Paul Kushner
For your holiday parties, vodka stands out as the ultimate mixer, blending seamlessly with the festive season’s rich flavors. This roundup showcases the top Christmas vodka cocktails, each highlighting the season’s best tastes. These recipes cater to every palate, featuring ingredients that capture the essence of holidays. From spiced to sweet, every drink is a testament to vodka’s adaptability in crafting memorable holiday spirits. I highly recommend this collection for anyone looking to impress at their next holiday gathering.
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1
Sugar Cookie Cocktail
Bring the warmth of holiday baking to your glass with the Sugar Cookie Cocktail. This creamy, dessert-inspired drink combines sugar cookie creamer, vanilla vodka, and Kahlua for a sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for cozy winter nights. With a rim of frosting and Christmas sprinkles, it’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.
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2
Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini
Crafting the perfect drink that marries bold espresso with the rich citrusy notes of orange and chocolate is something I’ve done before. The Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini stands out for its unique flavor fusion that excites drinkers with every sip. It’s a hit for those who love a twist on the classic. The vibrant zest of orange and the deep tones of chocolate add an unexpected layer to the robust espresso. You’ll find this recipe not just refreshing but a true crowd-pleaser. Try making this drink from the recipe below.
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3
Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
The Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini brings together the cozy richness of coffee with a hint of festive mint. With smooth vodka, bold coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso, it’s a creamy, flavorful drink perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet winter nights. This cocktail is as refreshing as it is comforting.
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4
Toasted S’mores Martini
The Toasted S’mores Martini is a lovely trip through flavors that I have blended numerous times as a bartender, but this one hits the spot. It’s a perfect blend of childhood memories and adult indulgence. This cocktail combines the creamy, chocolatey, and marshmallow flavors of a s’more with the smooth, sophisticated touch of a martini. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, bringing the joy of a campfire into a sophisticated glass.
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5
Christmas Martini
The Christmas Martini is a holiday-inspired cocktail that brings together tart cranberry juice, citrusy Cointreau, and the smooth kick of vodka. With a touch of simple syrup for balance and a festive garnish of cranberries and rosemary, this drink is a sophisticated way to celebrate the season.
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6
White Chocolate Martini
The White Chocolate Martini is a creamy and sophisticated cocktail that blends vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and crème de cacao for a perfectly balanced treat. Finished with a sprinkle-rimmed glass and fresh raspberries, it’s an elegant choice for celebrations or a sweet way to wind down the evening.
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7
White Cosmo
The White Cosmo is a dazzling twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, offering a crisp and sophisticated blend of vodka, Lillet Blanc, and white cranberry juice. With its shimmering touch of edible glitter and a festive cranberry garnish, this cocktail is a show-stopping choice for any elegant occasion.
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8
Blue Midnight Kiss
The Blue Midnight Kiss cocktail is an elegant and colorful drink, perfect for celebrating special moments. With a vibrant blue base and the bubbly sparkle of champagne, this cocktail is finished with a sugared rim and a maraschino cherry for a sophisticated touch.
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9
Eggnog Martini
The Eggnog Martini is a festive cocktail that elevates the classic holiday drink with the addition of vanilla vodka and amaretto. Creamy, nutty, and perfectly spiced, this cocktail is a showstopper at holiday gatherings.
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10
Polar Bear Cocktail
The Polar Bear Cocktail is a bright and refreshing drink that combines the fruity notes of raspberry vodka, the vibrant color and citrus flavor of blue curaçao, and a splash of Sprite for a bubbly finish. Perfect for any festive occasion, it’s easy to make and garnished with a touch of lemon for a crisp, icy vibe.
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11
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
A Pumpkin Spice White Russian is a fusion of cozy autumn flavors that elevate your cocktail game, but the pumpkin and spices also translate well into vodka Christmas cocktails. This concoction blends vodka with the rich, velvety notes of Kahlúa or coffee liqueur. Heavy cream brings a luscious texture, harmonizing with the warmth of pumpkin puree and the inviting sweetness of pumpkin syrup or a touch of simple syrup. The ensemble is sprinkled with pumpkin pie spice, delivering a symphony of seasonal tastes. For added flair, top it off with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or crushed graham crackers.
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12
Christmas White Russian
The Christmas White Russian is a rich, decadent drink that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, chocolate, and warming spices for a wintery treat. With a smooth, creamy finish and a touch of holiday flavor from molasses and ginger, this cocktail is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. Topped with whipped cream and candy cane garnish, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip.
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13
Red-Nosed Refresher
Red-Nosed Refresher is a festive and refreshing cocktail that combines vodka, raspberry liqueur, and a splash of grenadine with a hint of lemon. Topped with club soda, this drink offers a sparkling holiday twist that’s perfect for seasonal gatherings and winter celebrations.
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14
White Chocolate Pistachio Martini
The White Chocolate Pistachio Martini offers a smooth blend of white chocolate, pistachio, and almond flavors, making it a perfect choice for special occasions. With its rich, creamy texture and nutty undertones, this cocktail brings a touch of elegance to any celebration and serves as a delightful after-dinner treat.
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15
Vodka Frostbite Fizz
The Vodka Frostbite Fizz is a refreshing, vibrant drink perfect for any occasion. With vodka, blue curaçao, and a hint of lime, this cocktail has a striking blue hue and a sweet-tart flavor profile. A sugared rim, mint sprig, and maraschino cherry garnish give it a frosty, festive finish.
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16
Jingle Juice Cocktail
Celebrate the holiday season with a fun and fizzy Jingle Juice Cocktail! This refreshing drink combines vodka, sparkling rosé, and Cran-Apple Juice for a festive pink hue and a touch of sweetness. Garnished with fresh cranberries, it’s the perfect easy-to-make cocktail to bring cheer to any gathering.
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17
Mrs. Claus Vodka Punch
Brighten up the holiday season with a Mrs. Claus Vodka Punch, a festive mix of raspberry vodka, cointreau, and pomegranate juice. This cocktail combines tart fruitiness with a touch of sweetness, bringing merry cheer to any holiday gathering. Garnished with pomegranate seeds, a rosemary sprig, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, it’s as festive as it is refreshing.
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18
Santa’s Vodka Refresher
Celebrate the holiday season with the Santa’s Vodka Refresher, a refreshing mix of vodka, cranberry, and lime with a touch of sweetness. Topped with soda and garnished with fresh mint and lime, this festive cocktail is easy to enjoy and perfect for holiday gatherings.
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19
Bailey’s Peppermint Martini
The Bailey’s Peppermint Martini is a creamy, refreshing blend of chocolate and peppermint with a smooth finish. The Bailey’s Irish Cream adds richness, while the peppermint vodka brings a cooling, minty twist, making each sip taste like a winter treat. Perfect for cozy holiday gatherings!
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20
Cranberry Peppermint Twist
The Cranberry Peppermint Twist is a festive cocktail that brings together tart cranberry and cool peppermint flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings. This vibrant drink is rimmed with crushed candy canes, adding a fun, seasonal touch that will delight your guests.
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21
Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Celebrate the holiday season with a Chocolate Peppermint Martini, a creamy, refreshing blend of chocolate and peppermint that’s perfect for winter gatherings. With a crushed candy cane rim and a smooth, festive flavor, this cocktail is as delightful to look at as it is to enjoy.
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22
Peppermint Espresso Martini
This Peppermint Espresso Martini blends the invigorating flavors of fresh espresso with a hint of peppermint, creating a perfect balance of warmth and holiday spirit. With crushed peppermint for a festive garnish, this cocktail is an ideal choice for winter celebrations or cozy nights in.
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23
Russian Blue Moon
The Russian Blue Moon combines the bold flavors of vodka and coffee liqueur with a hint of sweetness from the blue curaçao, giving a unique, balanced taste. The cream adds a smooth, velvety texture, making each sip feel both indulgent and refreshing. With its layered look, this cocktail is as eye-catching as it is delicious.
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24
Peppermint Mudslide
The Peppermint Mudslide combines the creaminess of vanilla ice cream with cool peppermint and rich coffee flavors, creating a drink that’s perfect for winter festivities. The chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint add a sweet crunch, making each sip a decadent, holiday-ready treat.
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25
Peppermint Moscow Mule
The Peppermint Moscow Mule is a refreshing blend of minty coolness and ginger spice, with the lime juice adding a touch of tang. The crushed peppermint garnish adds a festive, candy-like sweetness that complements the zing of the ginger beer. This cocktail is a perfect balance of bright and bold flavors, ideal for holiday gatherings.
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26
Gingerbread White Russian
The Gingerbread White Russian combines the creamy richness of heavy cream with the spiced warmth of cinnamon and the smoothness of coffee liqueur. The cinnamon-sugar rim adds a sweet and spicy touch, making each sip taste like a gingerbread cookie. It’s a cozy, festive cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings.
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27
smells-like-home.com
The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail
The Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail is a great low-maintenance Christmas cocktail. All it takes is some vodka, club soda, and rosemary simple syrup. The rosemary syrup is easy to make, and this cocktail is just sweet enough to balance the sharpness of the vodka. If you’re planning a casual holiday party, you can make this cocktail in bulk and serve it in a punch bowl.
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28
selfproclaimedfoodie.com
Cranberry Fizz
Vodka and cranberry juice is already a popular drink, and this elevated version is a nice treat for a holiday celebration. To make this cocktail extra special, you can create fresh, homemade cranberry orange syrup by heating cranberry juice and orange juice with sugar. For a fancier presentation, garnish the Cranberry Fizz with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. It's one of our favorite vodka Christmas cocktails.
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29
sweethumblehome.com
Cranberry Moscow Mule
A Cranberry Moscow Mule looks adorable and tastes delicious. This cocktail takes the usual vodka and ginger beer and adds cranberry juice and orange juice. The garnishes take this cocktail to the next level, topping the drink with cranberries, orange peels, and rosemary sprigs. Don’t forget to serve these holiday drinks in a copper mug for the classic Moscow mule look.
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30
callmepmc.com
Rudolph’s Tipsy Punch
Rudolph’s Tipsy Punch is the perfect Christmas cocktail for a family holiday party. This beverage is sweet and refreshing and is made with vodka, ginger ale, and a few different fruit juices. You can make this cocktail in a big batch and put some ingredients aside for a nonalcoholic version.
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31
wellplated.com
Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail
A Cranberry St. Germain Cocktail is a sophisticated mixed drink with a slightly floral flavor profile. In addition to vodka and cranberry juice, the cocktail uses elderflower liqueur, creating a distinctive aromatic taste. For a small party, you can take the time to put sugar and lime zest on the rims of the glasses.
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32
halfbakedharvest.com
Spicy Pomegranate Moscow Mule
The Spicy Pomegranate Moscow Mule has a little bit of something for everyone: sweetness from the pomegranate juice, bubbles from the ginger beer, and spice from jalepeños. The spice and alcohol will warm you up, while the pomegranate and fresh mint will evoke your favorite seasonal flavors. This cocktail isn’t too hard to make, so this is a nice option for impressing your friends at a Christmas dinner party.
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33
halfbakedharvest.com
Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Holly Jolly Citrus Cocktails are a nice balance between a fruity drink and an aromatic drink. This vodka-based cocktail combines winter citrus flavors with elderflower liqueur for a pleasant, festive result. Furthermore, the addition of ginger beer makes this cocktail slightly reminiscent of a Moscow mule.
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34
halfbakedharvest.com
The Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail
Many themed vodka Christmas cocktails can feel a little lowbrow, but the Spicy Sweet Grinch Cocktail is playful and fancy. The beverage has honey for sweetness and jalepeños for spice. The bitterness from the grapefruit juice and lime juice helps to blend the spicy and sweet flavors, creating a complex and harmonious cocktail.
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35
julieblanner.com
Merry Mint Peppermint Schnapps Cocktail
The Merry Mint with Peppermint Schnapps tastes like a boozy peppermint milkshake. Combine cream with vodka and peppermint schnapps for an indulgent dessert cocktail, plus the crushed peppermint on the rim of the glass makes for some social media-worthy pictures. If you aren’t a fan of eggnog, this drink is a great alternative to serve at a party.
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36
thefedupfoodie.com
Gingerbread Martini
Folks who enjoy espresso martinis and chocolate martinis will have a lot of fun with a Gingerbread Martini. The mix of Kahlua, cream, and gingerbread syrup creates a spiced, decadent martini that tastes like Christmas. If you don’t want to use dairy cream, you can swap it out for your favorite non-dairy cream alternative in these Christmas cocktails.
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37
bygabriella.co
Peppermint White Russian
If you have the time, consider making Peppermint White Russians. The presentation takes some effort, but the gorgeous, festive results are worth it, and peppermint is one of the best flavors to add to your Christmas cocktails. A small amount of peppermint extract is all you need for that classic candy cane flavor, while the melted chocolate and candy will bring plenty of holiday cheer to your guests. Garnish your glass with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes for an extra decadent drink!
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38
thesweetestoccasion.com
Sugar Cookie White Russians
If you’re looking for a Christmas cocktail that closely resembles Santa’s favorite cookie, look no further than this Sugar Cookie White Russian recipe. Made with coffee liqueur, vodka, milk, and vanilla extract and served ice cold, this delicious holiday drink packs holiday sweetness. Top with whipped cream and sugar cookie crumbles, and this dessert-like cocktail will have your guests asking for seconds.
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39
olivejude.com
Partridge in a Pear Tree
What list of Christmas vodka cocktails would be complete if we didn’t end it with a partridge in a pear tree? This sparkling cocktail is light and simple enough to whip up in minutes with only four ingredients: pear vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. Top this bubbly, refreshing drink with rosemary, and you have a sophisticated cocktail for brunch and holiday entertaining.
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40
www.crazyforcrust.com
Candy Cane Martini
The Candy Cane Martini is a winter wonder in a glass, blending peppermint vodka, vanilla vodka (or whipped vodka for a twist), peppermint schnapps, and a dash of chocolatey creme de cocoa. The peppermint vodka brings that cool, refreshing essence, while the vanilla vodka adds a sweet, aromatic note. The peppermint schnapps enhances the minty kick, perfectly balanced by the subtle chocolate hint from the creme de cocoa. Serve this festive cocktail recipe in a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy canes to really impress your guests.
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41
www.platingsandpairings.com
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
This Apple Cider Moscow Mule is a crisp, autumnal concoction blending the tangy sweetness of apple cider with the kick of vodka, zested up by a splash of lime juice and topped with the invigorating fizz of ginger beer. The cider’s apple essence dances alongside the vodka's smooth warmth, while the lime adds a zesty brightness. Sipping it in copper mugs over ice brings out the refreshing, almost spicy notes of the ginger beer. It's a versatile choice—some prefer it as a festive treat during fall and winter gatherings, while others savor it year-round for its unique blend of flavors.
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42
www.halfbakedharvest.com
Old Saint Nick’s Chocolate Espresso Martini.
Old Saint Nick’s Chocolate Espresso Martini is a decadent concoction merging rich flavors and festive vibes. This velvety drink is made with vodka, Kahlúa, and espresso, orchestrating a bold yet smooth base. Dive deeper into its layers with chocolate and dark chocolate liquors, each adding a luxurious depth, while a hint of vanilla extract lends a subtle sweetness. Served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, it's a lavish treat. Garnished with shaved chocolate and star anise for that extra flair, this martini is an opulent choice, perfect for cozy evenings and merry gatherings, offering a sip of holiday cheer with every taste.
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