Oh, the holidays—there’s just something magical about twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and clinking glasses with loved ones, isn’t there? Every year, my friends and family gather around the fireplace, and I *live* for the moment I get to surprise everyone with a new festive drink. These fun Christmas cocktails? They’re my secret weapon for turning any holiday party into a full-blown celebration. Picture this: creamy, minty, and just the right amount of sweet—like sipping on holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a big bash or curling up with a movie, these delightful holiday drinks are guaranteed to make your season brighter. Trust me, one sip, and you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a candy cane hug!
Why You'll Love These Fun Christmas Cocktails
These drinks aren’t just cocktails—they’re little holiday miracles in a glass! Here’s why they’ve become my go-to for every festive gathering:
- Instant holiday spirit: The candy cane garnish and creamy peppermint flavor scream “Christmas morning”
- Foolproof to make: Just shake and pour—no fancy bartending skills needed
- Total crowd-pleaser: I’ve served these to everyone from my fussy aunt to my wine-snob neighbor (they all asked for seconds!)
- Customizable sweetness: Add more or less chocolate liqueur depending on your sweet tooth
Last year, I accidentally became the “cocktail queen” of our street party after bringing these—be warned, they’re that good!
Ingredients for Fun Christmas Cocktails
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these merry little drinks. I always keep these ingredients stocked during the holidays—because you never know when cocktail inspiration (or unexpected guests) will strike!
- 2 oz vodka – Use your favorite brand, but I find plain works better than flavored here
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps – The holiday magic-maker! This gives that perfect candy cane kick
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur – My secret weapon for creamy sweetness (Godiva works beautifully)
- ½ cup crushed ice – Smaller pieces chill faster without watering things down
- Whipped cream – For topping (the canned kind actually works great for this!)
- Crushed candy canes – About 1 tablespoon per glass for that festive crunch
Pro tip: Buy extra candy canes—you’ll want to snack on them while mixing!
How to Make Fun Christmas Cocktails
Okay, let’s make some holiday magic! I’ve made these cocktails so many times I could do it in my sleep—but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. The key is keeping everything nice and cold, so pop your martini glass in the freezer while you prep. Trust me, that first icy sip is worth the extra minute!
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaker
First, grab your cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with crushed ice—you want enough to chill everything without diluting the flavors. Now pour in the vodka (2 oz), peppermint schnapps (1 oz), and white chocolate liqueur (1 oz). I like to give the bottles a little swirl to get every last drop of that deliciousness!
Step 2: Shake and Strain
Here comes the fun part—shaking! Seal that shaker tight (learned that lesson the hard way) and shake like you’re jingling bells for about 15 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker gets frosty. Strain it into your chilled glass, watching that pretty creamy liquid pour out. Ah, that sound—pure holiday happiness!
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Now for the finishing touches that make everyone go “Wow!” Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream—I do about two tablespoons. Then sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top so they stick to the cream. The crunch when you take that first sip? Absolute perfection. Serve immediately and watch those smiles appear!
Tips for the Best Fun Christmas Cocktails
After making these holiday drinks more times than I can count (okay fine, I may have taste-tested a few batches), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Sweetness control: If you’re not big on super-sweet drinks, cut the white chocolate liqueur to ½ oz—it’ll still taste festive!
- Kid-friendly version: Swap the alcohol for peppermint extract (just a drop!) and white chocolate syrup—the kids go crazy for these
- Chill your glass: Seriously, that 5 minutes in the freezer makes all the difference for that first magical sip
- Make it ahead: Mix the liquids (without ice) and keep chilled—just shake with ice when ready to serve
Oh, and always have extra candy canes—people will beg for refills!
Fun Christmas Cocktails Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these fun twists that always impress my holiday guests. Mixing things up keeps the party exciting!
- Cinnamon sugar rim: Dip the glass in simple syrup, then a mix of cinnamon and sugar—tastes like Christmas morning
- Chocolate drizzle: Swirl chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring—it makes Instagram-worthy streaks
- Eggnog twist: Replace vodka with spiced rum and add a splash of eggnog (my uncle’s favorite)
- Candy cane rim: Crush peppermints with coarse sugar for an extra festive crunch
My neighbors still talk about the year I did all four versions at our cookie exchange—total hit!
Serving Suggestions for Fun Christmas Cocktails
Oh, these cocktails deserve the perfect holiday partners! I love serving them with Christmas cookies—especially soft gingerbread or chocolate peppermint crinkles. For parties, pair them with mini cheesecakes or a festive cheese board (the salty bites balance the sweetness perfectly). And for cozy nights? Just add fuzzy socks and your favorite holiday movie!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the honest truth—these cocktails are at their absolute best fresh! The whipped cream melts, the ice dilutes, and honestly, that first magical sip just can’t be replicated later. But if you must store leftovers (no judgment—I’ve been there!), keep them in the fridge without ice or toppings. Give it a good stir before serving again—the flavors might separate a bit, but a quick mix brings it back to life. Pro tip? Mix the liquids ahead and shake with fresh ice when ready—your future self will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real—these cocktails are pure holiday indulgence, and we love them for it! One serving (without going back for seconds—good luck with that!) has about:
- 280 calories – Mostly from that dreamy white chocolate liqueur
- 18g sugar – Between the schnapps and candy cane garnish
- 6g fat – Thank the whipped cream for that
Of course, your exact numbers might change depending on brands or how generous you are with toppings—but hey, it’s Christmas! (P.S. My fitness tracker conveniently “forgets” these during December.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about these holiday cocktails—here are the ones that pop up most often at my parties:
Can I make these non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Just swap the vodka for cold water or milk, use ½ teaspoon peppermint extract instead of schnapps, and white chocolate syrup instead of liqueur. My niece calls this the “Santa’s Little Helper” version!
Help—too sweet! How do I adjust?
Easy fix! Cut the white chocolate liqueur in half (or leave it out entirely) and add an extra splash of vodka. Taste as you go—your perfect balance is out there!
Can I prep these ahead for a party?
You bet! Mix all the liquids together and refrigerate (without ice). When guests arrive, just shake with fresh ice and garnish. I always have a pitcher ready—lifesaver when the doorbell starts ringing!
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
No worries! A mason jar with a tight lid works just as well (and looks cute for holiday photos). Just shake carefully—I learned the hard way not to overfill!
Share Your Festive Creations
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday cocktail masterpieces! Snap a photo of your creation and tag me—I might just feature your twist in next year’s recipe. Cheers to your merry mixing!
Print
5 Irresistible Fun Christmas Cocktails for Holiday Cheer
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Enjoy these fun Christmas cocktails to brighten your holiday gatherings. Perfect for festive parties and cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz white chocolate liqueur
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, peppermint schnapps, and white chocolate liqueur.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed candy canes.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing white chocolate liqueur.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and schnapps.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cocktails, holiday drinks, festive drinks, peppermint cocktail