10 Christmas Bourbon Cocktails for the Holidays

The Santa Claus Smash is a cheerful holiday cocktail that brings together bright fruit flavors and the warming depth of bourbon. Fresh pomegranate juice adds a tart, juicy quality that balances beautifully with the smooth, rich notes of the whiskey.

A touch of ginger brings gentle spice, while a splash of ginger beer on top adds sparkle and a refreshing finish. Garnished with mint and pomegranate arils, the drink looks festive and colorful, making it just right for holiday parties. At the same time, its cozy mix of flavors makes it a perfect choice for quiet winter evenings at home.

The Cherry Bourbon Chocolate is a comforting winter cocktail that combines the richness of hot chocolate with the bold flavor of cherry bourbon. The smooth chocolate base brings a deep, sweet taste, while the bourbon adds warmth and a touch of fruitiness that makes each sip feel special.

Topped with a layer of whipped cream, this drink feels cozy and inviting, perfect for enjoying on a cold evening by the fire. Finished with a garnish that adds both color and charm, it is an ideal choice for winter celebrations or simply treating yourself to something warm and satisfying.

Bad Santa is a holiday cocktail that gives classic eggnog a stronger, more spirited twist. The creamy texture of traditional eggnog sets the base, while bourbon adds warmth and a bold kick that makes the drink stand out. The balance of sweetness and spice creates a comforting flavor that feels perfect for winter gatherings.

A dusting of freshly grated nutmeg brings a fragrant holiday touch, and a cinnamon stick garnish adds both aroma and charm. This drink is ideal for anyone who enjoys their seasonal cocktails rich, flavorful, and with just the right amount of strength to keep the mood festive.

The Tipsy Elf is a festive spin on the timeless Boulevardier, crafted to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season. At its heart is smooth bourbon, which provides depth and richness, paired with sweet vermouth that adds a layer of gentle sweetness. Campari contributes a bold, bittersweet edge that ties the drink together, giving it both strength and balance.

An orange garnish adds brightness and a touch of citrus aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully. With its classic base and seasonal character, this cocktail is a great choice for holiday parties or relaxing evenings by the fire.

The Persimmon Old Fashioned is a holiday cocktail that brings a cozy mix of flavors while keeping the classic character of an Old Fashioned. Bourbon forms the base, offering warmth and richness, while homemade persimmon syrup adds a gentle sweetness with a seasonal touch.

Orange bitters provide a hint of citrus and spice that balances the drink, keeping it both bold and smooth. A fresh persimmon slice and a star anise garnish make the presentation festive and inviting. This cocktail feels special yet familiar, making it an excellent choice for holiday parties or quiet evenings at home.

Cranberry Bourbon Punch is a holiday cocktail that brings together bright fruit flavors with the smooth depth of bourbon. The bold character of the whiskey is softened by the sweetness of vermouth and balanced with the crisp taste of cranberry juice.

A splash of orange juice adds freshness, while a touch of simple syrup ties everything together with gentle sweetness. The drink is finished with a garnish of rosemary, fresh cranberries, and a slice of orange, giving it both color and aroma. Festive, flavorful, and easy to share, this punch is perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations.

The Pumpkin Pie Whiskey Sour is a seasonal twist on the classic sour, blending the bold warmth of bourbon with the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. Fresh lemon juice brightens the drink, while pumpkin spice syrup provides sweetness and autumn character.

The addition of egg white gives the cocktail a smooth, frothy texture that makes each sip feel rich and satisfying. Finished with aromatic Peychaud’s bitters and a light dusting of nutmeg, this cocktail is both comforting and balanced a festive way to enjoy whiskey with a fall-inspired flair.

The Bourbon Pear Fizz is a seasonal cocktail that combines rich warmth with light, refreshing sparkle. At its base is smooth bourbon, which gives the drink depth and a touch of strength. Spiced pear syrup adds gentle sweetness with a hint of seasonal spice, making the flavor feel cozy and inviting.

A splash of Prosecco brings bubbles and brightness, turning the drink into something festive and lively. Garnished with a pear slice or a sprig of herbs, it looks as good as it tastes. This cocktail is a wonderful choice for fall and winter gatherings, from parties to quiet evenings.

The Hot Toddy is a classic warm cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations during the colder months. Known for its soothing qualities, it blends whiskey with hot water, honey, and lemon to create a drink that is both comforting and flavorful. The whiskey provides warmth and depth, while honey adds gentle sweetness and lemon brings brightness and balance.

Often finished with a cinnamon stick or clove garnish, the aroma adds an extra touch of coziness. Perfect for cold winter nights or when you need something soothing, the Hot Toddy is a timeless favorite for seasonal gatherings and quiet evenings.

The Fig Old Fashioned is a seasonal twist on a timeless classic, offering a balance of rich sweetness and bold whiskey character. Bourbon provides a smooth, warming base with notes of caramel and oak, while fig simple syrup adds depth with its jam-like sweetness and subtle fruitiness.

A few dashes of bitters round out the drink, giving it balance and a touch of spice. Stirred slowly and served over a large ice sphere, it feels polished yet approachable. Garnished with a fresh fig, this cocktail is perfect for fall evenings, cozy gatherings, or anytime you want a familiar drink with seasonal charm.