Jolly Spiced Rum

If you enjoy new holiday recipes and comforting Christmas cocktails, try this Jolly Spiced Rum drink for your seasonal menu. I first mixed it during a small get-together at my place when I wanted something quick but still festive. Everyone kept asking for refills, and I knew right then it was going into my yearly rotation.

The spiced rum brings warmth, while the cranberry juice adds bright tartness. Cinnamon syrup layers in mellow spice, and a splash of ginger beer lifts the drink with crisp, lively bubbles.

What I like most is that it looks beautiful without much effort. The sugared cranberries, a fresh rosemary sprig, and a little powdered sugar create a garnish that feels fancy but takes under a minute. It is the type of Christmas cocktail you can make for friends, family, or even a casual solo night at home.

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Why You’ll Love This

This holiday drink checks every box when it comes to easy seasonal cocktails. It takes a familiar base spirit and brings it into the holiday season with cozy elements that feel right at home during winter gatherings. The flavors blend smoothly and the color is a bright red that fits holiday parties, Christmas dinners, and even a simple night of wrapping presents.

Here are a few reasons this Christmas cocktail might become one of your favorites:

• Quick to build with simple steps that anyone can follow
• Only a handful of ingredients you can find at regular grocery stores
• Festive color and garnishes that make it look picture-perfect for social posts
• Works well for single servings and larger batches
• Balanced flavor with spice, tart fruit, and a crisp ginger beer finish
• A great choice for guests who want something flavorful but not too strong

These small perks make the Jolly Spiced Rum a reliable go-to when you want something seasonal without extra stress. It is the kind of drink that feels fun, familiar, and easy to share with a crowd.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this holiday recipe has a reason behind it, and together they create a warm and refreshing mix. The spiced rum adds depth with its natural notes of baking spices, which pair well with cinnamon. Cranberry juice brings brightness and color, while ginger beer lifts the drink with a light fizz. The garnishes add a winter look that guests love.

You will need:

• 1.5 oz spiced rum
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 0.75 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• Ginger beer to top
• Sugared cranberries for garnish
• Rosemary sprig for garnish
• Powdered sugar optional, for garnish

Each piece plays a role. The spiced rum is the backbone, so use a brand you enjoy. The cranberry juice should be 100 percent juice for the best flavor.

Cinnamon simple syrup gives sweetness while keeping the holiday spirit. Ginger beer should be spicy and crisp, not overly sweet. The garnishes finish everything with color and aroma.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Using the right rum can make the drink smoother and more balanced. Spiced rum brands vary in sweetness and spice blends, so choose one that fits your taste.

If you cannot find cinnamon simple syrup, there are easy swaps that still keep the drink close to the original flavor. The goal is to use brands that offer clean, consistent taste without overpowering the cranberry and ginger beer.

Try these options:

• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum for a classic, easy profile
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum for a stronger spice kick
• Kraken Spiced Rum if you want a darker, richer flavor
• Homemade cinnamon syrup as a substitute for bottled versions
• Ginger ale if ginger beer is unavailable, though it will be milder
• Pomegranate juice instead of cranberry if you prefer something sweeter

You can mix and match based on availability or flavor preference. The drink is flexible, so feel free to adjust as you like.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail does not need complicated tools, which makes it great for home bartenders at any level. Most of what you need is already in a standard kitchen. A highball glass works best because it lets the ginger beer fizz rise while giving room for ice and garnish.

Helpful items include:

• Highball Glass
• Jigger
• Bar Spoon

A simple setup works fine, and the tall glass helps show off the red color and festive toppings.

How to Make It

Making this drink is simple and fast, and that is one of the reasons people enjoy serving it during holiday gatherings. The process focuses on building the drink directly in the glass, which keeps prep time low and cleanup even easier.

Follow these steps:

1. Fill your glass with ice to chill the cocktail and give it a crisp taste.
2. Pour in the spiced rum, cranberry juice, and cinnamon simple syrup ensuring everything settles evenly over the ice.
3. Top off with ginger beer, then stir gently to blend the flavors without losing too much fizz.
4. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary, and if you want a snowy look, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top.
5. Serve right away while the ginger beer is fresh and bubbly.

You can adjust the cranberry juice or syrup if you want the drink sweeter or more tart.

Pro Tips

A few small tricks can help you get the most balanced and photogenic drink. These tips work whether you are preparing one glass or making a batch for a holiday party. They also help you highlight the spiced rum without letting it overpower the other ingredients.

Try these ideas:

• Use crushed ice for a lighter, more refreshing feel.
• Chill the glass first to keep the ginger beer bubbly longer.
• Make cinnamon syrup at home if you want stronger spice flavor.
• Choose a spicy ginger beer to add more kick.
• Shake the cranberry juice before using so the color stays vibrant.
• Skewer the sugared cranberries for a more polished garnish.
• Add a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
• Keep the rum ratio steady if making a batch so the drink does not get too strong.

Have fun trying small tweaks. This recipe is forgiving and works well with your own creative touches.

Variations

You can customize this holiday drink in several ways depending on your taste or who you are serving. The base formula is flexible, so simple swaps or additions can create new flavors while still keeping the holiday feel.

Ideas to try:

• Add orange liqueur for a fruitier twist
• Swap cinnamon syrup for maple syrup to add a deeper sweetness
• Use dark rum instead of spiced rum for a richer finish
• Make a non alcoholic version with spiced zero proof rum
• Add a splash of apple cider for a fall flavor

These small changes let you make the drink suit different moods or events.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Jolly Spiced Rum drink fits right into holiday gatherings, Christmas dinners, cookie exchanges, and winter celebrations. It works well as a welcome drink when guests arrive because it is quick to prepare and looks festive. You can also serve it during casual nights of decorating or movie marathons.

Try pairing it with:

• Baked brie with cranberry
• Gingerbread cookies
• Charcuterie boards with smoked meats
• Soft cheeses like brie and camembert
• Spiced nuts or candied pecans

Looking for more Christmas cocktails? Try linking to drinks like a classic Hot Buttered Rum or a Cranberry Bourbon Smash to keep your readers exploring.

Storage and Serving Notes

This drink is best made fresh because ginger beer can lose its fizz if it sits too long. If you want to prep ahead, you can mix the rum, cranberry juice, and syrup a few hours early, then store the blend in the fridge. Add ginger beer only when you are ready to serve. Garnishes should be added last so they stay crisp and bright.

If you plan to serve a crowd, you can batch the base mix and let guests top their own glasses with ginger beer. This keeps everything tasting fresh.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask when making this Christmas cocktail at home.

Can I make this drink without alcohol?
Yes. Use a spiced non alcoholic spirit instead of rum and top as usual. The flavor stays close to the original.

What if I do not have cinnamon syrup?
You can use plain simple syrup, maple syrup, or a quick cinnamon sugar mixture dissolved in warm water.

Can I use diet ginger beer?
Yes, though it will change the sweetness level slightly.

Does this work as a punch?
It does. Mix a larger batch of the rum, cranberry juice, and syrup. Add ginger beer right before serving.

What kind of cranberry juice is best?
Use 100 percent cranberry juice for strong tart flavor. Cranberry cocktail works too if you want it a bit sweeter.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy Christmas cocktails with spiced rum or fruit flavors, you might like these too. Each one adds something different to your holiday menu and keeps things fun for guests.

• Cranberry Bourbon Smash: A tart and cozy drink with bourbon and cranberry.
• Holiday Moscow Mule: A bright take on the classic with seasonal garnishes.
• Mrs. Claus’s Eggnog: A creamy winter treat with warm spices.
• Winter Paloma: A refreshing citrus drink that works well for daytime events.
• Caramel Apple Spritz: A light drink with fresh apple and warm spice.