 of 11

Hot Buttered Rye

Credit: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Hot Buttered Rye

Our version of this warm, frothy winter cocktail is made with a maple-cream mixture and fresh nutmeg sprinkled on top.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors