…because if Santa Claus is coming right down Santa Claus Lane, I’m going to need a minute. I’m also going to need to be heavily intoxicated for the majority of December. Who’s with me?
Christmas is the time of year when you surround yourself with the people that you love and, well, in order to deal with those people you’ll need to have a drink or two. Or 4. I’m kidding. 10. You’ll need around 10 drinks. However, we remember that you don’t always have to have alcohol to have a good time (false) so we’ve incorporated some great non-alcoholic options to our list this year because who doesn’t love everything hot chocolate? Plus, frozen hot chocolate! Get the recipe on some of our favorite Christmas cocktails and drinks this 2023 season.
1. The Cranberry-Orange Margarita (Why Rudolph’s Nose Was Red)
If you jumped on the Paleo diet bandwagon, this is clearly the drink for you. I haven’t…but the idea of cranberry-orange simmered with cinnamon and mixed with tequila got me on board. Quickly.
2. The Pomegranate Sparkling Mocktail (For the One Night Santa Won’t Get Sauced)
I’m totally cool with a non-alcoholic drink, you know, when I’m at the gym…and for that one work office party you can’t get trashed at (again this year). Pomegranate, sparkling water and grenadine are the perfect mix. Plus, the kids like it so why not start ’em young.
3. Brandy-Based Eggnog
…or dark rum or bourbon. I just like Brandy. She’s a fine girl. What a good wife she would be. Main ingredients of 5 eggs, milk, nutmeg and more.
4. THE Frozen Hot Chocolate
I’m going to need a minute with this one. Ok, back. This is unbelievable and I say that knowing this drink is sans alcohol. It’s just that good. I mean, you can probably pour brandy or something in there, but that’s on you. I’m not liable.
5. Candy Cane Christmas Punch (Why the Grinch Really Stole Christmas)
If you love anything with ginger (like me) you’ll love this one. Plus it contains my three best friends; Brandy, Jim Beam and Rum. Even better, the extra candy cane is a great last minute breath freshener when you’re ready to start sloppily kissing under the mistletoe.
6. The Cranberry Ginger Cocktail (AKA Santa’s Moscow Mule)
Holy Saint Nick, I love me a Moscow Mule, so this was right up my alley! Vodka, ginger beer and cranberries? Ho-ho-yes! This recipe is poured in a regular glass, but I tossed my in a copper mug and sang “The First Noel” until my body forced me to lay down (and wake up the next day).
7. The Candy Cane Milkshake (Why Your Bells May Be Jingling)
Mrs. Claus claims this brings all the boys to the yard. A surprisingly healthy milkshake that, thanks to some protein whey, all the gym rats will love. My gym membership doesn’t start until Jan 2nd so…
8. Stout Hot Chocolate (Keep It Away from Cindy Lou-Who)
Wait, so beer in hot chocolate? The hell you say! Chocolate stout + chocolate chips + more = my long winters nap.
9. The Christmas Cosmo (The Official Drink of Christmas Past)
People are still drinking Cosmo’s. Apparently it’s a thing. I blame those 4 terrible women from Sex and the City. Either way, check out this cool way to make your own cranberry/rosemary simple syrup and give you Cosmo up a notch (if you must and, well, I assume you do).
10. Cranberry & Pinot Noir (Frosty’s Body Melter)
This little number involves boiling wine, chopped cranberries, sugar and more. It’s everything that was missing from my life, plus the cinnamon sticks make me feel like I’m doing something right in my life.
11. White Chocolate Peppermint Latte With Rum (Elf Approved)
First I was like, “Latte?!?” but then I was like, “Oh white chocolate and rum, so, perfect.” And I gave it a whirl. Liver approved! Plus, this reminds me to not just save rum in my coffee for the holidays. Hell no. Everyday can be Christmas to me!
12. The Cranberry Mojito (When Santa Needs 5 Minutes to Himself)
I’m totally comfortable drinking a mojito from time to time, but I’m way more comfortable when I can blame it on Christmas. Cranberry, mint and rum = good + festive. Plus cranberries are good for you right? So this is pretty much doctor ordered?
13. Peppermint Hot Chocolate (For When Blitzen is On the Wagon)
Another great hot chocolate option and, per usual, it’s up to you if you toss in some form of liquor. We don’t judge. We’re not the police.
14. Candy Cane Jello Shots
Shots! Shots! Shots! Shots! Sure these bad boys take a little while to prepare it may be the absolute best thing to happen to you this holiday season. Plus, your friends will always talk about that time they hate 10 of these at your Christmas party and woke up on New Years.
15. Spiked Apple Cider Float (Vixen’s Alleged Favorite)
Ugh this one is amazing. For real. It’s like a holiday in my stomach. And the secret ingredient? Whiskey. Ok, not so much the secret ingredient as it is the main ingredient of my life (including cereal).
16. Christmas Ice Cubes…Because Whaaaat?!
Sure this isn’t a drink but we couldn’t help ourselves. Christmas mints, rosemary sprigs and cranberries (plus more) make insanely awesome ice cubes for your vodka…and is a real conversation starter or ice breaker because, yes, we just went there.
17. Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Because you don’t have to drink to have a good time. I mean, I do, but you may not. If so, you’ll love this nog. Main ingredients of 4 egg yolks, milk, cloves and more.
