Paul Kushner
I’ve mixed countless drinks, but when the holidays roll around, Christmas whiskey cocktails steal the show. These recipes mix holiday cheer with the warmth of whiskey, offering flavors from cranberries to eggnog and gingerbread. Each drink on this list brings something special to the table, ensuring your holiday party is unforgettable. Trust me, with my experience behind the bar, these whiskey cocktails will be the highlight of your festive celebrations. I highly recommend checking out this roundup for your next holiday get-together.
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1
Tipsy Santa
The Tipsy Santa is a well-balanced cocktail with the sweetness of cranberry and orange juices harmonizing beautifully with the whiskey’s depth. A hint of rosemary adds a festive, earthy aroma, making this cocktail a perfect winter indulgence.
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2
Winter Spice Old Fashioned
The Winter Spice Old Fashioned is a bold, complex drink with warm winter spices and bittersweet notes. The combination of bourbon, Cynar, and a spiced simple syrup gives this cocktail a robust, festive flavor reminiscent of gingerbread. A garnish of star anise adds an aromatic touch, making it a perfect drink for cozy winter nights.
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3
Fireball Eggnog
The Fireball Eggnog is a spiced, creamy cocktail that brings a fiery twist to traditional eggnog. With the warmth of Fireball cinnamon whiskey and a hint of vanilla from the vodka, this drink is festive, comforting, and perfect for holiday gatherings. The cinnamon sugar rim adds a touch of sweetness and extra spice.
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4
Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour
The Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour is a festive holiday cocktail that captures the essence of the season. With the richness of caramel, the crispness of apple cider, and a smooth whiskey base, this drink is frothy, flavorful, and perfect for cozy winter evenings. A caramel-rimmed glass adds an elegant touch!
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5
Santa’s Whiskey Flip
Santa’s Whiskey Flip is a rich and indulgent holiday cocktail, perfect for cozy winter nights. Featuring cinnamon-infused bourbon, amaretto, and creamy ingredients, this classic-style flip is smooth, warming, and full of festive flavor. Finished with a dusting of nutmeg, it’s a delightful treat to sip by the fire.
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6
mybartender.com
Eggnog
If you love the holidays, you’ve indulged in some tasty eggnog. Classic eggnog can be made with rum or whiskey; our recipe calls for both to pair with sweet and creamy eggnog. You can buy pre-made eggnog, but it's easy to make from scratch and is sure to impress your holiday guests!
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7
mybartender.com
Irish Coffee
Irish Coffee is one of the most famous coffee-based cocktails in the world. It’s perfect for sipping late on a cold winter night. Irish coffee calls for hot coffee mixed with Irish whiskey and sweet brown sugar, topped with cream. You can use the back of a spoon to pour the cream over the top to create a floating layer. The floating layer allows for the flavors to blend gradually.
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8
Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail
The Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktail strikes the perfect balance between bold and festive. With the spicy warmth of rye whiskey, the zing of ginger syrup, and the fruity notes of orange and cranberry juices, this drink is topped with effervescent club soda for a refreshing holiday treat.
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9
Winter Sazerac
The Winter Sazerac is a seasonal twist on the classic cocktail, featuring nutmeg-infused whisky for a cozy, spiced depth. Paired with Cognac, bitters, and a touch of absinthe, this cocktail is elegant yet warming—a perfect choice for winter evenings by the fire or a holiday gathering.
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10
Maple Apple Toddy
The Maple Apple Toddy is a warm and comforting cocktail perfect for chilly evenings. Combining the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the smooth warmth of bourbon, this drink also features the cozy flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and fresh apple. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a simple, satisfying hot toddy.
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11
Scotch Sour
The Scotch Sour is a sophisticated and citrus-forward cocktail that marries the smoky richness of Scotch whisky with bright orange and lemon juices. The addition of orgeat syrup provides a subtle nutty sweetness, balanced by a touch of simple syrup, making this drink a smooth, flavorful twist on a classic sour. Garnished with fresh orange and mint, it’s a refreshing yet robust cocktail.
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12
Dirty Irishman Cocktail
The Dirty Irishman Cocktail is a bar favorite for its smooth, creamy texture and robust flavor. It blends Irish whiskey with Irish cream and chilled coffee, topped off with a float of heavy cream. This combination creates a rich, satisfying drink that warms and rejuvenates. It’s perfect for those who love a good coffee kick with their whiskey. For a treat you’ll come back for, try making the Dirty Irishman Cocktail tonight.
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13
Irish Mojito
The Irish Mojito is a delightful twist on the classic mojito, blending the bold flavors of Irish whiskey with refreshing mint and a zesty hint of lime. The addition of Bacardi Lemon and a touch of green food coloring gives this drink a fun, festive flair, making it a perfect choice for St. Patrick’s Day or any celebration. Light, minty, and with a citrus kick, it’s sure to be a hit.
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14
Caramel Irish Coffee
The Caramel Irish Coffee is a decadent twist on the classic Irish coffee, combining the warmth of Irish whiskey with the smoothness of Irish cream liqueur and the sweet richness of butterscotch schnapps. Topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel syrup, this drink is perfect for chilly evenings or a special after-dinner treat. It’s a cozy, indulgent beverage that’s both comforting and flavorful.
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15
Salted Caramel Manhattan
The Salted Caramel Manhattan is a delightful twist on the classic Manhattan, combining the boldness of whiskey with the rich sweetness of caramel sauce and a hint of salt. The bitters and vermouth balance the sweetness, making this cocktail a smooth, decadent treat that’s perfect for those who enjoy a modern take on a classic cocktail.
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16
Crown Apple Crème Martini
The Crown Apple Crème Martini is a smooth, indulgent cocktail that combines the crisp, fruity flavors of Crown Royal Regal Apple Whisky with the richness of vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and caramel syrup. This creamy, decadent drink is perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion where you want a dessert-inspired martini with a touch of sophistication. Topped with a drizzle of caramel and a slice of fresh apple, this martini is as delicious as it is elegant.
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17
Maple Whiskey Sour
The Maple Whiskey Sour is a smooth and flavorful take on the classic whiskey sour, enhanced with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the richness of an egg white for a silky texture. With the perfect balance of tart lemon juice and a hint of Angostura bitters, this cocktail offers a comforting, slightly sweet twist ideal for fall evenings or any time you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink.
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18
Maple Ginger Hot Toddy
The Maple Ginger Hot Toddy is a warm and soothing drink that combines the comforting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and star anise with a touch of whiskey and maple syrup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this cozy cocktail is enhanced by the bright note of lemon juice, making it a delightful choice for warming up on a cold night.
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19
Maple Leaf
The Maple Leaf cocktail is a simple yet flavorful drink that showcases the rich, smooth notes of Canadian whisky, complemented by the tang of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of pure maple syrup. This cocktail is a perfect tribute to Canadian flavors, making it a warming and satisfying choice for any occasion.
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20
oursaltykitchen.com
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Punch
This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Punch is a tart and tangy holiday cocktail, perfect for any sized holiday gathering. This Christmas whiskey cocktail is made with cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup, spiked with whiskey and brandy. The result is light and fruity but still fits in the holiday season perfectly.
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21
toddyie.com
Caramel Apple Hot Toddy
Nothing is better than sweet, spicy, and tart blended in one cocktail. This Caramel Apple Hot Toddy combines hot apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, and caramel to give you all different flavors and tastes. You can rim the glass with caramel syrup or honey for a sweet taste when you sip this cocktail.
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22
myfoodstory.com
Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned
This cocktail is made with Bourbon Whiskey because it’s sweet and has vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors. All you need to do is add vanilla extract and cinnamon to the standard old fashioned recipe, and you’re all set. You get the sweet spice taste from the cinnamon and additional sweet flavors from the vanilla extract. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and an orange slice.
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23
onebroadsjourney.com
Honey Winter Bourbon Cocktail with Honey Sage Syrup
This Honey Winter Bourbon Cocktail with Honey Sage Syrup takes a while because you need to boil water and honey to make the syrup. However, the sweet honey taste is worth it in the end, and you can prep the syrup in advance. Pour Bourbon over the cooled syrup and twist an orange peel over the glass.
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24
inspiredbycharm.com
Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail combines tartness and sweetness with every sip. The star of this beverage is the maple cranberry syrup. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, maple cranberry syrup, bourbon, and cranberry juice. For additional sweetness, add as much syrup as you want. Pour into a glass and top off this drink with a splash of club soda for fizz. Garnish with rosemary and cranberries for a classic Christmas look.
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25
thecollegehousewife.com
Mrs. Claus Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail
The Mrs. Claus Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail is made with cinnamon, cranberry juice, whiskey, and rosemary simple syrup. This cocktail is sweet, tart, and spicy due to the unique blend of flavors. It’s also bright red, so you can serve festive looking Christmas cocktails.
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26
cookingwithjanica.com
Christmas Old Fashioned
This Christmas Old Fashioned is different from the Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned. It’s full of sweetness due to cranberry juice and pine syrup. However, it’s not old fashioned without whiskey. You can use your whiskey of choice – if you like a sweeter drink, choose bourbon, or try rye whiskey for a spicier flavor. Try this take on the classic cocktail to add some seasonal flavors to your glass.
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27
foodwithfeeling.com
Jingle Bell Smash
All you need for the Jingle Bell Smash is bourbon, cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon juice. You can substitute the simple syrup for maple syrup if you want an earthier flavor added, but you can't go wrong either way.
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28
cookieandkate.com
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
This Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour is a twist on the classic whiskey sour, sweetened with maple syrup instead of simple syrup. With a pinch of ground cinnamon, it’s the perfect spice flavor for cold winter nights. Aside from the maple syrup and cinnamon, you only need bourbon and fresh lemon juice for a pinch of sour taste.
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29
justshortofcrazy.com
Cran-Raspberry Whiskey Cocktail
The Cran-Raspberry Whiskey Cocktail is the perfect drink to serve at a party or any large gathering this holiday season. Mix whiskey, ginger ale, and cranberry simple syrup into a large punch bowl. Then, add frozen cranberries and raspberries to the bowl as a garnish. It is a stunning bright red color, perfect for the holidays, and the frozen berries will keep the drink cold without diluting it.
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30
burrataandbubbles.com
Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Sour
The Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Sour balances tart notes from orange zest and whiskey with cranberry and lemon juice. This Christmas whiskey cocktail has a frothy topping to set the mood for any party thanks to shaken egg whites. This drink will take you from the fall through the new year.
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31
eatwell101.com
Christmas Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
This Christmas Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is so simple to make you’ll be bringing it to every party this season. It’s sweet due to the honey-cranberry syrup and tart thanks to grapefruit juice. The bourbon gives you the warm feeling you want during those cold winter nights. Add ginger beer before serving for a fizzy finish to these easy Christmas cocktails.
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32
savoryexperiments.com
Holiday Whiskey Fizz
The Holiday Whiskey Fizz will get the party started this holiday season. But no matter how much fizz is in this drink, you’ll always taste the sweet-tasting cranberry syrup. Mix your favorite whiskey with fresh lime juice and cranberry-flavored club soda. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary for a beautiful holiday finish.
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33
mybartender.com
Bourbon Milk Punch
Bourbon Milk Punch is the perfect substitute for eggnog due to its additional flavors, like vanilla extract and the sweetener of your choice. Combine bourbon, milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener in a jug and stir until combined. Also, you can blend these ingredients with ice for a thicker milkshake-like cocktail. Don't forget the cinnamon sticks for garnish!
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34
alifewellconsumed.com
Winter Old Fashioned
This Winter Old Fashioned adds a cozy vibe to a classic cocktail. It’s smooth with earthy tones that’ll make you enjoy every sip. Pour bourbon whiskey and the maple brown sugar simple syrup into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and bitters for the classic old fashioned taste.
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35
gastronomblog.com
Pine Old Fashioned Cocktail
The pine simple syrup in this cocktail pairs well with the caramel flavors found in bourbon whiskey, and it makes it a wintry take on the classic whiskey cocktail. Made with pine simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon, this cocktail takes only a few minutes to make, and it’ll keep you warm this Christmas.
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36
crowdedkitchen.com
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail
This Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail is the perfect fall drink to take you through the holiday season. But, of course, it also works as a Christmas whiskey cocktail. Alongside whiskey, you need cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup for this recipe. Add triple Sec to this recipe for sweetness that pairs well with orange juice. Top with ginger beer for a slight fizz.
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37
www.howsweeteats.com
Mistletoe Manhattan
The Mistletoe Manhattan is a cozy blend full of holiday spirit. Rye whiskey takes the lead, harmonizing with sweet vermouth’s subtle herbal notes. Maraschino cherry and cranberry juices dance in, adding a playful, fruity twirl, while the angostura bitters sprinkle in a touch of aromatic depth. Garnished with maraschino cherries, sugared cranberries, and a fragrant sprig of rosemary, it’s a festive treat for the senses.
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38
www.aberdeenskitchen.com
White Christmas Coconut Whiskey Cocktail
Transport yourself to a tropical winter wonderland with this White Christmas Coconut Whiskey Cocktail. It's a delightful fusion of smooth coconut milk, the citrusy kick of Cointreau, and the warmth of bourbon whiskey. The creamy coconut intertwines with the zesty orange notes, a perfect harmony balanced by the whiskey. Garnished with fresh mint and vibrant pomegranate seeds, each sip is a refreshing blend of flavors—creamy, citrusy, and subtly sweet. Enjoy it on a cozy evening by the fire or share its festive charm at holiday gatherings. This cocktail is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique, flavorful twist on classic winter drinks.
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39
www.thewholesmiths.com
Gingerbread Whiskey Sour
This Gingerbread Whiskey Sour is a harmonious blend of bourbon, zesty lime juice, velvety gingerbread simple syrup, and a frothy egg white after a good shake in a cocktail shaker. The bourbon’s warmth intertwines seamlessly with the tangy lime, creating a spirited base. The gingerbread syrup infuses a cozy, spiced sweetness, reminiscent of holiday cheer. Sipping this cocktail is like a symphony of flavors—first, the boldness of bourbon, followed by the zing of lime, and finally, the comforting embrace of gingerbread.
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40
www.theblondielocks.com
Maple Whiskey Sour
Crafted with real maple syrup, lemon juice, and the warmth of bourbon, the Maple Whiskey Sour is a symphony of flavors. The touch of angostura bitters adds depth, while the egg white gives it a silky texture. Served over ice, it’s a balance of sweetness and tartness, a perfect harmony of flavors. Enjoy it slowly to savor the layers – the initial citrus burst, followed by the smooth maple sweetness, and the lingering warmth of bourbon. It's a delightful choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail.
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