16 Christmas Whiskey Cocktails

By whiskeyandwhisky.com

‘Tis the season to celebrate the holidays with cozy gatherings and joyful cheer—and what better way to add a festive spark than with 16 Christmas whiskey cocktails? Whether you’re hosting a classic Christmas dinner or planning a laid-back get-together with friends, a splash of whiskey can instantly elevate your holiday drink menu. From creamy eggnog and comforting hot toddies to zesty holiday sours and mulled punches, there’s truly something for every taste.

Whiskey’s versatility makes it an ideal base for winter cocktails. You can pair its warm, oaky notes with baking spices, fresh citrus, or even sweet touches like maple syrup. With the right combination of flavors, you’ll bring extra depth to every sip. If you’ve never explored holiday whiskey cocktails before, don’t worry. Each recipe in this lineup is friendly for beginners and adaptable for seasoned home bartenders. As you read through, you’ll find simple tips for selecting ingredients, plus fun twists to impress your guests with minimal fuss. By the end, you’ll be ready to shake, stir, and garnish your way to a memorable holiday season.

Below, you’ll discover all the details you need to pour a perfect glass of holiday spirit. Whip up a couple to serve at your office party or keep them in your personal rotation through the winter months. Either way, these 16 Christmas whiskey cocktails promise to keep you and your loved ones feeling festive all season long.

16 Christmas whiskey cocktails

With so many possibilities, you might wonder where to begin. To streamline your seasonal sipping, here’s a curated list of cocktails that combine whiskey’s iconic flavors with a range of holiday accents. Jump right in, experiment with the recipes, and don’t forget to gather your favorite garnishes—like cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, or candied ginger—to truly make these recipes your own.

Whiskey eggnog cocktail recipe

Eggnog is one of the quintessential Christmas drinks. It’s creamy, lightly spiced, and a sweet treat for evening gatherings in front of the fire. When you stir whiskey into the mix, you underscore the eggnog’s cozy flavor with a smooth, slightly caramelized finish. Traditionally, you’d use bourbon, but any mild whiskey works beautifully here.

Key ingredients: Whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, and a generous pour of whiskey. Many holiday enthusiasts also add a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Serving tip: Since eggnog is famously rich, serve it in small punch cups or rocks glasses so guests can sip slowly.
Garnish idea: A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick to highlight the festive look.

For detailed instructions and measurements, have a look at our whiskey eggnog cocktail recipe. It’s a perfect starting point if you’re new to homemade eggnog or craving a nostalgic holiday classic.

Hot toddy cocktail recipe

Nothing fends off winter chills better than a hot toddy. This centuries-old recipe typically calls for whiskey, hot water, lemon juice, and honey. Its soothing warmth makes it a go-to for cold nights or as a comforting beverage when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Although simple at its core, you can easily brighten the flavor profile with extra spices like clove, cinnamon, or even star anise.

Key ingredients: Start with a mug of piping hot water, then stir in a lemon wedge, a drizzle of honey, and a shot of whiskey.
Serving tip: Always adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit more honey or even a flavored simple syrup.
Garnish idea: Float a lemon slice studded with whole cloves for extra aroma.

Discover our recommended ratios for the perfect winter warmer in the hot toddy cocktail recipe. Once you master this wonderfully simple formula, you’ll be brewing it every time cold weather sets in.

Maple old fashioned cocktail recipe

The old fashioned is a year-round classic, but it takes on an irresistible twist when sweetened with maple syrup instead of sugar. Maple syrup pairs naturally with whiskey’s caramel notes, creating a rich depth that tastes like the holidays in a glass. If you can, choose real maple syrup for authenticity.

Key ingredients: Combine whiskey, a spoonful of maple syrup, and a few drops of aromatic bitters. Stir thoroughly with ice before straining into a chilled rocks glass.
Serving tip: Keep your glass chilled to maintain a crisp sip throughout.
Garnish idea: A twist of orange peel. Consider briefly flaming the peel to release more fragrant oils, which enhance the maple tones.

To see how it all comes together, check out our maple old fashioned cocktail recipe. Serve this at a holiday cocktail hour, and your guests will be asking for refills in no time.

Spiced manhattan cocktail recipe

For lovers of classic sophistication, the Manhattan is always a solid choice. Around the holidays, you can easily dial up the seasonal feel by using spiced vermouth, or by adding a dash of winter spices into the mix. This subtle layering of flavors complements the rye or bourbon base, resulting in a complex cocktail that’s still as elegant as the original.

Key ingredients: Combine whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a splash of bitters. Experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove when you’re feeling creative.
Serving tip: Stir the ingredients gently with ice for about 20 to 30 seconds to ensure they blend without excessive dilution.
Garnish idea: A maraschino cherry or a slice of dried orange dusted with cinnamon.

If you’d like to explore spice variations, or simply perfect the technique, visit our spiced manhattan cocktail recipe. It’s a refined addition to any holiday gathering.

Cranberry whiskey sour cocktail recipe

A whiskey sour gets a festive upgrade when you add fresh or sweetened cranberry juice. The cranberry’s tartness and vibrant color announce, “Holiday is here,” making it a bright choice for Christmas brunch or a casual get-together. Because of the fruit element, this cocktail has a lighter feel than some of the richer whiskey drinks.

Key ingredients: Mix whiskey, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and a hint of simple syrup. Shake vigorously to create a gentle frothiness.
Serving tip: If you want an even sweeter version, consider adding a bit of orange liqueur or honey.
Garnish idea: Fresh cranberries and an orange wheel.

When you’re ready to shake up some holiday flair, see the full recipe at our cranberry whiskey sour cocktail recipe. Its bright taste will liven up any holiday table.

Apple cider whiskey smash cocktail recipe

Apple cider is a hallmark of fall heading into the winter season, so it’s no surprise it pairs fabulously with whiskey. When you muddle fresh apples, cinnamon, and perhaps a touch of lemon, you’ll get a drink that captures the best of both harvest and holiday flavors, all in one glass.

Key ingredients: Combine apple cider, whiskey, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon. You can also add muddled apples or fresh ginger for depth.
Serving tip: Serve over ice in a rocks glass to keep things crisp, or gently warm the cider first if you crave a cozy spin.
Garnish idea: A cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh apple.

If you love the taste of orchard-picked apples in the colder months, head over to our apple cider whiskey smash cocktail recipe for the complete guide.

Cinnamon old fashioned cocktail recipe

Nothing says “holiday” quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon. Infusing a traditional old fashioned with a cinnamon simple syrup or gently muddling a cinnamon stick can transform an already beloved cocktail into a festive masterpiece. This is a must-try for fans of the spiced flavors that define the season.

Key ingredients: Typically, you’ll start with whiskey, a couple of dashes of bitters, and your homemade cinnamon syrup. Stir it all with large ice cubes.
Serving tip: Play with the intensity of cinnamon by adjusting the steeping time of your syrup. Longer steeping results in a bolder flavor.
Garnish idea: A cinnamon stick or a thin orange peel dipped in cinnamon sugar.

Check out our cinnamon old fashioned cocktail recipe for a step-by-step take on bringing that subtle yet unmistakable spice to life in your glass.

Gingerbread whiskey mule cocktail recipe

Gingerbread cookies epitomize holiday baking. Now, imagine that flavor in a cocktail. By blending whiskey with ginger beer, molasses, and cozy spices like ginger and cloves, you’ll be sipping on an instant hit of holiday delight. Serve it in a copper mug or a festive glass, and you’ll have a conversation starter.

Key ingredients: Start with whiskey, add ginger beer, then fold in a teaspoon of molasses or gingerbread syrup for the signature flavor.
Serving tip: Gently stir rather than shake to preserve carbonation from the ginger beer.
Garnish idea: Mini gingerbread cookies on the rim are adorable and tasty.

If you’re a fan of gingerbread’s comforting aroma, then our gingerbread whiskey mule cocktail recipe is a must-have for your holiday rotation.

Pecan pie old fashioned cocktail recipe

Pecan pie is a dessert staple for many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, so why not mirror that sweet, nutty richness in an old fashioned variation? With notes of toasted pecan, vanilla, and a hint of brown sugar, this drink practically wears a holiday sweater.

Key ingredients: Whiskey, a pecan-infused simple syrup (made by simmering chopped pecans with sugar and water), and a dash of bitters.
Serving tip: The pecan-infused syrup can also be drizzled over desserts, so make a larger batch to use beyond cocktails.
Garnish idea: Candied pecans or a single large ice cube sprinkled with crushed pecans.

Indulge in a sweet slice of the season with our pecan pie old fashioned cocktail recipe. It’s just the thing to pair with holiday pies or pastries.

Brown sugar bourbon milk punch cocktail recipe

If you enjoy Eggnog or creamy holiday beverages, bourbon milk punch is another dreamy option. By adding brown sugar, you enhance the caramelly notes in the bourbon while keeping the drink velvety and smooth. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser, especially at brunch gatherings or early evening parties.

Key ingredients: Bourbon, milk (or half-and-half), brown sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to dissolve the sugar.
Serving tip: For a frothy texture, shake the mixture with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a glass.
Garnish idea: Grated nutmeg or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

To turn your holiday party into a cozy affair, browse our brown sugar bourbon milk punch cocktail recipe. It’s a delightful companion to rich desserts.

Chocolate whiskey martini cocktail recipe

Chocolate and whiskey might sound like an indulgence only for dessert-lovers, but the combination is surprisingly balanced. The chocolate tones round out any sharp edges in the whiskey, leaving you with a smooth, mocha-like drink. If you’re hosting a party with a dessert table, this cocktail doubles as a sweet finish.

Key ingredients: Use a shot of whiskey, chocolate liqueur, and a splash of cream or half-and-half.
Serving tip: Chill your martini glass beforehand for the best texture and temperature.
Garnish idea: A chocolate drizzle inside the glass or shaved chocolate on top.

Try our chocolate whiskey martini cocktail recipe when you’re craving something rich, creamy, and sure to dazzle any chocolate fan.

Whiskey hot chocolate cocktail recipe

Turning hot chocolate into a whiskey-infused treat is one of the easiest ways to combine comfort and cheer. Think of it as the grown-up version of a childhood favorite. You can keep it simple by stirring in a shot of whiskey, or you can get fancy with whipped cream and festive spices.

Key ingredients: Prepare your hot chocolate base—milk, cocoa, and sugar—then stir in your whiskey.
Serving tip: Don’t let the hot chocolate boil once the whiskey is added. Gently warming is enough to meld the flavors.
Garnish idea: Marshmallows, whipped cream, and a light dusting of cinnamon or peppermint shavings.

If you love the idea of sipping a rich cocoa blend by the fireplace, see our whiskey hot chocolate cocktail recipe and get ready for that extra dose of holiday coziness.

Winter spiced whiskey sour cocktail recipe

The tangy, bright taste of a whiskey sour meets the warming allure of holiday spices in this clever variation. Cinnamon, clove, and perhaps a hint of orange peel can transform a standard sour into a wintry gem. The balance of sweet and sour remains, but with a festive upgrade.

Key ingredients: Whiskey, lemon juice, a homemade spiced syrup (with cinnamon sticks and cloves), and egg white if you enjoy a frothy finish.
Serving tip: Shake the mixture vigorously to incorporate air if using egg white. It creates that silky top layer.
Garnish idea: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dehydrated lemon wheel dusted with spices.

Browse our winter spiced whiskey sour cocktail recipe to learn how you can capture the best of sweet, sour, and spice all in one glass.

Christmas old fashioned cocktail recipe

For many whiskey aficionados, the old fashioned is a go-to. This Christmas-ready version takes it a step further by adding a homemade holiday syrup infused with flavors like cinnamon, allspice, and star anise. You end up with a cocktail that’s both recognizable and warmly seasonal.

Key ingredients: Whiskey, infused simple syrup, and a few dashes of bitters. The syrup can incorporate cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel for that unmistakable yuletide flair.
Serving tip: Stir slowly with a bar spoon for about 20 seconds to chill and blend.
Garnish idea: An orange peel wrapped around a cinnamon stick to double down on the holiday vibe.

Celebrate in style with the christmas old fashioned cocktail recipe. It’s the perfect middle ground between tradition and holiday innovation.

Mulled whiskey punch cocktail recipe

Mulled drinks are a holiday season must, and while mulled wine is common, a mulled whiskey punch brings a bolder flavor profile. You’ll simmer whiskey along with spices like cinnamon, anise, and cloves, as well as fruits like oranges and cranberries. The result is a comforting punch bowl that fills your home with an inviting aroma.

Key ingredients: Whiskey, apple cider or cranberry juice, honey or sugar, cinnamon sticks, and sliced citrus fruits. Warm gently on the stovetop but do not boil.
Serving tip: When preparing a large batch, serve in a slow cooker set to low. This keeps the punch warm throughout the evening.
Garnish idea: Fresh cranberries floating on top, plus a cinnamon stick in each glass.

Check out our mulled whiskey punch cocktail recipe for a crowd-pleasing beverage that radiates holiday cheer.

Holiday boulevardier cocktail recipe

A boulevardier merges the sophistication of a Negroni with the boldness of whiskey. Swapping gin for whiskey brings a deeper, richer flavor. To give it a holiday spin, you can experiment with spiced liqueurs or a cinnamon-rimmed glass. This cocktail’s balance of bitter, sweet, and boozy makes it a refined option for any Christmas gathering.

Key ingredients: Whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a bitter aperitif like Campari. Stir with ice until well-chilled.
Serving tip: Because of its pronounced bitter note, serve it as an aperitif to spark your appetite before a holiday feast.
Garnish idea: Orange twist or a festive holiday herb sprig (like rosemary) to contribute a piney aroma.

Elevate your holiday bartending repertoire with our holiday boulevardier cocktail recipe. This elegant pour will impress dinner guests and negroni fans alike.

Final thoughts

With these 16 Christmas whiskey cocktails in your repertoire, you can tailor every sip to match your favorite holiday moments. Whether you crave the creaminess of eggnog or the spiciness of gingerbread, each recipe is an invitation to get creative and keep traditions feeling fresh. You’ll find that whiskey offers countless ways to weave comforting flavors into every spirited pour.

Feel free to tweak the recipes based on your whiskey of choice—maybe a bourbon with sweet caramel undertones, or a peppery rye that stands up to bolder spices. You can always adjust the sweetness or the garnish to suit your taste. Invite friends to help you taste-test, or host a cocktail-making night to share techniques and new flavor ideas.

The holidays are all about bringing people together, so dust off your mixing glasses, gather some seasonal ingredients, and let the festivities begin—one whiskey cocktail at a time. Here’s to a cheerful, flavorful Christmas season. Enjoy responsibly and savor every sip!