Top 17 Christmas Rum Cocktails

Close your eyes and imagine a creamy, dreamy blend of milk infused with aromatic spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Now add a splash of that smooth spiced rum – it's like a warm hug from the holidays. Whether you enjoy it over ice to chill out after a bustling day or warm it up for those cozy, fireside moments, it's the perfect way to wind down and toast to the season.

Hot Buttered Rum is one of the easiest cocktails to make around the holidays. It’s easy to adjust this recipe to keep a pot on the stove, ready to welcome guests in from the cold. All you need is spiced rum, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and boiling water. As a bonus, it’s highly aromatic. The smell of cinnamon and other wintry spices will waft through your home. You could even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a real treat.

This tart Christmas beverage is easy to make, with only four ingredients, including spiced rum and cranberry juice. You can easily make it to order or mix a batch in a punch bowl. Lime juice adds a tart citrus kick to lighten the drink. You’ll serve this cocktail over ice, and you can use a cinnamon stick, rosemary sprig, or orange slice (or all three!) to garnish. 

Ah, here comes the grandpa of holiday drinks! This traditional Christmas drink mixes up a rich, spicy batter with rum—super comforting and indulgent. It's the liquid equivalent of being wrapped up in a cozy blanket while watching snowflakes dance outside. Grab a mug, gather your favorite people around, and enjoy it during a festive game night or while reminiscing about good old times. This is a great choice to make in large batch format for a holiday party.

Just like pirates, naughty elves prefer rum! This drink combines spiced rum with cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and a couple of specialty liqueurs, so it’s simple to make. The recipe link includes instructions to make a fun rim for the glass. While it isn’t necessary, it will make your guests feel more festive!

While this cocktail is a little complicated, it’s worth it for the sophisticated, delicious, spicy, and warm result for your holiday get-together. This rum and ginger cocktail calls for a specific brand of golden rum and combines ginger wine, ginger beer, and fresh ginger, in addition to other ingredients.

Some people shy away from cocktails with egg whites, but it lends an unmatched savory flavor and fluffiness. True to its name (and its predecessor, the whiskey sour), this drink is tart and sour. Dark rum provides a rich sugariness that contrasts nicely with the lemon and other ingredients. 

Get ready for a gingerbread party in your mouth! Baileys cuddles up with gingerbread flavors and a dash of rum—dessert in a glass, seriously! It’s like your favorite holiday cookie got transformed into a smooth, creamy sipper. Share this delight with friends at a chill holiday hangout or keep it all to yourself as a sweet treat after a long day of gift shopping.

This delicious Christmas punch is festive, sparkly, easy to make, and meant to provide for a crowd. It’s the perfect party punch! Besides dark rum, you’ll need sparkling wine, cranberry juice, and a few other simple ingredients. Have fun with the garnish: you can use red cranberries, green rosemary “trees,” or other edible items.

A Dark and Stormy is the perfect drink for a cold winter night, so give it a Christmas twist. You’ll use traditional ingredients like dark spiced rum, lime juice, and ginger beer. For the holiday spice, combine those with cranberry juice and cinnamon.

Cherries have a deep sweetness, and this cocktail brings it out to perfectly complement the alcohol in the rum. It uses cherry brandy liqueur and amarena syrup. While those are specialty ingredients, you only need the rum (preferably XO), lemon juice, and ice.

Speaking of mojitos, this wintry drink uses coconut cream for sweetness, and it also gives it a snowy white color. Like all mojitos, this one starts with muddled lime, mint, and sugar. Topped with pomegranate berries, this drink is almost as fun to look at as it is to imbibe. If you want it sweeter, use coconut rum like Malibu.

Imagine a deliciously fragrant blend of pear, cozy cinnamon, a touch of rum, and a hint of vanilla—pure winter magic! It's the kind of drink that warms you up from the inside out. Sip it leisurely during a laid-back evening with your favorite tunes playing in the background, maybe paired with a cheese board or some fancy appetizers.

This one’s like a crisp, juicy apple in a glass! The tangy sweetness of apple cider, mixed with rum, is just the perfect holiday zing. Think brunch gatherings with friends or those outdoor winter barbecues—it’s the ideal companion. Pair it with some grilled goodies or your grandma’s secret apple pie recipe for an unforgettable flavor combo.

Who doesn't love a warm, comforting mug of hot chocolate with a grown-up twist? Rich, velvety hot chocolate cuddles up with a splash of rum for that extra cozy factor. Imagine yourself curled up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket, watching your favorite holiday movie, and sipping on this divine goodness—pure bliss! Top it off with whipped cream or marshmallows, if you're feeling fancy.

If you want a little taste of the tropics, try this Coconut Rum Cocktail. Thanks to fresh mint and simple syrup, it’s reminiscent of a mojito, and milk gives it a wintry color, especially if you add frozen cranberries to your ice cubes.

The Snowblower is a delicious drink, and it's one of the most easy-to-make cocktail recipes. You only need spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, and dark rum. The dark rum adds complexity to balance the sweetness of the apple cider and cranberry, and it'll keep you warm in the cold winter months. I like to add cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries as festive garnishes. The best part of this cocktail is that it's great whether it's served warm or cold.