14 Best Christmas Whiskey Cocktails

If you’re searching for the ideal winter cocktail, whiskey is the perfect base for bold and cozy drinks. These 14 Christmas whiskey cocktails combine rich, warming flavors with holiday spices, making them perfect for any festive gathering. Discover how to create a holiday drink menu that’s full of warmth and flavor.

Christmas Whiskey Sour

A Christmas Whiskey Sour is a festive twist on the classic cocktail. You can enjoy it with friends and family during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Cinnamon stick for garnish
• Vanilla rosemary (optional)

Instructions

• Add whiskey, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
• Include vanilla extract for a warm flavor.
• Fill the shaker with ice.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick and vanilla rosemary, if desired.

This version balances sweet and sour notes. Maple syrup and vanilla add warmth and depth. The cinnamon garnish adds a touch of holiday spice.

Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned

The Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned is a warming twist on a classic cocktail. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings. This cocktail combines rich flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup with whiskey or bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey or bourbon
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1 dash of aromatic bitters
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Add whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters to a glass.
2. Stir gently to mix ingredients.
3. Add ice cubes to fill the glass.
4. Place a cinnamon stick in the glass.
5. Garnish with an orange peel.
6. Enjoy your festive drink.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup. This cocktail captures the essence of the holidays.

Whiskey Eggnog

Whiskey eggnog is a delightful holiday treat. It’s a perfect blend of creamy eggnog and smooth whiskey. You can make it easily at home.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need:

• 1 cup store-bought eggnog
• 1.5 oz whiskey
• Nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish

Begin by mixing whiskey with eggnog. Use a cocktail shaker for best results. Shake until thoroughly combined.

Pour the mixture into a chilled glass. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. This adds a festive touch and enhances flavor.

For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. Increasing whiskey can also provide a stronger kick. Adjust according to your preference.

This whiskey eggnog is ideal for holiday gatherings. Serve it to delight your guests.

Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Smash

Create a festive Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Smash for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz spiced cranberry juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ginger ale for topping
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, spiced cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger ale.
6. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

This cocktail offers a delightful balance of flavors. The spiced cranberry gives a festive touch. This whiskey smash is perfect for seasonal celebrations. Enjoy your Spiced Cranberry Whiskey Smash!

Irish Coffee

Irish Coffee is a classic holiday cocktail you should definitely try. This comforting drink combines the warmth of coffee with the rich notes of Irish whiskey. It offers both a caffeine boost and a hint of sweet indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
• 1 tsp brown sugar or to taste
• Heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Brew hot coffee and pour it into a warm glass.
2. Add Irish whiskey and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Gently float heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

The cream should remain on the surface, creating a delightful visual contrast.

Hot Whiskey Toddy

The hot whiskey toddy is a comforting drink. This classic cocktail is perfect for cold winter nights or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz whiskey
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions

• Boil a cup of water.
• Pour whiskey into a heatproof glass.
• Mix in hot water and honey.
• Add lemon juice to taste.
• Insert cloves into lemon slice.
• Add lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
• Stir slowly. Enjoy your hot toddy.

This warm beverage offers soothing flavors. It blends sweet and citrus notes. Add it to your holiday menu.

Cinnamon Whiskey Mule

Introducing the Cinnamon Whiskey Mule, a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. This drink combines the warm spice of cinnamon whiskey with the refreshing tang of ginger beer, creating a cozy yet invigorating option for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cinnamon Whiskey
• 4 oz Ginger Beer
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• Ice
• Lime Wedge and Cinnamon Stick (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug with ice. Copper mugs help keep the drink cold.
2. Pour cinnamon whiskey over the ice.
3. Add fresh lime juice.
4. Top with ginger beer, and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and cinnamon stick.

Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail

An Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail is a delightful addition to your Christmas celebrations. Its warm flavors make it a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 4 oz fresh apple cider
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• Orange and apple slices (for garnish)
• Cinnamon sticks (optional)

Instructions:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add whiskey, apple cider, and maple syrup.
• Shake well for about 30 seconds.
• Strain into a cocktail glass.
• Garnish with orange slices, apple slices, and a cinnamon stick.

You can adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of maple syrup. Enjoy it with friends or family in a festive setting. This cocktail ensures warmth and joy. Indulge in the aromas of apple and spice.

If you prefer a warm version, heat the apple cider first. Then add whiskey and other ingredients. Serve in a heatproof mug instead of a glass.

Whether hot or cold, this cocktail is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Whiskey Gingerbread Cocktail

Whiskey gingerbread cocktails bring festive flavors to your holiday table. The warmth of whiskey pairs beautifully with gingerbread spices, creating a cozy drink for winter nights.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz gingerbread syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Egg white (optional)
• Cinnamon stick
• Crushed ice

Instructions

1. Combine and Shake: In a cocktail shaker, add whiskey, gingerbread syrup, lemon juice, and the egg white.
2. Ice and Shake Again: Add crushed ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish: Use a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Try this cocktail for a warm, spiced holiday vibe. Modify sweetness by adjusting the gingerbread syrup to taste.

Peppermint Whiskey Hot Chocolate

Creating a Peppermint Whiskey Hot Chocolate offers a festive twist to a beloved classic. This cocktail combines rich chocolate flavors with a refreshing peppermint kick. It’s perfect for cozy winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
• 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps
• 2 ounces of whiskey
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed peppermint candy for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not let it boil.
2. Stir in the dark chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the peppermint schnapps and whiskey.
4. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed peppermint candy.

Winter Manhattan

A classic Winter Manhattan is perfect for the colder months. This cocktail combines the robust flavors of rye whiskey with sweet vermouth. Adding seasonal spices can give it a festive twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth

Optional enhancements:

• A dash of Angostura bitters
• Citrus zest
• Seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour rye whiskey and sweet vermouth over the ice.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters for added depth.
4. Shake the ingredients for about 15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a citrus zest or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

A smoke topper can add a smoky aroma for more warmth. The aroma and spices make the Winter Manhattan a cozy choice for holiday gatherings.

Whiskey Punch With Cranberry And Orange

Experience the festive cheer with a Whiskey Punch featuring cranberry and orange. This holiday cocktail blends the boldness of whiskey with the refreshing taste of citrus and berries. Perfect for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whiskey
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine all liquid ingredients in a large pitcher.
• Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
• Chill in the refrigerator if you plan to make it ahead.
• Serve over ice in a festive glass.

This cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices to add holiday spirit to your punch. Enjoy a refreshing sip with hints of warmth and zest in each glass. This punch is sure to impress your guests.

Christmas Old Fashioned

The Christmas Old Fashioned is a festive twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll enjoy the warm spices and citrus notes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz cranberry juice
• 1/4 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes of bitters
• Orange peel
• Fresh rosemary sprig

Instructions

• Combine whiskey, cranberry juice, maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
• Stir until well mixed.
• Strain into a glass over a large ice cube.
• Garnish with orange peel and a rosemary sprig.

For added flavor, consider using a homemade gingerbread syrup. It complements the whiskey and makes the drink feel more festive. Enjoy responsibly!

Maple Whiskey Sour

The Maple Whiskey Sour is a cozy winter cocktail. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings. Maple syrup lends a natural sweetness to the drink.

Preparation is simple. Gather these ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.75 oz pure maple syrup
• A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Lemon slice or cinnamon stick for garnish

Follow these steps to craft the cocktail:

1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon into a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mix into a rocks glass over ice or serve neat.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice or cinnamon stick.

Enjoy the warming flavors of the Maple Whiskey Sour. Perfect for savoring by the fireplace or at a festive dinner.