Paul Kushner
I’m passionate about mixing drinks that bring joy, especially during the holidays. Bourbon’s rich flavor pairs perfectly with the festive season’s warmth. We’re talking about smooth, hearty cocktails blended with seasonal spices and sweetness. Each drink, from a creamy bourbon eggnog to a vibrant apple bourbon fizz, captures the essence of Christmas. They’re not just drinks; they’re a celebration in a cup, warming from the inside out. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. I highly recommend checking out this roundup for some top-notch Christmas Bourbon cocktail recipes.
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1
Santa Claus Smash
The Santa Claus Smash is a festive and flavorful holiday cocktail combining tart pomegranate juice, warming bourbon, and zesty ginger. Topped with fizzy ginger beer and garnished with mint and pomegranate arils, this drink is perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter nights.
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2
Cherry Bourbon Chocolate
Warm up with the decadent Cherry Bourbon Chocolate, a luxurious blend of rich hot chocolate and bold cherry bourbon. This indulgent cocktail is topped with whipped cream and garnished to perfection, making it the ultimate cozy treat for cold evenings or special winter gatherings.
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3
Bad Santa
Bad Santa is a bold, boozy take on traditional eggnog, combining the creamy richness of eggnog with the warmth of bourbon. Garnished with freshly grated nutmeg and an optional cinnamon stick, this cocktail is perfect for those who like their holiday drinks with a little extra kick.
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4
Tipsy Elf
The Tipsy Elf is a holiday twist on the classic Boulevardier, featuring a smooth blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Its rich, bittersweet flavor profile is balanced by a hint of citrus from the orange garnish, making it the perfect cocktail for warming up during the holidays.
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5
Persimmon Old Fashioned
The Persimmon Old Fashioned is a sophisticated holiday cocktail that exudes warmth and seasonal charm. Featuring bourbon, persimmon syrup, and orange bitters, this drink is a perfect balance of rich and spiced flavors. Garnished with a fresh persimmon slice and star anise, it’s an elegant addition to festive gatherings.
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6
Cranberry Bourbon Punch
Cranberry Bourbon Punch is a refreshing and festive cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. This well-balanced mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and cranberry juice is lightly sweetened with simple syrup. Garnished with a rosemary sprig, orange slice, and cranberries, it’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
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7
Pumpkin Pie Whiskey Sour
The Pumpkin Pie Whiskey Sour is a cozy, fall-inspired twist on the classic whiskey sour. With the rich warmth of bourbon, the sweetness of pumpkin spice syrup, and a tangy kick of lemon, this cocktail is balanced by the velvety texture of egg white. A dash of Peychaud’s bitters and a sprinkle of nutmeg complete this festive treat.
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8
Bourbon Pear Fizz
The Bourbon Pear Fizz is a beautifully balanced cocktail that pairs the warm depth of bourbon with the delicate sweetness of spiced pear syrup. A splash of Prosecco adds effervescence, making it a festive choice for any gathering. This drink is both warming and refreshing, perfect for cool-weather celebrations.
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9
mybartender.com
Bourbon Hot Toddy
You can discuss bourbon Christmas cocktails without mentioning the Hot Toddy! Mix bourbon with hot water, a dollop of honey, and a sprinkle of cozy spices like cinnamon and cloves. It's the toasty blanket you need on frosty evenings. The bourbon's boldness cozies up with the sweet embrace of honey, while those spices warm the drink even more. It's a go-to for folks winding down after a long day, offering a soothing elixir that warms you from the inside out.
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10
mybartender.com
Fig Old Fashioned
The familiar Old Fashioned with a merry makeover! Muddled figs add a delightful twist, infusing the bourbon with a lush, velvety sweetness. Think of it as a sip of winter coziness – the warmth of the bourbon mingling with the earthy, jammy notes of the figs. Pour it over ice and let the caramel tones of the bourbon dance with the fig's richness. It's the perfect companion for those nights when you're snuggled up by the fire, creating a merry blend of tradition and festive flair.
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11
halfbakedharvest.com
Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch
Consider making a Cranberry Bourbon Sour for a simple but sophisticated holiday party punch. This bourbon cocktail combines cranberry and orange flavors and maple syrup for a sweet, wintery beverage great for slow sipping while chatting with friends at a casual gathering.
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12
livinglesh.com
Toasted Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
Crisp apple cider meets bourbon in this lively concoction. The bourbon's oakiness waltzes with the apple's crisp sweetness, while a zing of citrus adds a little extra pep. Envision sipping this on a brisk winter afternoon – refreshing, yet oh-so-warming. It's like the holidays wrapped in a glass, giving you that cozy feeling with every sip.
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13
eatwell101.com
Christmas Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Christmas Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail features all of your favorite Christmas flavors. Some of the key ingredients include elderflower liqueur, honey, star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. With an excellent balance of sweet and bitter elements, this spiced cocktail will have a festive impact on your holiday guests.
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14
sinfulnutrition.com
White Christmas Bourbon Smash
A White Christmas Bourbon Smash is an excellent cocktail for minimalists. This beverage mixes bourbon with lime seltzer, mint leaves, and cranberries. Add a small amount of sugar, and you’ll have a refreshing seasonal beverage. You can also use rosemary as a garnish if you want to amp up the Christmas flavors.
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15
halfbakedharvest.com
Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned.
Christmas spices are quite tasty in bourbon, which is why a Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned makes such a delightful holiday cocktail. Honey, cinnamon, and cardamom take a typical bourbon beverage and turn it into a comforting winter drink you’ll want to enjoy next to a fireplace with friends.
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16
halfbakedharvest.com
Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned with Brûléed Oranges
For a truly unique spin on an Old Fashioned, try a Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned with Brûléed Oranges. This cocktail sounds complicated, but it’s accessible to even a novice bartender: all you need are orange slices, sugar, and a small skillet. While this recipe is a little complex for a big party, these Old Fashioneds will be a big hit at a small Christmas dinner.
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17
www.wellplated.com
Hot Buttered Bourbon
Indulge in the creamy luxury of Hot Buttered Bourbon – a velvety blend of butter, brown sugar, and spices, all mingling with the rich depth of bourbon. The buttery goodness creates a luxurious texture that coats your palate, merging seamlessly with the bourbon's robust character. It's the epitome of dessert in a glass, a decadent treat that deserves to be savored slowly during festive gatherings. Perfect for those moments when you're in need of a sweet finale to your holiday feast.
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18
reciperunner.com
Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail
A Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail is a straightforward mixed drink you can make as an individual serving or as a party punch bowl. Key ingredients include bourbon, orange juice, cranberry juice, and maple syrup. Since the recipe calls for unsweetened cranberry juice, you can enjoy some winter fruit flavors without having an overly sugary beverage.
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19
oursaltykitchen.com
Rosemary Bourbon Cocktail with Honey
Rosemary and honey are an amazing flavor combination, and this Rosemary Bourbon Cocktail with Honey has just the right level of decadence for a casual holiday party. The homemade rosemary honey syrup goes great with bourbon, while the Angostura bitters add an extra festive kick.
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20
www.bonappetit.com
Spiced Pear Bourbon Sparkler
Raise a glass to effervescent joy! This sparkling elixir blends the bubbly charm of pear juice with festive spices and bourbon. The bourbon's depth intertwines gracefully with juicy pear and aromatic spices, creating a symphony of celebration with every sip. Whether it's a toast at a holiday brunch or an evening soirée, this drink brings sparkle and merriment to any festive occasion, making each moment glow with cheer.
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21
justalittlebitofbacon.com
Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned
This Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned takes some time to make, but this tasty cocktail is worth it. You’ll have to prepare the bourbon first, letting cranberries and cinnamon soak in the liquor until the flavor infuses. Once your bourbon is ready, all you need to do is make a standard Old Fashioned, and you’ll have a subtle yet distinctly Christmas-tasting beverage.
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22
foodwithfeeling.com
Jingle Bell Smash
A Jingle Bell Smash is a cheerful bourbon cocktail that can work well in various settings. The central flavors are cranberry, rosemary, and a hint of citrus. Since the main mixer is juice, this drink sits nicely in your stomach and is a nice, sweet drink for a social gathering.
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23
inspiredbycharm.com
Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail has a satisfyingly tart flavor, plus some pleasant fizz from the club soda. The maple cranberries are the best part of this drink—the cranberries are heated with maple syrup to create a sweet, fruity syrup. This beverage is a fun choice for a night with your friends.
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24
gastronomblog.com
Christmas Old Fashioned
There’s no shortage of holiday-themed Old Fashioned recipes, but this Christmas Old Fashioned made the list by sticking to simple, classic ingredients. A small portion of cranberry syrup and a few crushed cranberries are all you need to add some Christmas spirit to this cocktail. For some extra presentation pizazz, try putting sugar on the rim of the glass.
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25
www.halfbakedharvest.com
Holiday Cheermeister Bourbon Punch
Get ready for a party in a pitcher! This joyful punch brings bourbon, fruit juices, and festive spices together in a delightful union. The robust bourbon mingles with vibrant fruit flavors, heightened by a medley of cheerful spices. It's the life of the holiday bash, a crowd-pleaser that adds a spirited buzz to gatherings, making each sip a merry celebration. Whether it's a small family gathering or a larger holiday soirée, this punch will be the star of the show.
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26
pickledplum.com
Christmas Kentucky Buck
The Christmas Kentucky Buck is a fun rendition of the beloved vodka, ginger, and fruit flavor combination. For the best version of this yummy cocktail use Kentucky Straight Bourbon. If you make the ginger syrup in advance, this should be an easy drink to prepare at a party.
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27
thespeckledpalate.com
The Blizzard (Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail)
The Blizzard, a cranberry bourbon cocktail, is less sweet than other popular cranberry bourbon recipes. This beverage may be your best option if you prefer a more toned-down cocktail. The recipe calls for unsweetened cranberry juice and a small portion of simple syrup, allowing the flavors of the bourbon to come to the forefront.
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28
aspiringwinos.com
Boozy Hot Chocolate
You can spike hot chocolate with a few different liquors, but hot chocolate with bourbon is the best version of this adult beverage. The rich chocolate pulls out the nuanced flavors of bourbon, producing a warm, complex drink with numerous tasting notes. Don’t forget to dress up your cocktail with your preferred hot chocolate toppings.
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29
cupcakesandcutlery.com
Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail spices things up with nutmeg, a traditional seasonal spice that many wouldn’t think to combine with cranberry. However, this recipe calls for spiced cranberry juice, producing a flavor similar to mulled wine. If you need a nonalcoholic version, you can make it a spiced cranberry juice and ginger beer refresher.
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30
soletshangout.com
Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour
This Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Sour is a delicious mix of sweet and sour flavors. Use fresh lemon juice and homemade maple cinnamon syrup to create a wholesome, well-balanced cocktail. If you make a big batch of syrup, you can make this drink your go-to nightcap throughout the holiday season.
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31
umamigirl.com
Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail
The gingerbread might be grumpy, but this Grumpy Gingerbread Bourbon Cocktail will be quite inviting for your holiday party guests. This cocktail is full of holiday cheer with Christmas spices such as star anise, cardamom, and clove. The recipe also includes Cynar, a distinctive Italian bitter that will make this cocktail stand out from the rest.
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32
cookieandkate.com
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
If you like the sound of a maple bourbon cocktail, but don’t have time for a long preparation process, check out this easy recipe for a Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour. This three-ingredient cocktail makes our list of bourbon Christmas cocktails you can have ready in a matter of minutes for you and your guests.
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33
thewickednoodle.com
Bourbon Coconut Milk Cocktail
This Bourbon Coconut Milk Cocktail is a fantastic, creamy cocktail that blends dairy and coconut milk for a sweet holiday beverage. In addition to the bourbon and two milk types, this drink has vanilla, brown sugar, and nutmeg. If you want a bourbon cocktail that replicates the taste of a Christmas cookie, you’ll adore this mixed drink.
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34
www.thecookierookie.com
Bourbon Spiked Chai Tea
Chai enthusiasts, rejoice! This spirited twist on your beloved chai features the delightful fusion of warming spices with the spirited kick of bourbon. The aromatic spices of chai dance harmoniously with the oakiness of bourbon, creating a symphony of flavors that's perfect for chilly nights. Cozy up with a cup of Bourbon Spiked Chai Tea and let the spirited warmth envelop you, offering a comforting embrace that soothes the soul.
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35
Merry Berry Bourbon Cocktail
The Merry Berry Bourbon Cocktail brings a festive twist to your holiday gathering. This delightful mix of bourbon, rich blackberry liqueur, tart cranberry juice, and a touch of lemon is balanced with simple syrup for just the right amount of sweetness. Garnished with a blackberry and lemon wedge, it’s perfect for seasonal celebrations.
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